Maulana Azad National Urdu University under the aegis of Association of Indian University is hosting 8th AIU Inter-University National Qawwali Competition “Jashn-e-Qawwali” at its Hyderabad Campus. The Inaugural Ceremony was presided over by Prof. Syed Ainul Hasan, Vice Chancellor, MANUU whereas Prof. Anuradha Tadakamalla, Vice Chancellor, University of Hyderabad was the Chief Guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Anuradha Tadakamalla said in Universities arts is generally seen as the lowest priority, however over the past two decades, fine arts have started gaining importance within the university system. She informed that in South India the University of Hyderabad is the first University where the School of Fine Arts and Communication was established 35 years ago. Talking about qawwali, she said qawwali came to India around the 13th century. Historically, this art form flourished and was supported and patronized here. Qawwali, in particular, received patronage during the Bahmani and Asaf Jahi periods. The Warsi Brothers and Pandit Venkat Rao introduced new dimensions to qawwali, She added. At the same time, qawwali gained further popularity through cinema. Due to cinema, these art forms reached a much wider audience. However, it has also been criticized that cinema has, in some ways, harmed the foundations of these arts.
Prof. Syed Ainul Hasan in his presidential remarks said this is a good opportunity for Universities to exchange knowledge with each other. In Urdu University we have music club, literary club, dance club, fine arts club, film clubs etc. that have made a lot of progress in just 3 years. Our job is to love people and to respect them and MANUU create such an environment in the campus. Welcoming other teams from different universities and educational institutions, the Vice Chancellor said it is an honor for MANUU to host these Universities. There are two important aspects of our life devotion and dedication. When these two are combined, then success is achieved, he added.
Prof. Siddiqui Mohd Mahmood, Dean, Students Welfare delivered the welcome address. Mohammed Abdul Sami Siddiqui proposed a vote of thanks whereas Dr. Shaikh Wasim, convened the programme.
Various Universities from across the country are participating in the competition.
