Kashmir University to tie up with Iraninan varsity

Srinagar, May 13 (UNI) The Kashmir University will soon sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with an Iranian varsity to forge linguistic linkages between the two educational institutions.

The proposed MoU would be signed between Kashmir University and the Hamdan University of Iran.

Speaking at a function here, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt Gen (retd) S K Sinha recalled the contribution of Shah Hamdan in introducing Sufi Islam and various handicrafts in the Valley.

He stressed the need for updating Persian textbooks being taught in schools in Jammu and Kashmir to bring these at par with the curriculum in Iran.

''The Persian discipline at post graduate level will go a long way in reviving the old linkages apart from opening up job opportunities for scholars,'' Gen Sinha observed.

Expressing happiness over the proposed tie up between the two universities, he said it would be a step forward to revive the old links between India and Iran at a time when the two countries were at the threshold of forging economic links through a gas pipeline.

''We must revive the old links in the modern world, which is becoming a global village,'' the Governor added.

He referred to commonalties between India and Iran, saying there has been a lot of interaction between the two nations during ancient and medieval periods. The two civilizations and their languages -- Persian and Sanskrit -- dominated the region as Greek and Latin flowered in the West.

While Sanskrit like Latin faded away as the spoken language, Persian and Greek continued to flourish, Gen Sinha said, adding Persian played a very important role as official language during the medieval period in Mughal era and had great unifying effect.

Gen Sinha also dwelt on his personal admiration for Persian, saying one of his family members had traveled to Iran to attain proficiency in the language.

UNI