Photo: Collected
The Department of Theatre and Performance Studies at the University of Dhaka, in collaboration with the Darul Irfan Research Institute (DIRI), successfully hosted the 7th International Conference on Sufi Philosophy and Cultural Practices for Perfected Humanity on April 27-28 at the Natmandal Auditorium. The conference aimed to explore the intersection of Sufi thought, art, and culture in shaping human values and global peace. This prestigious event brought together scholars, performers, and researchers from home and abroad to engage in rich academic and artistic exchange.
The inaugural session began with a compelling 15-minute excerpt performance from the production Pakhider Bidhansobha, inspired by Fariduddin Attar's "Mantiqut Tayr." The performance was written by Dr. Shahman Moishan and directed by Professor Dr. Ahmedul Kabir, and was presented by MA second-semester students.
Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, Vice-Chancellor of University of Dhaka, inaugurated the event as the Chief Guest. Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha, Treasurer Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and Dean of the Faculty of Arts Professor Dr. Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan addressed the inaugural session as special guests.
The keynote speech was delivered by Professor Dr. Syed Jamil Ahmed, founding Chairman of the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies, who reflected on the depth and transformative power of Sufi philosophy. Distinguished discussants were Professor Dr. Quazi Mostain Billah, retired Professor of English department and former Dean of Arts and Humanities Faculty at Chittagong University and Professor Dr. Israfeel Shaheen from the Theatre and Performance Studies department of University of Dhaka.
The welcome speech was odelivered by Dr. Shahman Moishan, Convener of the Conference Committee. In his opening remarks, Shajada Syed Irfanul Hoque, Managing Trustee of Darul Irfan Research Institute, emphasized the role of spiritual heritage in contemporary discourse. The session concluded with a vote of thanks from Kazi Tamanna Haque Sigma, Chairperson of the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies.
The closing session, held on April 28 evening at the same venue, featured a captivating lecture demonstration titled “Faith in Motion: Dance and Devotion in Sufi Practice.” The session’s chief guest was Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) of the University of Dhaka. Renowned cultural personality and Artistic Director of Shadhona, Lubna Marium, delivered a moving lecture and directed the demonstrative performance titled Dilnawaz. This 15-minute dance piece, based on an Urdu Sufi fable written by Rahat Ara Begum, was choreographed by Sabbir Ahmed Khan and composed by Ratul Shankar Ghosh. The performance mesmerized the audience with its fusion of spiritual narrative and expressive choreography.
The event concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony and group photo session. The conference marked a meaningful collaboration between academic inquiry and cultural expression, reaffirming the continuing relevance of Sufi philosophy in today’s world.
Messenger/SK/EHM
