Hyderabad: Euro-Centric approach is the biggest challenge before the Social Sciences in 21st century and imperialist agenda is one of the gravest peril being faced by the contemporary world. Eminent scholar Prof. Obaidullah Fahad Falahi, Head, Department of Islamic Studies, Aligarh Muslim University, expressed these views today while addressing the inaugural of Third National Urdu Social Science Congress today as Chief Guest at Maulana Azad National Urdu University. Prof. Ayub Khan, Pro Vice Chancellor & VC I/c presided over.
Describing Social Sciences as a very complex field, he said that it is not easy to analyse or keep them relevant in an era of Information Technology. Prof. Falahi, author of 83 books and around 300 papers, lamented the European approach which ignores contribution made by Indians and Arabs in various spheres of knowledge. He also expressed serious doubts about the intentions of Orientalist scholars.
Eminent Historian, Prof. Ishrat Alam, also from AMU, Guest of Honour, in his address, stressed the need to maintain objectivity while analyzing and comparing various languages. He also emphasized to adopt interdisciplinary approach in social sciences.
Centre for Promotion of Knowledge in Urdu of MANUU in association with School of Arts and Social Sciences (SA&SS), is organizing the two day Congress. The theme is “Social Sciences in 21st Century – Concerns and Challenges”.
Prof. Ayub Khan, in his presidential address spoke about the importance of mother tongue in understanding different sciences. Excessive knowledge is harmful sometimes but abundance of practise is always good, he suggested. Social Sciences are inter connected with natural and physical sciences, Prof. Ayub added.
A book “State and minorities: poverty and governance” penned by Dr. Mohd Ghouse and another book “Human Rights” by Dr. Abdul Quayum, Associate Professor, Dept. of Public Administration were also released on the occasion.
Earlier, Prof. S.M Rahmatullah, Registrar I/c, Dean, School of Arts & Social Sciences & Convenor Congress, in his welcome address said that democracy is culmination of efforts made by social scientists and also spoke about the theme. He gave the credit of the unique idea of organizing Urdu Social Science congress to the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Mohammad Aslam Parvaiz.
Dr. Abid Moiz, Coordinator, Congress & Consultant, CPKU supervised the arrangements. Dr. Danish Moin, Head, Dept. of History proposed vote of thanks and Dr. Sameena Kausar, Assistant Professor, Dept. Of Arabic conducted the proceedings.