Persian language learning course ends at ICU

VC wants full-fledged dept at varsity

PESHAWAR: A six-week comprehensive Persian language learning course has concluded at the Islamia College University (ICU). 

A ceremony was arranged to award certificates to the participants of the course. Muhammad Baqir Begi, Consul General of Iran, Ali Yousafi, Director General of Khana Farhang-e-Islami Jamhoori Iran in Peshawar, Islamia College University Vice-Chancellor Ajmal Khan, Dr Naushad Khan, Dean, Social Sciences of the ICU, were present at the ceremony.

The Persian language learning classes were arranged in collaboration with the Iranian Cultural Centre. Syed Ghayoor Hussain, a scholar of the Persian and author of several books, taught the language to 52 students, including faculty members.

Speaking at the certificate distribution ceremony, Vice-Chancellor Ajmal Khan highlighted the importance of Persian language. He said it was difficult, if not impossible, to understand the poetry of our great Urdu poets like Asadullah Khan Ghalib and Allama Iqbal and even contemporary poets Faiz Ahmad Faiz and Ahmad Faraz without the sufficient knowledge of the Persian language.  He announced that the Islamia College University would arrange a four months Persian diploma course after the summer vacations. The vice-chancellor said he would look into the possibility of having a full-fledged Persian department at the university.

Iranian Consul General Muhammad Baqir Begi said his government would extend all possible help to this university and other institutions for promotion of the Persian language and literature. The diplomat promised to send distinguished students on a visit to Iran.

Some of the students of the course, who also were the faculty members, spoke on the occasion. They were all praise for the class and teacher. All the students of the Persian language were given certificates along with a copy of the Holy Quran.

Vice-Chancellor Ajmal Khan presented a shield to Syed Ghayoor Hussain in recognition of his keen interest in the Persian language teaching. He also gifted a portrait of the Islamia College to Iranian Consul General Muhammad Baqir Begi and Iranian Cultural Director General Ali Yousafi.