New Delhi, Feb 8: A historic one-day seminar titled Sufi Saint and Statesman: The Life and Legacy of Padma Bhushan Mian Bashir Ahmad Larvi was organised at Jawaharlal Nehru University, drawing a packed audience at the School of Social Sciences auditorium and reflecting sustained academic and public interest in the towering spiritual and political personality.
The seminar was organised under the banner of the Gujjar Bakerwal Tribal Academic Forum, JNU, under the leadership of Assistant Professor Naseeb Ali Choudhary. Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad Larvi attended as the chief guest, while eminent educationist Ahmad Qadoos Javed presided over the session. Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jammu and senior academic at JNU, Amitabh Mattoo, was present as a special guest.
Welcoming the dignitaries and participants, Naseeb Ali Choudhary expressed gratitude for their presence and said the seminar aimed to familiarise younger generations with the moral, intellectual and public legacy of Mian Bashir Ahmad Larvi. In his inaugural address, Amitabh Mattoo described Larvi as a people-centric leader who was not only a seasoned politician but also a refined literary figure deeply engaged with intellectual and cultural pursuits. Drawing from personal interactions, he highlighted Larvi’s vision, simplicity, compassion for the poor, patriotism and unwavering commitment to social harmony.
Addressing the gathering, Mian Altaf Ahmad Larvi said that Mian Bashir Ahmad Larvi made the principles of humanity the central mission of his life and consistently advised others to follow the same path.
He noted that Larvi consciously distanced himself from any activity that could result in injustice, oppression, division or despair. Recalling his early resignation from the post of Zaildar, he said Larvi opposed the oppressive nature of the system and strongly advocated for its abolition. He also spoke of Larvi’s deep emotional connection with the Gujjar community, noting that he regularly visited Gujjar habitations across various states of the country.
He further highlighted Larvi’s lifelong spiritual service within the Naqshbandi Sufi order, describing it as a mission rooted in humanity, brotherhood, honesty, compassion for the poor, devotion to God and love for the Prophet, transcending caste and social distinctions. In public life, speakers noted, Larvi worked tirelessly for marginalised communities, including efforts towards securing Scheduled Tribe status, initiating Gojri radio broadcasts, expanding educational opportunities and establishing hostels for Gujjar students. In recognition of his multifaceted social, political and humanitarian contributions, he was conferred the Padma Bhushan on January 26, 2008.
In his keynote address, writer and broadcaster Hassan Perwaz described Mian Bashir Ahmad Larvi as a multidimensional personality — a spiritually accomplished Sufi marked by clarity of vision, moral integrity and steadfast commitment to truth and service. He spoke of Larvi’s disciplined spiritual life, compassion for the underprivileged and deep attachment to literature. His long-standing practice of diary writing, later published as Yaad-e-Raftagan by Mian Altaf Ahmad Larvi, was described as a valuable historical resource for scholars. The keynote address also traced Larvi’s political journey, noting his four consecutive victories in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, including his election from Budhal (Rajouri) in 1983, and his voluntary retirement from active politics in 1987. The address also referred to the continuation of public trust in the family’s political legacy across generations.
Dr. Ibrahim Misbahi presented a detailed scholarly analysis of Mian Bashir Ahmad Larvi’s spiritual life, focusing on his progression through various stages of spiritual realisation.
In his presidential address, Ahmad Qadoos Javed observed that the seminar clearly demonstrated that Mian Bashir Ahmad Larvi was not only an iconic figure for his own community but an inspiring personality for people across all sections of society. He stressed that understanding and following Larvi’s principles would be the true tribute to his legacy. He also strongly advocated for the inclusion of the Gojri language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution to promote its literary and cultural growth.
Among those present were Mohammad Khwaja Ikrāmuddin and Sanjeev Kumar Sharma from the School of Social Sciences, JNU, Abdul Hakim Choudhary from AIIMS, along with several other eminent personalities. A large number of scholars, students and community members attended the seminar, including significant participation from the Hindu Gujjar community.
The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the efforts of Naseeb Ali Choudhary and his team for organising a meaningful and memorable academic event in the national capital.
