New Delhi, Feb 08: A historic one- day seminar titled “Sufi Saint and Statesman: The Life and Legacy of Padma Bhushan Mian Bashir Ahmad Larvi” was organized at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). The auditorium of the School of Social Sciences was packed to capacity, reflecting the deep interest and reverence for the towering personality of Mian Bashir Ahmad Larvi.
The seminar was organized under the banner of the Gujjar Bakerwal Tribal Academic Forum, JNU, under the leadership of Assistant Professor Dr. Naseeb Ali Choudhary. Hon’ble Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad Larvi graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while eminent educationist Prof. Ahmad Qadoos Javed presided over the session. Distinguished academic and former Vice- Chancellor of the University of Jammu, and Dean at JNU, Prof. Amitabh Mattoo, attended as a special guest.
Welcoming the dignitaries and participants, Dr. Naseeb Ali Choudhary expressed gratitude for their presence. In his inaugural address, Prof. Amitabh Mattoo described Mian Bashir Ahmad
Larvi as a people-centric leader, noting that he was not only a distinguished politician but also a refined literary personality with a deep interest in intellectual and cultural pursuits. Sharing his personal interactions, he highlighted Mian Sahib’s vision, simplicity, compassion for the poor, patriotism, and commitment to social harmony.
Chief Guest Mian Altaf Ahmad Larvi stated that Baba Mian Bashir Ahmad Larvi made the principles of humanity the central mission of his life and always advised others to follow the same path. He distanced himself from any activity that could lead to injustice, oppression, division, or despair among the people. He recalled that Mian Sahib resigned early from the position of Zaildar as he opposed the oppressive nature of the system and strongly advocated for its abolition.
He further emphasized Mian Sahib’s deep affection for his community, mentioning that he regularly visited Gujjar populations across different states of the country.
He described his lifelong service to the Naqshbandi Sufi order as a spiritual mission promoting humanity, brotherhood, honesty, compassion for the poor, devotion to God, and love for the Prophet, beyond caste or social distinctions.
In public life, he remained steadfast in his principles and worked tirelessly for the welfare of marginalized communities- whether it was securing Scheduled Tribe status, initiating Gojri radio broadcasts, expanding educational opportunities, or establishing hostels for Gujjar students. In recognition of his multifaceted social, political, and humanitarian services, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Bhushan on January 26, 2008.
In his keynote address, noted writer and broadcaster Hassan Perwaz highlighted the multidimensional personality of Mian Bashir Ahmad Larvi, describing him as a spiritually accomplished Sufi with clarity of vision, moral integrity, and unwavering commitment to truth and service.
He spoke about his disciplined spiritual life, compassion for the underprivileged, and deep attachment to literature. His habit of diary writing, later published under the title “Yaad-e-Raftagan” by Mian Altaf Ahmad Larvi, was described as a valuable historical resource for scholars.
The keynote also highlighted his political journey, noting that he won the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections four consecutive times, including his victory from Budhal (Rajouri) in 1983, before voluntarily retiring from politics in 1987. The address further underlined the continued public trust in the family’s legacy, reflected in Mian Altaf Ahmad Larvi’s multiple electoral victories and his recent success in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from the Rajouri-Poonch- Anantnag constituency.
The political prominence of the fourth generation was also noted with the election of Mian Mehr Ali from Kangan.
Dr. Ibrahim Misbahi presented a detailed analysis of Mian Sahib’s spiritual life, focusing on his journey through the stages of spiritual realization.
In his presidential address, Prof. Ahmad Qadoos Javed observed that the seminar clearly demonstrated that Mian Bashir Ahmad Larvi was not only a great figure for his own community but an inspiring personality for people across all sections of society. He stressed the need to understand and follow his principles as a true tribute. He also strongly advocated for the inclusion of the Gojri language in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution to promote its literary and cultural growth.
Among the distinguished participants were Prof. Mohammad Khwaja Ikrāmuddin and Prof. Sanjeev Kumar Sharma from the School of Social Sciences, JNU; Dr. Abdul Hakim Choudhary from AIIMS; and several other eminent personalities. A large number of scholars, students, and community members attended the seminar, including a significant participation from the Hindu Gujjar community.
The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the efforts of Dr. Naseeb Ali Choudhary and his team for organizing a meaningful and memorable academic event in the national capital.
