Moral, Intellectual and Academic Gathering

Moral, Intellectual and Academic Gathering: A Grand Scholarly Event by All Ladakh Students’ Welfare Association Chandigarh (ALSWAC)
By Jawad Habib / March 18, 2025

On March 16, 2025, the All Ladakh Students’ Welfare Association Chandigarh (ALSWAC) organized a grand moral, intellectual, and academic gathering at the Islamic Centre, Mohali, Chandigarh. This purposeful session continued from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., in which several distinguished scholars and intellectuals participated, sharing their valuable experiences and guidance for the intellectual and academic growth of the youth.

The gathering was a beautiful blend of knowledge, wisdom, spirituality, and ethics, offering young people both intellectual and spiritual enlightenment. The event was graced by Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Agha Mahdavipour (Representative of the Supreme Leader in India), Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Syed Taqi Haider Naqvi, Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Sheikh Jawad Habib, Maulana Syed Zia Abbas, and other eminent personalities. Professors from various universities of Ladakh, along with a large number of students, also attended this scholarly assembly.

The program was conducted by Dr. Sultan, who skillfully and gracefully moderated the event, ensuring continuity of themes and keeping the audience engaged with meaningful discussions.

Welcome and Words of Gratitude

The session formally began with a welcome address by Mr. Idrees (President of the Student Union), who warmly greeted the esteemed guests and highlighted the necessity of such intellectual gatherings for the moral and academic progress of the youth.

Later, Dr. Taha expressed the sentiments of the students, acknowledging the invaluable services of Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Agha Mahdavipour, and thanked him for his leadership and guidance. He remarked:

"We must strengthen our bond with our beloved Leader of the Islamic Revolution and strive tirelessly for progress in both religious and academic fields."

Insightful Address by Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Agha Mahdavipour

The chief guest, Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Agha Mahdavipour, began his speech with a precious counsel of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), advising the youth on knowledge, morality, spirituality, and valuing the blessing of youth. He stated:

"Ladakh is a land of height and grandeur, and its people are also endowed with lofty thoughts. This region is fertile, and its youth possess immense potential. I consider you all as my own children and I hope that through your knowledge and piety you will become agents of social transformation."

He further emphasized that the youth must maintain a balance between religious and worldly education and should become role models for others through their character and actions.

Address by Sheikh Jawad Habib: The Need for Academic and Religious Nurturing

Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Sheikh Jawad Habib delivered a brief yet comprehensive address, in which he recalled the academic and training services carried out over the past eight years. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support and guidance of the Representative of the Supreme Leader. He said:

"We must further promote this intellectual and religious environment so that our youth not only work on self-development but also become a source of intellectual and spiritual strength for society."

Special Session with Female Students: “The Status of Women in Islam”

After the Maghrib and Isha prayers, Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Agha Mahdavipour held a special session with female students, attended by more than 80 university girls. The discussion focused on the status of women in Islam, as well as the intellectual and social progress of Iranian women before and after the Islamic Revolution.

He highlighted:

"Today, the number of women in universities in Iran is 5% higher than men. They actively participate in educational, intellectual, social, political, and religious arenas while upholding Islamic values. I urge you all to devote yourselves to education, master a specific field, and excel in your discipline. I am hopeful that in the coming years, among you will be doctors, engineers, and specialists in many fields."

He further encouraged the female students to harness their intellectual and academic capabilities within the framework of Islamic principles and to strive constantly for a bright future.

Conclusion and Prayers

At the conclusion of the gathering, the chairperson once again thanked Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Agha Mahdavipour and other esteemed guests. The students also expressed their heartfelt wishes for their spiritual mentor and prayed for his health, safety, and success.

Dr. Sultan, through his eloquent and well-structured moderation, played a pivotal role in making the session more effective and engaging.

This moral, intellectual, and academic gathering stood as a fine example of love, unity, knowledge, and wisdom. It lit new lamps of insight and awareness in the hearts of the youth, encouraging them to remain steadfast on the path of religion and knowledge.