Speakers at a seminar held at the University of Sindh on Monday highlighted the intellectual legacy of renowned scholar Allama I. I. Kazi and they stressed the need for renewed research on his contributions to literature, philosophy and education.

They stressed the continued relevance of Allama I.I. Kazi’s ideas and philosophy in contemporary society.

This they said while addressing the seminar titled “Life and Achievements of Allama I. I. Kazi,” which was organized by Allama I. I. Kazi Chair, University of Sindh as part of activities marking Founder’s Week.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Fateh Muhammad Marri announced a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening academic chairs and preserving the intellectual heritage of Allama I.I Kazi. He said audio recordings of Kazi’s sermons were available in the archives of the Sindhology, while their drafts had been compiled by Dr Abdul Ghaffar Soomro, directing the chair to ensure proper preservation of these materials.

He also announced that the historic hall at the university’s Old Campus, where Allama Kazi once delivered lectures would soon be renovated and restored to its original condition. The vice-chancellor further revealed that a separate budget would be allocated in the upcoming financial year for all academic chairs at the university, including the Allama I. I. Kazi Chair.

He urged scholars to undertake research aligned with the intellectual contributions of national figures and noted that the university had recently published speeches of Benazir Bhutto in the Sindhi language. He encouraged faculty members to explore her vision on international politics and contemporary global issues.

Highlighting the need for institutional collaboration, he called for coordinated efforts among organizations such as the Sindhi Language Authority, Sindh Museum and various academic chairs and stressed the importance of translating the works of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and other eminent personalities into multiple languages using modern technologies.

Chairman of the Sindhi Language Authority Dr Sher Mahrani described Allama Kazi as a visionary who sought to develop Sindh on strong educational and scientific foundations. He likened the scholar to a honeybee that gathers nectar from different flowers to produce honey and said that Kazi drew knowledge from diverse disciplines such as religion, philosophy, literature and law. He urged the younger generation to study his works to understand the intellectual depth of Sindh’s scholarly tradition.

Dean Faculty of Arts Professor Dr Muhammad Khan Sangi said society should move beyond ceremonial observances and instead follow the ideals set by Allama Kazi. “The present time demands intellectual personalities committed to the advancement of education and knowledge,” he said.

Scholar Dr Kazi Khadim ussain emphasized the importance of undertaking serious research on Kazi’s writings in literature and philosophy. He noted that these works should be interpreted in the context of the contemporary era to make them more accessible and meaningful for modern readers.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Incharge Director of the Allama I. I. Kazi Chair Dr Makhmoor Bukhari said the chair was established in 1987 and credited Allama Kazi with founding Pakistan’s first Department of Comparative Religion. He added that Founder’s Week activities were being held not only at the main campus but also across other campuses in Sindh, describing the seminar as a “new beginning” for the chair.

Dr Bukhari also pointed out that the Allama I. I. Kazi Memorial Society, which held funds of Rs3 million had remained inactive since 2001 and proposed its revival to help address the chair’s financial needs.

The seminar was attended by a number of prominent scholars and writers including Taj Joyo, Dr Muhammad Ali Manjhi, Naseer Mirza, Faheem Noonari, Idrees Jatoi, Niaz Panhwar, Dr Noor Muhammad Shah and many others.

Earlier, the vice-chancellor, along with deans, directors, heads of departments, officers and employees, visited the mausoleum of Allama I.I. Kazi, where he laid a floral wreath on the grave. On the occasion, a collective prayer was also offered for the forgiveness of the philosopher and the founding vice-chancellor.