Several faculty members of the Persian Language and Literature Department and International Scientific Cooperation Office (ISCO) staff at Yazd University held a session to discuss and exchange ideas with Professor Aref Noshahi, an eminent researcher, Iranologist, and manuscript scholar from Pakistan, regarding the expansion of the Persian language and literature in the Indian subcontinent.
According to the report released by the public relations office at Yazd University, Dr. Ali Mirvakili, the Director of ISCO, stated that the purpose of organizing this session was to discuss and exchange ideas regarding the Pakistani students’ intake, the expansion of the Persian language, strengthening the ties between Iran’s and Pakistan’s universities, and drawing on the invaluable experiences of Professor Noshahi in these areas.
Afterward, Professor Aref Noshahi provided a historical overview
of the Persian language and literature in the Indian subcontinent, discussed
his research activities in the field of manuscript studies, and enumerated some
of his grand affairs to strengthen the ties between the universities in Yazd
province and Pakistan.
Several participants in the session also raised issues related to their own respective areas of work. Dr. Kazem Kahdoui, a faculty member of the Persian Language and Literature Department, expressed his appreciation for Professor Noshahi’s presence and provided a comprehensive summary of his plans during his stay in Yazd province.
Dr. Mehdi Maleksabet, the editor-in-chief of the Persian
Language and Literature Journal, also emphasized the significance of strengthening
scientific, and cultural ties between the two
countries.
It is worth mentioning that Professor Noshahi has had a
close relationship with Yazd University as a foreign member of the editorial
board of the Persian Language and Literature Journal.
At the end of this session, several rewards were offered to
Professor Noshahi by the head of the Humanities and Social Sciences Department
and the faculty members of the Persian Language and Literature Department.
In another part of his trip to Yazd, Professor Noshahi attended the book launch ceremony of the eighth edition of the 'Golshan Encyclopedia' authored by the late Asghar Golshan Tafti at the Central Library of Yazd. The Golshan Encyclopedia focuses on the recognition and appreciation of Persian language professors in Iran, Bangladesh, Pakistan (including Professor Noshahi), Tajikistan, and India.
It should be noted that Professor Noshahi has written
numerous academic works, including 83 books, over 150 articles, and 136 entries
in Persian encyclopedias. He has also presented papers at 34 conferences, and
seminars. Plus, he has received multiple awards from various foundations in the Islamic Republic of Iran (such as the supporters of manuscript studies in Tehran, etc.). He has visited Iran 15 times and participated in numerous scientific and cultural programs. In 1989, Professor Noshahi came to Iran through a scholarship from the Ministry of Higher Education and pursued his studies in Persian language and literature at Tehran University. In 1993, he graduated successfully with a Ph.D. degree. His Ph.D. dissertation was entitled "The Correction of Khaaje Abidollah Ahraar's Verbal Remarks edited and Compiled by Mir Abdol-Avval Neishabouri."