Resolutions adopted in International Seminar on "Islamic Culture And Art" held at Hyderabad

Hyderabad - Maintaining the spirit of preservation and protection of human heritage in general and 'culture and art' in particular, in all its dispositions, as encouraged by national and international laws and policies, an International Seminar on "Islamic Culture and Art" has been organised jointly by the Institute of Objective Studies, New Delhi (celebrating its Silver Jubilee), Maulana Azad National Urdu University(Hyderabad) and Muslim Educational Social and Cultural Organisation(MESCO), Hyderabad from 30th December 2011 to 1st January 2012.

The Conference appreciated the commendable action of the Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad, with a great visionary Prof. Mohammad Miyan as its Vice Chancellor, in announcing the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Deccan Studies at its Campus in Gachibowli, Hyderabad.

The Conference also appreciated the establishment of an Islamic Art Gallery at Salar Jung Museum of Hyderabad which has been announced by its management.

The following resolutions are hereby adopted:

1. The study of art and culture should not be confined to merely a recollection of past glory and achievements; it should rather be aimed at an impartial probing of all the anthropological realities, which were instrumental in shaping history.
2. The Institute of Objective Studies should be instrumental in promoting research and publication in the field of Islamic Culture and Art with main focus on:
3. (a) production of literature and organising training programmes for creating necessary skills for the persons in the field leading to a consistent development of Islamic art world over;(b) Development of critical approach in the study of culture and art;(c) Perceptive appreciation of worth claiming higher achievements and excellence and fair acknowledgement of the failures as the case may be; and(d) Giving of impartial treatment to issues with logically sound description of facts and findings to add rich academic value to the output of scholars in this field.
4. A trust should be established to protect, preserve, conserve and safeguard cultural assets.
5. Because of a threat of extinction faced by them, an extensive documentation of the cultural assets should be immediately undertaken, especially in the fields of textiles, metal works, etc. One of the ways to achieve this is to establish an Islamic Arts Council to promote artisans and craftsmen by providing value addition in terms of support in innovative designs, attractive packaging and effective marketing;
6. Faculties of Arts/Islamic studies in various universities and institutions may be contacted and requested to introduce courses on Islamic art and culture as per the requirements of its preservation and promotion using modern methods for appraisal and understanding.
7. Courses must be introduced in disaster management with programmes to train the staff of disaster management agencies in protecting cultural assets in time of crisis.
8. Art and objects of art should be made a common attraction for tourists from within and outside the country. Specific exhibitions and presentations on each aspect of the multifaceted culture and heritage should be highlighted.
9. Relevant ministries/departments at the Central and State levels may be persuaded to create Islamic and comparative art galleries in all major towns in the country for a broader understanding of cultures by people.
10. Institute of Objective Studies may coordinate with similar organisations in India and other countries to work together and promote studies on culture and art globally.
11. Muslims should be especially made to understand the interdependent relationship between their faith and their art and be sensitised to pay due attention to the increasing significance of art as an instrument of economic advancement.