Hyderabad’s Dairatul Maarifil Osmania is showing how religions can coexist peacefully. It is preserving Hindu texts like the Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana in Arabic and Persian. This act stands out in times of rising religious tensions.
This institute is 136 years old and is located on the Osmania University campus. It was established in 1888 by the 6th Nizam, Mahboob Ali Pasha. Dairatul Maarif is famous for publishing rare Arabic manuscripts and has released over 240 scholarly works in 800 volumes.
One significant work is the Arabic Bhagavad Gita, known as ‘Al Kita’. It was translated from Sanskrit by Dr. Makhan Lal Roy Choudhury from Calcutta University. First published in 1951 and reprinted in 2016 under the Hamari Dharohar Scheme by the Government of India, it includes detailed introductions and annotations. This edition is crucial for comparative religious studies.
Prof SA Shukoor, the Director, stated that the institute aims to promote cultural and religious understanding. Their library also includes a Persian version of the Ramayana, showcasing their inclusive academic goals. Modern techniques ensure these texts are well-preserved.
Dr. Choudhury translated the Gita while at Al-Azhar University in Cairo, guided by Prof Muhammad Habib Ahmad. Dairatul Maarif supported this by providing funds and helping with publication.
The Arabic Gita is now read globally, especially in the Middle East, and aids scholars researching interfaith topics.
Former Law Minister Asif Pasha visited the institute and commended its efforts in fostering harmony. He described Dairatul Maarif as a symbol of unity in a divided world.
The institute’s dedication to preserving the spiritual heritage of various faiths highlights the power of scholarship to unite people.
