Aligarh: The Department of Philosophy at Aligarh Muslim University organized a Special Lecture "Relevance of Values in the Present World: Islamic and Vedantic Viewpoints", delivered by Prof. Mohd. Sirajul Islam, Former Head, Department of Philosophy and Comparative Religion, Visva Bharati University, Shantiniketan in West Bengal.

In his lecture, Prof. Sirajul Islam argued that values are an indefinable entity that regulates human impulses and moral aptitude. He classified values into intrinsic and extrinsic forms, with intrinsic at the individual level and extrinsic at the collective level. The lecture emphasized the need for scientific inventions to address the need for values in today's society.

He discussed the importance of value in contemporary times, with inferences from Islamic and Vedantic teachings. He held that several verses from the holy Quran, like Surah 103, Al-Asr, teach righteous actions and remind us of truth, reality, rights, and patience. Similarly, the Vedanta classifies values into dishachar (local or folk) and universal values (Brahman).

Dr. Aquil Ahmad, Chairman of the department, welcomed the guest speaker and introduced the concept of values, specifying the need for it, from ancient times, from Islamic and Vedanta perspectives, to the contemporary period.

In his presidential remarks, former Chairman, Prof. Latif Hussain Shah Kazmi highlighted the thought-provoking notion of conscientiousness required to judge actions by every individual for establishing global values.

Dr. Hina Mushtaq conducted the program and proposed a vote of thanks.