New Delhi, October 18

To commemorate the 800th birth anniversary of Sufi saint Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi, Rumi Foundation of India launched today the second issue of its journal, Hu The Sufi Way. The first issue, launched six months ago, was dedicated to another great Sufi saint and poet Amir Khusro.

The event, which was held at Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit’s official residence, was presided over by Dr Karan Singh, president of the Rumi Foundation. Renowned filmmaker and painter Muzaffar Ali, himself a keen Rumi enthusiast, also graced the occasion.

“In a world that is torn apart by hatred and violence, Rumi provides peace and harmony that runs through all the religions of the world,” said Dr Singh. “We’re in danger of either rejecting religion altogether or becoming fundamental or fanatical — both of which are disastrous. The journal of Rumi should be propagated throughout the country to spread the message of peace and harmony,” he added.

Muzaffar Ali, who is the editor-in-chief of the journal, said it was time for him to make a shift from print to celluloid. Ali, who is at present working on a biopic on Maulana Rumi, said he wanted to connect artists from all over the world “to combine the fire, the passion and the artistry that Rumi requires and brings out”. Ali said because they couldn’t create Rumi’s magical verses anymore, he wanted to communicate them to the world through his movie.

“If I have to render my service to Rumi, I must touch people all over the world and they must touch me. If you go to Konya in Turkey you see the reflection of Rumi on every face. I want to show that expression of peace and happiness through my movie,” he said. He said Rumi was an illustrious milestone in his long journey as a filmmaker.

Ali’s paintings were on display at the event and he was very excited about his movie project. “I have nothing more to do than to share its fruits when they are ready to be shared. The process is long, yet the journey is deeply enjoyable and engrossing,” he said.

“Rumi was born in Afghanistan but his works prevail all over the world. He is like an infinite large umbrella that covers the entire world,” said Nevit O Ergin, world-renowned Rumi scholar and translator. Ergin read out a few Rumi verses to the audience which was followed by ghazals by Malini Awasthi and a qawwali.

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