Last Saturday, on May 27th, an engaging and insightful virtual event took place to celebrate the birthday of Ibn Khaldun and mark the official launch of U-Talk Magazine. The session was moderated by Dr. Amina Hussain, Assistant Professor at Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Language University.

During the event, the Founder and Managing Director of Umran highlighted the significance of the word Umran, which represents the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. He emphasized that U-Talk Magazine embodies the spirit of Umran, promoting love, joy, aesthetics, and creativity, thereby suggesting new possibilities for humanity.

The event featured three distinguished guests and scholars: Professor Miriam Cooke from Duke University, USA, Professor Mousumi G Banerjee from EFL University, Shillong, and Professor Bruce B Lawrence, also from Duke University, USA. They shed light on Ibn Khaldun’s legacy, which is encompassed by U-Talk Magazine. They delivered inspiring talks that called for action towards peace and prosperity.

Professor Miriam Cooke shared a remarkable 40-year-old story of her engagement with Ibn Khaldun, which could potentially serve as the inaugural event commemorating his birth anniversary. Additionally, she shared the stories of Professor Franz Rosenthal and Professor Bruce B Lawrence and their connection and experiences with Ibn Khaldun, showcasing how individuals from diverse backgrounds have been inspired by his teachings and impact. They expressed the need to share the mentioned edited volume on this subject.

Professor Bruce emphasized that Umran is not merely a relic of the past but an ongoing initiative with a future. He also discussed Ibn Khaldun’s potential consideration of “maslaha,” a concept that refers to collective well-being or social welfare. Professor Mousumi eloquently provided an Indic perspective and flavor on this matter. The discussions highlighted the importance of longing and belonging, assabiyya, and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which shape the spirit and conscience of different cultures and civilizations. This dynamic concept is embraced by a select few who possess artistic creativity and envision new possibilities. Professor Bruce referred to this as the barzakh logic, which also reflects the discussions and Kabir’s representation during the event. Barzakh logic acts as both a bridge and a barrier, activating life and bringing about meaningful connections. It signifies the interconnection between existence and nonexistence, form and matter (Prakriti and Purusha), symbolizing profound unity.

The audience and contributors expressed their appreciation for U-Talk Magazine and shared how it resonated with their emotions and spirits. They commended U-Talk Magazine as a platform where they can freely express themselves and reach a global audience. Congratulations poured in for the Umran team on their achievements and the experiment carried out by Umran Green Perspective Foundation in such a short span of time. Professor Mousumi G Banerjee described Umran as a unique organization.

The event was a resounding success, with over 60 participants from around the world, including intellectuals and individuals from diverse backgrounds, both rural and urban. Their collective presence made the event truly impactful and meaningful.

Overall, the event served as a fitting tribute to Ibn Khaldun’s legacy and marked the promising launch of U-Talk Magazine, which aims to foster dialogue and creativity while promoting global connections and understanding.

Report by Rajeev Kumar