Aligarh, June 7 (IANS) Oscar-winning music maestro A.R. Rahman was Sunday conferred an honorary doctorate by the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) at its 59th convocation. The composer, who said he was overwhelmed with the honour, urged more young people to join creative fields like arts and media. Aligarh, June 7 (IANS) Oscar-winning music maestro A.R. Rahman was Sunday conferred an honorary doctorate by the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) at its 59th convocation. The composer, who said he was overwhelmed with the honour, urged more young people to join creative fields like arts and media.
'In a world of mass killings, terrorism and violence, we need positive emotions,' said Rahman. Rahman also urged the youth to learn and join him in building a strong, harmonious India. 'I find a transcendent language that all can understand that can bring all together -- a language that awakens in each of us an awareness that all energy is spiritual energy and the fate of one is linked to the fate of all,' said Rahman. Quoting Nelson Mandela, he said: 'Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Education alone can eradicate poverty.' Rahman ended his speech with 'Jai Ho', the song for which he got an Oscar. Along with Rahman, eminent Urdu writer Gopi Chand Narang also received an honorary doctorate. Talking about Urdu's status among Indian languages he said it was as high and as exclusive as the Taj Mahal among buildings. 'Urdu is a language of plurality and openness. I denounce all kinds of totalitarianism and regimentation. 'To me Urdu is a way of life representing more than a thousand years of composite culture drawing sustenance from Amir Khusrau, Nanak, Nizammuddin and the contributions of Ghalib, Mir, Iqbal, Faiz, Firaq and Prem Chand,' he said. West Bengal governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi was the chief guest along with Justice A.N. Ahmadi. http://india-forums.com/news/article.asp?id=179008 Krish.. His Music ~ My Mother Tongue ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Sreekrishnan R <[email protected]> To: "We, the fans !" <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, 7 June, 2009 2:58:54 PM Subject: We need to bring back the thirst for knowledge in our lives - AR AMU confers honorary degree on AR Rahman Oscar winner music maestro A R Rahman was on Sunday (June 7) conferred with honorary D.Lit degree by the Aligarh Muslim University in Aligarh. The music director, who created history by becoming the first Indian to win two Oscars his composition in 'Slumdog Millionaire', was honoured during the convocation function at the university. Noted Urdu writer Gopi Chand Narang was also awarded with an honorary degree. Rahman, in his acceptance speech, called upon the members of the Muslim community, specially the youths, to analyse as to what has gone astray in the world of Islam in present times. "It is ironical that what the west calls the dark ages was one of the brightest spots in the history of Islam. Sadly the picture has changed today. Muslims are no longer perceived at the forefront of humanity's quest for progress and development," the music director said. Urging Muslim youths to have a fresh vision for the future he said, "We need to bring back the thirst for knowledge in our lives." He said that youths should work to build a strong and harmonious India. "With the AMU I share a vision that embraces diversity that each person can bring to the progressive development of our world," Rahman said. http://www.timesnow.tv/AMU-confers-hono rary-degree-on-AR-Rahman/articleshow/431 8976.cms Krish.. His Music ~ My Mother Tongue ________________________________ Cricket on your mind? Visit the ultimate cricket website. Enter now! Own a website.Get an unlimited package.Pay next to nothing.*Go to http://in.business.yahoo.com/
