SAHARANPUR, UP: Er. Ghulam Ali Khatana, senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP, visited Darul Uloom Deoband, a historic Islamic seminary established in 1866 and renowned for its contributions to education and socio-political reform.
Khatana held discussions with Vice Chancellor Maulana Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani and Pro Vice Chancellor Maulana Abdul Khaliq Madrasi. The meetings focused on the seminaryâs educational legacy, its role in addressing contemporary challenges, and initiatives to further its mission in education and community welfare.
As part of the visit, Khatana toured the seminaryâs historic library, which contains rare manuscripts and books dating back over 800 years. He also visited the Darul Hadith (House of Prophetic Traditions), where he interacted with students, including those from Jammu and Kashmir, discussing their academic pursuits and aspirations.
Darul Uloom Deoband, founded after the 1857 Indian Rebellion, has played a pivotal role in preserving Islamic heritage and supporting socio-political reform. Notable figures associated with the seminary include Shaikhul Hind Maulana Mahmood Hasan, Maulana Obaidullah Sindhi, Maulana Qasim Nanautavi, and Maulana Husain Ahmad Madani, who significantly contributed to Indiaâs freedom movement and socio-political harmony.
Prominent individuals present during the visit included Dr. Raihan Akhtar Qasmi from Aligarh Muslim University, Maulana Raihan Qasmi, Advisor to the Vice Chancellor, and Maulana Abdul Malik Bijnouri, a senior faculty member of the seminary. Khatanaâs visit highlighted the seminaryâs role as a cornerstone of Islamic education and its importance in fostering dialogue between tradition and modernity while strengthening national unity.
