New Delhi, June 17 (Only Kashmir): After the success of Wajd magazine, the Group has introduced a blog, podcasts, YouTube channel, and much more under the umbrella of WAJD NEO.
Wajd Neo was e-launched on June 14 in the presence of esteemed guests including Nazir Ganie, Haji Syed Salman Chisty, Rana Safvi, Prof. Abdul Majid Baba, Syed Altamash Nizami, Prof. Dr. Suleyman Dein, Roma Wani, and Dhruv Sangari(Bilal Chishty)
The launch ceremony was organized on the eve of the Annual Urs of Sultan-e-Turk, Pir-E-Turkistan Khoja Ahmad Yassawi – the patron Sufi Saint of Turks.
Founder-cum-Group Editor Mr. Affan Yesvi said that WAJD Neo is an attempt to create divine cyberspace. He added that Wajd Neo shall be a vibrant, dynamic multi-media platform. Wajd shall bring to you delightful articles, essays, interviews, poems, calligraphy, book reviews, photo essays, and more, besides regular news and updates from Sufi Shrines and Khanqas across the globe. along with live interviews podcasts and much more
The international digital launch of Wajd Neo was streamed live on Facebook and Youtube. The guests also spoke about Sufism & Divine Love, prayed, and offered suggestions for Wajd Neo.
The e-launch opened with Rabaab recital by Mr. Nazir Ganie, Journalist/Artist from Kashmir. He also spoke about the importance of Rabaab in Kashmiri culture and his life.
In his address, Haji Syed Salman Chishty, Gaddi Nashin of Dargah Ajmer Sharif said Wajdaniyat has been a part of us since the time we opened our eyes. Wajd is our own aesthetic experience, translated into print media. Talking about the current pandemic being the new dimension he said, “If we are devoid of spiritual awakening, even having a new outlook to the world will not work. We might lose our essence as it has happened in the past. So this addition to Wajd will be a platform where we can see our thoughts, feelings, and our own ideas coming into digital perspective, and connecting to people wherever they are.”
Ms. Rana Safvi, Historian/Author spoke about her journey into Sufism. Quoting Rabia al-Barsi, she talked about the power of divine love. Talking about various Auliyas, she defined the aesthetics of Sufism. “It is nothing but the absolute love of Divine which leads a Sufi on the path of eternal truth, beauty, and goodness. It leads to the love of humanity and leads to the fulfillment of people’s needs, irrespective of caste or creed,” she said. She congratulated Affan Yesvi, Editor of Wajd for achieving another milestone.
Prof. Abdul Majid Baba, Librarian, Central University of Kashmir talked about the journey of Wajd and how it has highlighted different aspects of Sufism globally. He appreciated the contributions of Wajd during the month of Ramadan. He said, “Sufis bring positivity and have an important role to play. Love, peace, and tolerance is the motto of Sufism. There are no borders in Sufism globally,” he said.
Syed Altamish Nizami, a descendant of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya congratulated Team Wajd and prayed for the team. He prayed for the pandemic to end. He quoted the relationship of Hazrat Ameer Khusro and Hazrat Nizam-ud- Din Auliya which defines the beauty of spiritual love.
Prof. Dr. Suleyman Derin,Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey talked about divine love. He said that Wajd will be a platform for spreading the message of the Sufis. He spoke in detail about the contribution of Hoja Ahmad Yasawi in Turkish culture.
Acclaimed Qawwal Mr. Dhruv Sangari congratulated Wajd for achieving this milestone. He enthralled the audience with his blessed voice and performed the qualaam of Hazrat Ameer Khusro(R.A)
Ms Roma Wani, congratulated Affan Yasvi, the Editor of Wajd for the launch of Wajd Neo. She also thanked all the guests for making this event possible irrespective of time and distance. She said that Wajd Neo would bring about remarkable and welcome changes. Syed Altamish Nazami concluded the event by duas and blessings.
ABOUT WAJD
WAJD, attempts to bridge the gap between academic and mainstream writing on Tasawwuf, to archive the modern, cosmopolitan and global citizen’s experience of Sufism.
Wajd Neo shall bring to you delightful articles, essays, interviews, poems, calligraphy, book reviews, photo essays, and more, besides regular news and updates from Sufi Shrines and Khanqas across the globe. WAJD recently started its YouTube channel. We have conducted more than 35 live sessions.
During Ramazan, WAJD interacted with prominent Islamic Scholars, discussed issues of social and religious importance and also answered questions online in real-time simultaneously. WAJD conducted an online Competition during the holy month of Ramzaan, inviting entries for Tilavat E Quran, Naat e Sharif and Azaan.
WAJD has also started the GupShup series on its Instagram handle. In GupShup, WAJD introduced its audience to achievers from diverse fields through interactive conversation. The series is designed to promote individuals who have been trendsetters, youth who have made a mark for themselves and are doing something unique.
WAJD GupShup has hosted writers, calligraphers, singers, painters, activists, sportspersons, actors, and achievers of various hues. The series has been warmly appreciated and welcomed.
Wajd has conducted various FB live sessions, interacting with Sufi practitioners to spread the deep wisdom and learning of Sufi teachings and culture. The work on social media has been highly appreciated and has registered a good reach.
