NIHCR remembers Dr AH Dani

Recalling the archeologically achievements and contributions of legendary historian and archeologist, Prof Emeritus Dr Ahmad Hassan Dani, speakers of an international seminar said that his work would keep him alive for all times to come. They were speaking at the seminar entitled ‘Dr AH Dani and the Ancient History and Culture of Pakistan’, organised by the National Institute of Historical and Cultural Research (NIHCR), Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU).
Prof Dr Qaiser Mushtaq, acting vice chancellor, Quaid-i-Azam University, was the chief guest. The seminar was chaired by Prof Dr Ihsan Ali, vice-chancellor, Abdul Wali Khan University while Prof Dr Eitzaz Ahmad, dean, Faculty of Social Sciences QAU who is also NIHCR acting director delivered the welcome address.
He said the contribution of Dr Dani should not die with his physical death, rather it should continue on the lines he demarcated. Keynote address was delivered by Dr Abdul Ghani, assistant professor, Taxila Institute of Asian Civilisations. In his presentation, Rafiullah Khan, lecturer, Taxila Institute of Asian Civilizations, mentioned the archaeological contribution of Dr Dani in pre-historic and proto-historic period.
Speaking on the occasion, Rauf Azad Kakepoto, president, Indusians Research Cell, declared that the scientific enquiry of the present archaeological work required further considerations on the scientific investigation of archaeological remains of Pakistan. Prof Dr Skyholk, a German professor of Foreign Faculty Programme in the Taxila Institute of Asian Civilisations, spoke on the antiquity of Pakistan and Dr Dani. He said the tradition of archaeological excavations of all the religions and civilisations in this area initiated by Dr Dani should be followed.
It was followed by the thought-provoking presentation of Dr Anis Ahmad Dani, director, World Bank, Washington, and the eldest son of Dr AH Dani. He stated that Dr Dani’s vision of the development of national character of Pakistani nation through archaeological and anthropological works should be highlighted to evolve a prosperous Pakistan. Giving presentation, Prof Dr Ihsan Ali who covered the life contribution of Dr AH Dani in developing the archaeology of Bengal (now Bangladesh), NWFP (now KPK) and Northern Areas of Pakistan. He also spoke on the contours of archaeological research which Dr Dani drew for the future research. Giving vote of thanks, Dr Sajid Mahmood Awan, a senior research fellow from NIHCR, said Dr Dani was of the firm view that the nations were known by the academic contribution they delivered to their generations to come. According to Dani’s notion, Pakistan was custodian of the oldest civilisations and religions of the world and the oldest university of the world was Takshasila (now Taxila); the oldest grammar of the world was developed in this part of the world by Panini, and one of the oldest political philosophies of the world was developed here by Kotalia Chankia.