National Book Trust Hosts Launch of Urdu Edition of Mustafa Akyol’s Book at World Book Fair; Khusro Foundation Director Shantanu Mukherjee Addresses Event
New Delhi:
An in-depth intellectual discussion on ‘Islam and Modernity’ was held on Sunday evening at the Authors’ Corner during the World Book Fair 2026 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Organised under the aegis of the National Book Trust, the event also witnessed the formal release of the Urdu edition of noted Turkish intellectual Mustafa Akyol’s acclaimed book Reopening Muslim Minds. The Urdu translation, titled Muslim Azhaañ Ki Tashkeel-e-Nau, has been rendered which has been published by the Khusro Foundation, translated by Dr. Jalis Akhtar Nasiri and forwarded by Dr Hafeezur Rahman
The book examines the historical, theological, and intellectual factors that have shaped Muslim engagement with reason, freedom of thought, and modernity. In Reopening Muslim Minds, Akyol argues for reviving the rational and pluralistic traditions within Islamic intellectual history, drawing upon classical scholars, philosophical debates, and modern political thought. The work critically explores issues such as orthodoxy, dissent, freedom of expression, and the relationship between religion and the modern state, making it a significant contribution to contemporary discourse on Islam.
The Urdu edition aims to make these debates accessible to a wider readership in South Asia and beyond, particularly among Urdu-speaking scholars, students, and general readers interested in religious reform, intellectual freedom, and modern challenges facing Muslim societies.
The programme was moderated by Dr Hafeezur Rahman, Convener of the Khusro Foundation. The keynote address was delivered by Prof (Dr) Md. Afshar Alam, Vice Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard, who spoke on the intellectual evolution of Islam and stressed the importance of engaging constructively with modern ideas while remaining rooted in ethical and spiritual values. He underlined the relevance of such works in fostering critical thinking and informed dialogue within the community.
Dr Shantanu Mukharji, Director of the Khusro Foundation, delivered the welcome address, outlining the Foundation’s efforts to promote serious scholarship, translations of important global works, and informed public discourse. The concluding remarks and vote of thanks were presented by Sirajuddin Quraishi.
A panel discussion formed a key part of the event, where scholars deliberated on various dimensions of Islam and modernity, addressing contemporary challenges, intellectual stagnation, and future possibilities. The discussion engaged closely with the themes raised in Akyol’s book, particularly the need for openness, reasoned debate, and intellectual renewal.
Held at 7 pm at the Authors’ Corner, Pragati Maidan, the session attracted a large audience comprising readers, researchers, academics, and intellectuals, reflecting strong interest in both the subject matter and the Urdu release of Akyol’s influential work.
