BONN, Germany (Imran Saqib Ch) — On a crisp autumn day in Bonn, the Rhine-Indus Forum organized a deeply moving condolence reference to honor the memory of the distinguished historian, philosopher, and anthropologist, Professor Dr. Aslam Syed. Held beneath the city’s golden canopy, the event drew delegations from Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, uniting in tribute to a scholar whose legacy spans continents.
Dr. Syed, who lectured at universities in Pakistan, the United States, Britain, and Germany, was remembered as an inspirational teacher whose intellectual legacy continues to shine through his thousands of students worldwide. Following his sudden passing last year, the event provided a platform for colleagues, students, and admirers—including a notable number of women who travelled from afar—to express their grief and appreciation for his life’s work.
The ceremony commenced with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an. Following the Azan, a series of papers were presented, celebrating Dr. Syed’s vast contributions to society and his profound intellectual thought. Speakers eulogised him as a “bridge between all the civilisations of the known history of man,” with one noting that his lectures made them “feel like creatures from the first century.”
His German colleagues also took to the podium, describing him as a uniquely gifted and beloved individual.
Leading the proceedings was Kishwar Mustafa, Dr.Syed’s wife,who has now as assumed
the role of presiding over the Rhine-Indus Forum, the organisation he founded. The success of the memorial was credited to the dedication of the entire forum team, as well as the emotional commitment of Kishwar Mustafa and the couple’s daughter, Banafsheh Sakina Syed.
The event was attended by special guests including several of Dr. Syed’s German friends, the spiritual scholar and poet Tahira Rabab from Hamburg, and Manzoor Awan from Berlin. A prominent business man and Politician, Mr.Manzoor Awan, movingly recounted his first meeting with Dr. Syed twenty-four years ago, describing a charismatic personality that drew him into a deep, lifelong friendship that he described as “no less than a medal.”
Following the academic presentations, a documentary featuring video tributes from his students across the globe was screened. The event then transitioned to a poetry recital, featuring renowned poets from Germany and beyond, including Tahir Adim, Atif Tauqir, Mudbar Asan, Shazia Noreen, Komal Raja, Syed Razi Gilani, Imran Saqib from Belgium, and Adeel Shakir from the Netherlands.
The memorial concluded with a musical programme, during which Dr. Syed’s friend, Peter Pannke, paid a poignant tribute by performing his favourite melodies.
In addition to hindsight and memories, it is also about glimpses into the future, dialogue and exchange in the here and now for future projects and effects of the Rhein Indus Global Forum, which after the loss of Prof. Dr. Aslam Syed, initiator, founding father and chairman, reorganized to continue and develop the association and project work in the sense of Syed.
The Rhein Indus Global Forum promotes integration through intercultural encounters and the exchange of people of different cultures, origins and contexts. Mystical poetry and music bring people closer together. As part of the event, we want to create an experienceable atmosphere for every person, in which every person feels peace, harmony and the beauty of nature and life.
We want to bring diverse people together and make them aware of how they can create a safe, clean and happy environment with positive vibrations of music and ecstasy. This should serve as a source of strength, inspiration and basis for social commitment in the context of the association and project work of the Rhein Indus Global Forum e.V. and of course far beyond.
