By Qasim Ali
Lahore:The 14th annual THAAP Conference 2025, organized in collaboration with Punjabi Khoj Garh and Lyallpur Young Historians Club-LYHC, opened today at the THAAP Secretariat in Lahore. The conference, themed “Jogi uttar Paharon Aya : jogi in History, Culture , and Folklore of “Sapta Sindhu” ( Indus valley)”, brings together scholars, artists, and researchers from Pakistan and beyond to explore the rich spiritual, cultural, and intellectual heritage of South Asia.The inaugural day unfolded with thought-provoking presentations and vibrant discussions that highlighted the enduring influence of the Jogi figure across time, space, and belief systems. The event began with an inspiring inaugural address by Prof. Dr. M. Mukhtar, Vice Chancellor of the University of South Punjab, who commended THAAP for its commitment to fostering interdisciplinary dialogue. He underscored the significance of revisiting indigenous knowledge systems, noting that “wisdom often lies in the margins — in the spaces between art, faith, and human experience.”Prof. Sajida Vandal, Chief Executive of THAAP, welcomed the participants with a reflection on THAAP’s academic journey, which spans over fourteen years of preserving and reinterpreting South Asia’s diverse heritage. The keynote address by Nain Sukh captivated the audience as he explored the Jogi’s symbolism in literature, linking it to themes of existential freedom, social critique, and cultural resilience.First Session Highlights: Presided by Nain SukhThe first academic session, chaired by Nain Sukh, featured a variety of engaging research papers. Dr. Imdad Hussain discussed “Jogi Epistemologies”, examining the intellectual and philosophical frameworks of Jogi traditions. Muhammad Abdullah presented an innovative study on “Jogis Among Stupas”, reinterpreting the ancient Jaulian Monastery as a site of plural spiritual practices. Sarosh Tariq traced the evolution of the Jogi figure in Punjabi cinema, while Dr. Munazza Rashid highlighted ascetic practices across world religions, focusing on their universal quest for transcendence.Second Session Insights: Presided by Dr. Rukhsana IftikharThe second session, chaired by Dr. Rukhsana Iftikhar, examined the deep cultural and symbolic continuities between Jogi traditions and South Asia’s spiritual history. Irfan Fazil Wallarah presented on the influence of Jogi and Bhakti traditions among Mahlan Shahis in Punjab. Maryam Asim linked Jogi spirituality to the ancient Indus Valley civilization , identifying parallels in healing rituals and sacred symbolism. Talha Shafiq and Junaina Fazal explored colonial narratives, arguing that European travel writings shaped negative portrayals of Jogis, which influenced later colonial governance. Third Session: Presided by Dr. Khola CheemaIn the third session, chaired by Dr. Khola Cheema, participants explored the historical trajectory and cultural preservation of the Jogi tradition. Dr. Anila Zulfiqar delved into the history of Jogi Mohalla in Lahore, tracing its mystical roots to the Harappan civilization. Tanzila Parveen examined the reasons for the decline of Jogi traditions, from migration and socio-economic changes to the impacts of modernization. Lastly, Sadia Qutub Hashmi and Nomana Masood analyzed the spiritual significance of the ‘kara’ as sacred symbol of the Jogi—tracing its origins from the Pashupati seal to its presence in modern shrine culture across Punjab and Sind.Lively Discussions and Interactive Q&A SessionsEach session was followed by lively and insightful Q&A discussions, where participants actively engaged with presenters and exchanged ideas on the themes explored. These interactions further enriched the conference experience, fostering a dynamic intellectual environment that encouraged deeper reflection on the multifaceted legacy of the Jogi.As the first day of the two-day conference draws to a close, scholars and participants are left with a sense of the Jogi as an enduring symbol of spiritual resistance, cultural resilience, and existential inquiry. The conference will conclude on Saturday evening, continuing tomorrow with more sessions, panel discussions, and exhibitions. With an engaging mix of academic presentations and artistic explorations, THAAP International Conference 2025 is proving to be a major platform for dialogue, offering fresh perspectives on South Asia’s intellectual and artistic heritage.
