Institute Honours Jesuit Educationist and Muslim Scholar

The Henry Martyn Institute in Hyderabad, a pioneering specialized institute of Islamic studies, has honoUred a Jesuit educationalist and a Muslim scholar for their contribution to Muslim-Christian relations. Church of South India Bishop Pushpa Lolita, vice-chairperson of Henry Martyn Institute, on March 18 conferred Doctor Litterarum on Jesuit Father Thomas V Kunnunkal, the president of Islamic Studies Association of Delhi, and Akhtarul Wasey, professor emeritus, Islamic Studies and the president of Maulana Azad University, Jodhpur in Rajasthan.
Father Kunnunkal was the principal of Delhi’s Xavier’s School for 14 years (1962-1974 and 1977-1979). The Jesuit also headed the Central Board of Secondary Education for eight years. He also launched the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). Even now, eight months into 94 years old, he writes short articles for publication.
Professor Wassey taught at Jamia Millia Islamia (Central University) in New Delhi. Formerly he worked as the director of Zakir Husain Institute of Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia, Vice-chairman of the Urdu Academy Delhi and a member of the Executive Board of National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language.
(Extracted from mattersindia.com)