Prof Mohsin Ali has been promoted to the rank of Professor and appointed Head of the Department of Persian at Jamia Millia Islamia. He has also been given the additional responsibility of serving as Provost of the MMAJ Hall of Boys’ Residence.
Prof Ali, 53, is known for his work in Persian language and literature, comparative literature, Iranian studies and the cultural and intellectual history of the Indian subcontinent. His research has particularly focused on the historical and cultural connections between Persian literary traditions and Indian knowledge systems.
His scholarly work has appeared in national and international academic journals, and he has participated in conferences and research initiatives dealing with Persian literature, South Asian culture and comparative studies. He is currently associated with a research project under the Indian Knowledge Systems initiative, focusing on the contribution of Persian to India’s wider intellectual, philosophical and scientific traditions.
Students familiar with his work said his interdisciplinary approach has helped highlight the role of Persian as an important medium of cultural and intellectual exchange in India. His research has also examined the interaction between Persian traditions and Indian knowledge and literary cultures.
Prof Ali has been involved extensively in teaching and mentoring students and research scholars.
He did his PhD in Persian studies from Jawaharlal Nehru University in 1997. Also, he studied the Turkish language at Jamia Millia Islamia. He has authored two books, one on new poetry in Iran and the other on Persian children’s literature.
He joined Jamia as a guest faculty member in the Department of Turkish Language and Literature and later joined the Persian department in July 2007 as Assistant Professor and has continued there till now.
His appointment as Head of the Persian Department is expected to provide an opportunity for further development of teaching, research and academic collaborations in the department.
His additional responsibility as Provost of the MMAJ Hall of Boys’ Residence will involve overseeing student welfare, discipline and the overall residential environment.
