Srinagar, Jan 25 (KNO) : A two-day international conference “Muhammad Hyder Duglati—the golden bridge between Kazakhstan and India” began at the University of Kashmir on Thursday. Organised by the Centre of Central Asian Studies in collaboration with M. Kh. Dulati Taraz State University, Kazakhstan, the inaugural session of the seminar was attended by ambassadors, professors, scholars, and delegates from several Central and South Asian countries. Prof GN Khaki, Director CCAS introduced the theme of the conference and formally welcomed the guests. In his inaugural address, chief guest Dr Bulat Sarsenbayev (HE, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan) highlighted the literary and cultural legacy of Muhammad Hyder Duglati and his rule as Governor in Kashmir. In his address, Prof Makhmetgali Sarybekov (Rector, Taraz State University) talked about the impact of scholarship of Muhammad Hyder Duglati as an envoy from Central Asia on the landscape of Kashmir and beyond its borders to the Central Asia. In his presidential address, KU Vice Chancellor Prof Khurshid Iqbal Andrabi congratulated the CCAS for conducting conferences and events which have a potential to help explore further cultural exchanges to bring Kazakhstan and India closer. Prof Andrabi and Prof Khaki were conferred with Mirza Hyder Duglati medals by the Ambassador of Kazakhstan. Later, Prof Andrabi, MH Dulati and Prof Makhmetgali Sarybekov signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the occasion. Dr Tareak A. Rather conducted the conference proceedings and presented a vote of thanks. Earlier yesterday, Prof Andrabi welcomed the visiting delegation led by the Ambassador of Kazakhstan and discussed possibilities of student and faculty exchange programmes between the two universities.(KNO)