Zubair Qureshi
All the Pakistanis adore Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s poetry to the core of their heart and always feel elevated after listening to his soul-stirring poems.
These views were expressed by eminent writer, intellectual and form Federal Secretary, Ejaz Rahim while addressing a ‘poetry recital’ competition organized by the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) on the eve of the Iqbal Day.
PAL Chairperson, Dr Najeeba Arif presided over the event while noted poets and writers presented Allama Iqbal’s kalam (poems and ghazals) to pay rich tributes to the Poet of the East.
Poet Shakil Jazib presented some lines from “Shikwa/Jawab Shikwa” while Dr Bibi Ameena was the stage secretary. Students of Urdu Literature from various schools and colleges of Islamabad also participated in the poetry competition and presented Iqbal’s great poems on the occasion.
Ejaz Rahim while commending the students and the poets for their articulate recitation of Allama Iqbal’s poetry said it was a wonderful experience of his life to listen to the Kalam-e-Iqbal by the youths in a powerful way. It has lasting impact on the listeners and I deeply appreciate their efforts, he said.
Dr Najeeba Arif in her welcome address welcomed Ejaz Rahim to the PAL. Today’s event is different from the usual seminars and conferences as students of various colleges of Islamabad have been invited to pay tributes to Allama Iqbal by reciting his poets, she said. Literature, she said, helps us to become a good human being. She also expressed gratitude to the ‘judges’ of the poetry competition Dr Naheed Qamar, Haider Farooq and Dr Arshad Mehmood Nashad and all the teachers and students who had come to attend/participate in the event. Later, First, Second and Third positions were announced. Syeda Fizza Batool of the IMCG F-7/2 bagged the first position while Amna Awan of IMCG F-10/2 came second and Muskan Hasnain of IMCG F-10/2 was declared third according to the judges.
The Punjab Arts Council in collaboration with All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association also organized Kalam-e-Iqbal, Speech and Tableau competitions to mark Iqbal Day.
Naheed Manzoor and Director of Arts Council Waqar Ahmed were the chief guests on the occasion. Member DRA Rawalpindi & President APPSMA Malik Ibrar Ahmad Khan and Divisional President APPSMA Aamir participated in the ceremony as guests of honors. Addressing the ceremony, Naheed Manzoor said that Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s poetry was a glowing chapter in the history of Urdu language.
AllamaIqbal gave the Muslims of the subcontinent political backing through his speech. He woke up the nation from the dream of slumber and awakened their spirit to decide their own destiny, she added.
Director Arts Council Waqar Ahmad said that Allama Iqbal gave a message of unity to the Muslim Ummah through his poetry. He is considered as a modern Sufi. His main tendency in poetry was towards Sufism and revival of the Muslim Ummah.
