Allama Iqbal’s visionary poetry left an indelible imprint on Pakistan’s history, identity: Amb Sheikh

WASHINGTON, Nov 10 (APP): Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, on Tuesday said that Allama Iqbal’s visionary poetry has left an indelible imprint on Pakistan’s national history and identity, emphasizing that through his poetry, thoughts, and writings, the great poet awakened a sense of Khudi, self-reliance, and self-determination among the Muslims of the subcontinent.

Addressing a ceremony held to mark the 150th birth anniversary of the Poet of the East, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the ambassador said that Iqbal used his prose and verse to awaken a nation that was under colonial rule and subjected to intellectual and mental constraints.

He noted that Iqbal connected with the masses through his verses, and that the core of his poetry was to awaken a nation through self-realization and to mobilize its youth in particular.

The event drew robust participation from prominent Pakistani community leaders, media representatives, and individuals from various walks of life.

Ambassador Sheikh stressed that Iqbal’s message emphasizes the revival of Islamic values, spirituality, and culture. His concept of Khudi encompasses self-confidence, with a primary objective to make the Muslims of the subcontinent realize their political significance and distinct identity.

Highlighting government efforts, the ambassador shared that the Government of Pakistan is resolved to make Iqbal’s thought an effective part of educational institutions, national discourses, and developmental priorities.

“The message of Allama Iqbal has been a part of our lives across different eras. The need of the hour is to transfer this intellectual foundation to the new generation,” Ambassador Sheikh remarked, adding that the youth must be introduced to the glorious traditions of which they are heirs, as detailed in Iqbal’s philosophy.

He noted that Iqbal’s concept of Khudi teaches individuals and nations to change their destiny through self-awareness, purposeful struggle, and spiritual freedom, while his concept of the Shaheen inspires youth with courage, high resolve, and the pursuit of excellence.

Ambassador Sheikh called for a renewed pledge to strive for a prosperous, peaceful, and united Pakistan as dreamt by Allama Iqbal, and materialized through the inspiring leadership of Quaid-e-Azam and the everlasting sacrifices of the subcontinent’s Muslims.

During the event, other speakers and poets noted that Allama Iqbal inspired the Muslims of the subcontinent to struggle for a separate homeland through his poetry and ideas.

The speakers highlighted that the great poet and thinker envisioned an independent country so that Muslims in British India could secure their political rights and prosper in a free nation.

They also observed that Iqbal’s intellectual and literary heritage spans beyond his inspirational works, deeply encompassing themes like religion, spirituality, philosophy, and freedom.

A panel discussion on the theme “Iqbal’s Poetry and Contemporary Needs” was also organized during the ceremony.

Additionally, the Sadiqain Gallery in Chicago arranged a special pictorial exhibition of artwork based on Iqbal’s poetry, and an informational video on Kalam-e-Iqbal was screened, which was greatly appreciated by the audience.

Renowned poets also recited their verses to pay homage to Allama Iqbal and shed light on various aspects of his philosophy.

The event was organized in collaboration with Bazm-e-Harf-o-Sukhun and the International Academy of Letters.

The organizers and participants thanked the ambassador and the Embassy of Pakistan for providing US-based Pakistanis a magnificent opportunity to benefit from the message and poetry of Allama Iqbal.