National Book Foundation (NBF), under the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, organised an academic and intellectual event to commemorate the 149th birth anniversary of the great poet and philosopher of the East, Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
NBF organises intellectual, academic event to mark Iqbal’s 149th birth anniversary
ISLAMABAD, Nov 10 (APP):National Book Foundation (NBF), under the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, organised an academic and intellectual event to commemorate the 149th birth anniversary of the great poet and philosopher of the East, Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
Titled “Iqbal’s Message to the Ummah and the Youth”, the event was held at the Ahmad Faraz Auditorium at NBF headquarters in Islamabad.
The event aimed to highlight Iqbal’s philosophy and teachings, particularly his message of Khudi (selfhood), love and action, and his vision for the intellectual and moral development of younger generations.
Renowned educationist and researcher Dr Aziz Ali Najam delivered the keynote lecture, while the chief guest, Major General (Retd.) Muhammad Tahir, also shared his views.
In his thought-provoking lecture, Dr Aziz Ali Najam shed light on various aspects of Allama Iqbal’s life, academic and literary journey, education, political and intellectual struggle, and poetry.
He observed that Iqbal was not merely a poet but a great thinker, philosopher and architect of the intellectual foundations of Pakistan. His poetry and philosophy inspire individuals to recognise their true identity, awaken their sense of selfhood, develop strong character and face life’s challenges through practical struggle.
He emphasised that Allah Almighty has bestowed upon human beings the status of Ashraf-ul-Makhluqat (the noblest of creation); therefore, they must understand the purpose of their creation, their position and responsibilities, and utilise their abilities in a positive and constructive manner.
He referred to Allama Iqbal’s major literary and poetic works, particularly Bang-e-Dra, Bal-e-Jibril and Armaghan-e-Hijaz, highlighting their intellectual messages of Muslim unity, self-awareness, awakening and guidance for younger generations.
He observed that although Allama Iqbal had deeply studied the intellectual and philosophical contributions of Western thinkers, the foundations of his thought remained firmly rooted in Islamic teachings, the Qur’anic concept of life and the spiritual traditions of the East.
He added that Iqbal had also played an active role in national and political affairs and sought to instil self-confidence, intellectual freedom and collective consciousness among Muslims through his poetry.
Dr Aziz Ali Najam particularly highlighted the spiritual and intellectual relationship between Allama Iqbal and Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi (RA), describing Rumi as Iqbal’s spiritual mentor, guide and intellectual inspiration.
He noted that Iqbal had expressed his profound admiration for Rumi in various places in his poetry and regarded him as a source of intellectual and spiritual development. In this connection, he also recited Iqbal’s famous couplet: “Pir-e-Rumi khaak ra ikseer kard Az ghubaaram jalwah-ha ta’meer kard”.
At the conclusion of his lecture, Dr Aziz Ali Najam presented Allama Iqbal’s celebrated poem “Na Tu Zameen Ke Liye Hai Na Aasmaan Ke Liye” in the voice of renowned artist Hina Nasrullah.
The chief guest, Major General (Retd.) Muhammad Tahir, in his address, discussed the thoughts of Allama Iqbal and Maulana Rumi, Eastern and Western philosophical traditions, and the importance of reading, moral character, and positive thinking in human life.
Referring to his book Books That Changed My Life, he explained that the publication explores the ideas of Western thinkers, ranging from Socrates to Bertrand Russell, as well as prominent Eastern intellectual figures, including Allama Iqbal and Maulana Rumi.
He encouraged younger generations to develop their personalities through reading quality books, acquiring knowledge and engaging in intellectual pursuits.
In his remarks, NBF Managing Director Dr Kamran Jahangir highlighted the significance of Iqbal Day and the objectives of the event. He said that Allama Iqbal’s message continued to hold exceptional importance for the intellectual, moral and national guidance of the nation.
He also thanked the keynote speaker, chief guest and participants for attending the event.
The event was attended by a large number of distinguished personalities, scholars and representatives of academic, literary, educational and social circles, including Kaukab Qabool, Shazia Shakeel, Dr Sadaf Irtaza, Dr Irum Hayat, Munazza Bashir, Shabnam Tauqeer, Farhat Sultana, Dr Raheema Rehman and Gul Naz, among others.
