PESHAWAR: Speakers at a literary event held here on Saturday asked youth to adopt Allama Iqbal’s message of self-discovery and personal growth.

According to them, Allama Iqbal emphasised the need of young people realising their own abilities, self-worth, moral integrity, and broad-mindedness. They said that Iqbal wished for young people to be critical thinkers, visionary leaders, and information searchers.

The Peshawarians Literary Society organised a literary event called “Iqbal Ka Naujan” (Iqbal’s youth) in a local college, where students, educators, and intellectuals came to commemorate Allama Dr Mohammad Iqbal’s 147th birthday.

The majority of Iqbal’s writings were “direct addresses” to the youth, who he believed were the nation’s most valuable resource for leading, guiding, and pursuing the aspirations of the populace.

The daylong event also included an Urdu declamation contest, baitbazi, a book fair, a quiz on Iqbal’s life and writings. In his introductory remarks, the society’s chief Hasamuddin Khan Khilji emphasised the need of youngsters comprehending the essence of Allama Iqbal’s teachings.

Participants discussed a variety of topics related to Allama Iqbal, such as the revivalism of Islamic principles, self-worth, and support for freedom, humanism, and the unrelenting pursuit of lofty goals.

Prof Khalid Khan Khalil was chief guest while Prof Iftikhar Ahmad Khan chaired the function. They said their institution enjoyed the credit of a former Urdu teacher namely Prof Zaitur- Rahman who had done a doctorate thesis on Pashto translation of works of Allama Iqbal rendered by eminent Pashto poets and scholars.

Mr Khalil, in his speech, highlighted salient features of Iqbal’s poetry including symbolism, mystical and philosophical themes, use of Persian and Arabic imagery. Later, the chief guest distributed awards and commendation certificates to winning students.

Published in Dawn, November 10th, 2024