PESHAWAR: Speakers at a literary event on Saturday asked youth to adopt Iqbal’s message of self- discovery and personal growth.
The literary function titled ‘Iqbal Ka Naujawan’ (Iqbal’s youth) arranged under the banner of Peshawarians Literary Society (PLS) at a local college hostel hall. A large number of students, teachers and literati gathered to mark 147th birth day of Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal.
The speakers said that Allama Iqbal stressed youth to understand their strengths, self-worth, far-sightedness and moral integrity. Iqbal wanted youth to be visionary leaders, seekers of knowledge and critical thinking, they added.
The major part of Iqbal’s works was a ‘direct address’ to youth as he considered the young generation the most precious asset of a nation to lead, guide and pursue the dream of the people.
Baitbazi, quiz on Iqbal’s life and works, book fair and an Urdu declamation contest were also part of the daylong event.
Hasamuddin Khan Khilji, chief of PLS in opening remarks pointed out that youth needed to understand the message of Allama Iqbal in its spirit.
Participants shed light on different aspects of Allama Iqbal including revivalism of Islamic values, self esteem, advocacy for freedom, humanism and relentless struggle for achieving high targets.
The focus of Iqbal’s poetry was spiritual growth, self-purification, and patriotism alongside search for knowledge.
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.
Khalid Khalil 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.
