Remembering Allama Iqbal’s contributions and services to the nation, the Citizens Archive of Pakistan (CAP) gathered Karachiites to celebrate the achievements of this notable poet, philosopher and economist at Port Grand on Friday.
The patriotic poet, who raised his voice at a crucial time to bring forth a country where we could live in peace, will always remain in our hearts.
“We all love the idea of a public holiday, but sadly we don’t know much about why this holiday even exists,” said Amean J, a photographer and board member of CAP. “CAP is celebrating the life and times in which this great poet lived and we are here today to educate people.” Leaflets and small pieces of paper were hung from the branches of trees on the venue containing anecdotes and small portions of Iqbal’s writings — the purpose was to educate people as they could easily be pulled out and read.
A timeline of his life’s events was also posted on a wall, souvenirs were handed out and a multi-media projector displayed a video of his place of residence in Pakistan, the Javed Manzil, where his belongings depicted even more about his simple and great life.
“Iqbal was a great poet, a great artist and a well-known philosopher and all his other traits follow these notable titles,” Amean continued. “I have read a little bit of his work and some words are so powerful that they have this amazing effect on you.”
Also present at the event was Saima Mohsin, a journalist by profession. “It’s great to see an exhibition like this, in the heart of Karachi,” she said. “And about someone I knew so little about it. It’s great receiving all this information here.”
Amidst the crowd were children eager to learn more about this remarkable individual as well. “He was a great man — he was the one who gathered enough courage to say it out loud that the Muslims of India needed a separate homeland,” said 15-year-old Sara Hasan from St Jude’s School.
“When I participate in school elocutions, I always begin by reciting Iqbal’s work,” said nine-year-old Nadir Hameedi from Bay View Academy, adding that he has been doing this for the past three years. “Last time, I opened up the contest with the poem ‘Aik Bakra aur Bakri’.” He feels as a poet and philosopher, Iqbal has taught his countrymen how to live. “We should honour him as the national poet of Pakistan for there never was, and never will be someone of his calibre,” he added.
The exhibition will continue till Friday.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 13th, 2012.
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COMMENTS (3)
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It does no harm to the country or its people, if kept away from Ideologues. His utopian ideas like 'Ummah' is obsolete in contemporary world, not that it was ever relevant at anytime during last 1400 years.
His poetry offcourse is a different matter. A treat to savour.
Because Iqbal's concept is Muslim nationalism, Islamic Ideology and renaissance etc. Didn't you know we seem to be allergic to any and everything that has keywords like "Muslim" or "Islam"?
Tens of pages on Malala day and just a couple of them for Iqbal day that too on 12th Nov , 3 days after Iqbal day..disappointed.