Poet of the East Allama Iqbal. PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD:
The 75th death anniversary of national poet Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal will be observed in the country on April 21 (today) to acknowledge his services for acquiring a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent.
Allama Iqbal was born in Sialkot on November 9, 1877. He is also recognised as a national poet and known as Muffakir-e-Pakistan, Shair-e-Mashriq and Hakeemul Ummat.
He is also considered one of the most important figures in literature with literary works in both Urdu and Persian languages.
Radio Pakistan will broadcast special programmes to pay tribute to the great poet.
Newspapers will publish special editions and television channels would air different programmes to mark Allama Iqbal’s death anniversary.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 21st, 2013.
COMMENTS (14)
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Why poet of east? There are many great poet and thinkers in East. Why our nation always project any xyz with excessive noble salutations. His contributions in terms of poetry some times feel as if he were favorable to theocratic state.
@Umer: "Iqbal is grossly over rated, perhaps because we are short on real heroes so something has to do."
I would not say that. He is indeed a scholar of extra ordinary caliber but has been dragged down by semi literate, intellectually challenged midgets who want to cut him to the size to fit him into their petty agenda. They have mutilated his poetry into some cliches to justify their own existence. Just look at some Pakistani Urdu news paper columnists and TV anchors!
@Syed A. Mateen: "Is there any person in Pakistan who can fulfill the dream of Allama Iqbal today?"
Oh yes; ask any Zia or Musharraf type! Now if it turns out to be a nightmare then blame India, CIA and everyone else along with their mother in law!
Allama wanted a homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent in the shape of States not a country where you cannot go without visa. He never wanted racism nor regionalism which is eating us up and not allowing 54% of land mass that is Baluchistan to be developed. Allama would not have stopped Muslims from India from making Pakistan their home. Allama would have ensured that Nationality Act had a bearing to the Two Nation Theory, the basis for our creation of a Muslim State.
Allama Sahab never wrote or uttered work "Pakistan" or "Nazria e Pakistan;" show me if he ever did! He envisaged majority muslim states (Kashmir, Punjab, Sind and may be Baluchistan) as part of loose federation within independent India. Allama Iqbal, Quid e Azam, Islam, Pakistan and Urdu have been hijacked by the civil and military establishment; itself a continuation of British colonial Raj and use them as weapons to beat everyone.
He is a poet who couldn't distinguish been reality and fantasy and created a dangerous mixture of religion and politics along with Jinnah. When blaming someone for Pakistan's problems, don't blame Zia but blame Iqbal and Jinnah.
Did Allama Iqbal saw the same dream for Pakistan as what is happening now-a-days in the country?
Is there any person in Pakistan who can fulfill the dream of Allama Iqbal today?
Iqbal is grossly over rated, perhaps because we are short on real heroes so something has to do.
@BruteForce: Or another angle to look at it - The national poet of Pakistan is revered in India as the writer of "Saare jahaan se accha Hindustan hamara". Illustates the ironic Indians' love-hate relationship with Iqbal
Under PTI government next year, this day will become one of the most revered day in our holiday calendar--time to stand up and honour our great forefathers who gave us the land we call home!
He was really a great Scholar, Philosopher, thinker and Great inspirational Hero! His poetry and sayings will always be remembered and will lead to better Pakistan in future if as nation we follow them!
mullas , librals and everyone owns him but no one follows. he was a saint in deed !
The guy who wrote "Saare jahaan se accha Hindustan hamara" is Pakistan's national poet. The guy who wrote the Indian national anthem is Bangladesh's national poet.
Hats off for Dr. Sahib, He is the only person who tell the muslims of sub-continent that the solutions of their problems are in an Islamic State.... Hates off for Allam Muhammad Iqbal