A special programme for children was held at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture as a tribute to the legendry poet. Students from Islamabad and Rawalpindi participated in the event.
The film ‘Iqbal’ was shown to children, narrating to them about the life of the legendary poet. Saba Pervez, Usman Pirzada and Wasim Abbas acted in the film. The students presented different verses and poems from Kalam-i-Iqbal, highlighting the importance and wisdom of his prose.
The audience were moved when a blind man Muhammad Furqan presented the verse Har lahza hai momin ki nai aan nai shan. A group from Beaconhouse School System paid homage to the great poet by singing the inspirational verses: Khudi ka Sir-e-Nihan and Iqbal Hai Iqbal Hai Iqbal Hamara. Speeches on Iqbal’s philosophy were also part of the ceremony. The speakers highlighted the philosophy of egoism, love and peace. They said that Iqbal had dreamt of Pakistan but his philosophy was universal.
The audience stood spellbound when a team of students from Bright Land Public School presented a tableau on the evergreen and inspirational poem: Lab Pay Ati Hai Dua Ban Kay Tamana Meri. Other tableaus were also presented on the occasion including verses from Shikwah and Jawab-e-Shikwah. Students made various paintings reflecting Iqbal’s thought-provoking poetry.
Parliamentarians including Yasmin Rehman, Nafeesa Shah and Dr Atiya Inyatullah also participated in the programme.
Regional Girl Guides House also observed Iqbal Day with national zeal and enthusiasm. Rallies were taken out and a tableau was presented on the occasion. Addressing the students, Regional Guide Sara Qazi highlighted various aspects of the life, achievements and poetry of Allama Muhammad Iqbal. She advised the students to follow the teaching of Allama Iqbal as a role model for Muslims, adding that his poetry is a torchbearer which inspired not only Muslims but the whole humanity. Qazi said that Allama Iqbal gave an idea to the Muslims of sub continent and she paid rich tribute for this “meritorious” service for helping Muslims of the subcontinent get a home of their own. Sara Qazi urged students to show discipline and play their role according to the aspirations of Allama Iqbal who wanted to see Pakistan a prosperous and independent state.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 10th, 2010.
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