Cellphone app launched for poetry lovers

After installing, user can easily access to any of Iqbal's verses through this app

LAHORE: There is a need to uphold the philosophy, thoughts and ideology of Allama Iqbal, who always inculcated hope, courage and national unity among Muslims, said Punjab Governor Muhammad Rafique Rajwana.

He was speaking at a two-day Iqbal conference titled "Challenges to Humanity in the Lights of Iqbal's Thoughts" at Aiwan-e-Iqbal on Tuesday.

The governor also inaugurated a unique cellphone application having with features such as access to Iqbal's four poetic books. After installing the application, the user can easily access to any of the verses through it.

He said that Iqbal's message of peace and co-existence was relevant to cope with socioeconomic challenges of the present day. "Iqbal's poetry was of cosmic nature, stressing on the concept of self-belief. "We should set right direction in the light of Iqbal's poetry."

Speaking on the occasion, Advisor to Prime Minister on National History and Literary Heritage Irfan Siddiqui said that the ideas, revolutionary concepts and thoughts of the great poet and philosopher Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal are still quite relevant to the present day.

Siddiqui said that works of Allama Iqbal had never been irrelevant in their lives as he was not only their past and present, but future as well. He said Iqbal's message of inspiration and motivation provided guidance even for living in the modern era and can help set right direction leading to a successful life. "We have to strive for the establishment of Pakistan, which was dreamt by Allama Iqbal, and in this regard, the role of young generation is eminent, he added.

He appreciated the efforts of National History and Literary Heritage Division's team led by its Secretary Engineer Aamir Hassan for holding an important and informative conference after a long pause of 16 years to highlight Iqbal's philosophy.

Later, the governor presented shields to Irfan Siddique, Aamir Hassan, Prof Rafiuddin Hashmi and others as a memento of the conference.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 25^th, 2018.