Footprints: AIOU unveils plan to project Iqbal’s vision

VC says scheme aims at motivating youth

ISLAMABAD: The Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has prepared an eight-point academic plan to project intellectual and revolutionary thoughts of poet and philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal, said a press release.

The plan was announced by the university Vice-Chancellor Dr Shahid Siddiqui on Monday while addressing an international conference on Iqbal at the university’s main campus here on Monday.

The conference was arranged by the Department of Iqbal Studies (DIS).

Munib Iqbal, grandson of the poet, presided over the inaugural session which was also attended by scholars from Canada, Turkey and Iran.

AIOU, he said, was the only institution, his father Javed Iqbal remained associated with till his death.

The speakers who presented their research papers included Dr Taqi Abidi, Prof Fateh Muhammad Malik, Dr Anwar Ahmed, Dr Khalid Masood and DIS Chairman Dr Shahid Iqbal Kamran.

The VC said an international conference will be held annually. He said Justice Javed Iqbal’s speeches will be compiled in the form of a book. A drama staged by
Javed himself in his early age will be recast and a calendar will also be published, Siddiqui said.

Dr Abidi in his paper said Iqbal’s revolutionary thoughts will remain valid for all times to come. His vision of ‘Khudi’ was most inspiring and a guiding force for building a better future, he added.

Prof Malik said Iqbal’s thoughts were most relevant, even in the 21st century, to address socio-economic challenges.

Prof Anwar Ahmed spoke on various aspects of intellectual work by the poet.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 24^th,  2015.