Pakistan Embassy in Washington marks Iqbal’s 149th birth anniversary
The Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C., marked the 149th birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal with a special event featuring a poetry symposium and an exhibition of paintings by renowned artist Sadequain inspired by Iqbal’s poetry. The event,** held on November 9, brought together members of civil society, academics, students, media representatives and literary figures to pay tribute…
On November 9, the Pakistan Embassy in Washington, D.C. commemorated the 149th birth anniversary of national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal with a special event. The gathering, attended by civil society members, academics, students, media representatives, and literary figures, featured a poetry symposium and an exhibition of paintings by celebrated artist Sadequain, inspired by Iqbal's poetry.
In his address, Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, emphasized Iqbal's profound influence on the country's national identity and the Pakistan Movement. Sheikh pointed out that "the intellectual foundation of our national life is rooted in the thought of Iqbal, just as the leadership of the Quaid constitutes the political foundation of our national life."
The ambassador highlighted Iqbal's efforts to inspire the youth and the Muslim community of the subcontinent, stating that his message provided the intellectual groundwork for the movement towards an independent homeland. He also delved into the concept of *Khudi* (selfhood), a central theme in Iqbal's philosophy, describing it as a source of self-realization, confidence, and recognition of human dignity.
Sheikh urged attendees to continue Iqbal's intellectual legacy, stressing the importance of drawing on his ideas for academic self-reliance, guidance, and fresh thinking. The event was organized in collaboration with the International Academy of Letters USA and Bazm-e-Harf-o-Sukhan and included a panel discussion titled "The Poetry of Iqbal and the Demands of the Contemporary Era," which examined the relevance of his philosophy to modern challenges.
During the program, participants heard official messages from the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, followed by a musical performance based on Iqbal's poetry. In his closing remarks, Ambassador Sheikh thanked the attendees and underscored the significance of translating Iqbal's philosophy into practical life.
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