Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal in Tehran
The Embassy of Pakistan in Tehran recently celebrated the 148th birth anniversary of Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal, widely known as Iqbal Lahori. This event took place in collaboration with the Department of Urdu at the University of Tehran and the Hoze Honari, Art Counsel of Tehran. The celebration was held on Sunday and marked a significant cultural milestone.
Muhammad Mudassir Tipu, the ambassador of Pakistan in Tehran, highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Iran, which has a history spanning five thousand years. He praised the way Iran has preserved its culture over the centuries. Ambassador Tipu emphasized that Dr. Iqbal’s contributions are not limited to Pakistan but have inspired many nations around the world. In Iran, Iqbal is highly respected, and no dialogue or cultural event is complete without mentioning his name.
He further mentioned that Iranian leaders, including the late President Raisi, President Pezeshkian, and Speaker Muhammad Bagher Ghalibaf, have visited Mazar-e-Iqbal during their visits to Pakistan to express their respect for Iqbal Lahori. The ambassador also noted that Iqbal’s concepts on Khudi (selfhood), Shaheen (eagle), and the Renaissance of the Muslim Ummah are timeless. The Embassy of Pakistan in Tehran has declared 2027 as the Year of Iqbal and plans to organize various events to highlight his teachings. The ambassador extended an invitation to the Hoze Honari to participate in these programs.
Iqbal Day Celebrations at the University of Tehran
In another program held at the Urdu Department of the University of Tehran, Iqbal Day was celebrated in a fitting manner. The event was attended by Dr. Janullah Karimi, Rais Danishkuda-e-Adbeat o uloom-e-Insaani, faculty members, university students, and officers from the Embassy of Pakistan.
Ms. Ismat Hasan, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Pakistan, spoke at the event. She stated that the thoughts of Iqbal are universal and metaphysical in nature. His concept of Khudi, Shaheen, and his devotion to Muhammad are unmatched. In today’s era of globalization, where cultural identity is fading, Iqbal’s ideas serve as a beacon to remain connected to our roots, cultural values, and civilization. She added that Iqbal rightly earned the title of “The Poet of the East” as he encapsulated the cultural values of the entire East, including Iran, Arab countries, Turkey, and Pakistan through his poetry.
Honoring the Philosopher-Poet
University students paid tribute to the great philosopher-poet by reciting his poems. The ceremony was attended by a large number of students, scholars, and members of the Pakistani diaspora. The event underscored the enduring legacy of Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal and his profound impact on the cultural and intellectual landscape of the region.