Glowing tributes paid to Iqbal in second event of Virsa series

Times News Service MUSCAT: Glowing tributes were paid to Sir Muhammed Iqbal, popularly known as Allama Iqbal, in ‘Shaam-e-Iqbal’, an evening organised as part of the Virsa series to acknowledge and appreciate the great poet and philosopher’s work and immense contribution to the Muslim resurgence and creation of Pakistan, at Crystal Suites Hotel in Wadi Kabir.

The speakers acknowledged that Iqbal’s poetry provided a platform for the reawakening of Muslims, offering guidelines for the youth to become a role model. His thinking and writings showed the way to uplift their spirits, infusing a new life in their struggle for their rights and a separate homeland. Iqbal’s philosophy of ‘Khudi’, concept of ‘Shaheen’ (eagle) as a role model for the youth and the holy Quran’s influence in his poetry were also discussed. Allama Iqbal is also known as ‘Poet of the East’, ‘Mufakkir-e-Islam’ and ‘Hakeemul-Ummat’.

Chaudhry Shaukat Ali, Counselor, Embassy of Pakistan, was the chief guest of the event organised by Alpha Events and supported by A’Saffa Foods Oman.

Virsa series, held in a roundtable discussion format, aims to recount and relive the literary heritage of Pakistan by organising a series of events. ‘A Tribute to Waris Shah’ was the first of the series held a few months ago. Senior journalist Shahzad Raza briefed the audience about the aims and objectives of the Virsa series which will see its next event on ‘Naat’ during Ramadan.

‘Shaam-e-Iqbal’ was conducted by noted poet Qamar Riaz, who also spoke on ‘Different shades of Iqbal’s poetry’.

The other speakers and partici- pants included Chaudhry Shaukat Ali, Shahzad Raza, Noaman Abdul Majid, Akhmat Hayat Raja, Prof. Irshad Ahmed, Syed Fayyaz Ali Shaha, Murawwat Ahmad, S.A.S Bukhari, Mohammed Rafique Chaudhry, Faheem Zia and Mian Mohammed Munir.

Maratab Ali, Chaudhry Mohammad Afzal and Rana Shaukat recited Iqbal’s poetry in their beautiful voices. The event also saw a documentary being played to highlight the work of Allama Iqbal as well as some of his poetry sung by eminent singers. In the end, the guests were treated to a sumptuous dinner.