RAWALPINDI: Iqbal Day was observed at Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) on Tuesday to pay tribute to the services of Allama Mohammad Iqbal.

RAC Director Waqar Ahmed was special guest and it was largely attended by students from all walks of life.

In the Kalam-i-Iqbal competition, Rida secured first position, while Maryam Bibi and Ayesha Bibi came in second and third, respectively. The children of Future Foundation School came in first in the tableau competition, while Darus Salam and Umbreen School secured the second and third spot.

In the speech competitions, Ajwa Ahmed won the first prize whereas Azka Kaleem and Rehab Bibi came in second and third. Prof Baqir Wasim Qazi, Prof Dr Mohammad Nafees, Prof Jalil Akhtar Satti and Prof Mohammad Azam were the judges.

Mr Ahmed said by following the ideas of Iqbal, we can make Pakistan greater.

“Allama Iqbal’s poetry and philosophy is read and understood in every part of the world. The poet of the East has always urged Muslims to unite and work together,” he said, adding Iqbal’s thoughts on issues like sectarianism, ideological extremism and formation of new collective groups are still a beacon of hope for us today.

Published in Dawn, November 10th, 2021