Iqbal’s ideology key to Muslims’ survival, prosperity: VC
Rawalpindi - The two-day celebrations in connection with the birth anniversary of Poet of the East Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal commenced at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) yesterday.
The event would pay homage and highlight Iqbal’s life with the objective to idealise him as a role model for national prosperity. On the first day of the celebrations, different competitions including essay writing, poster competition and bilingual declamation were held while Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Rai Niaz Ahmad was the chief guest.
In bilingual competition, more than thirty students participated from different departments of the university. The speakers at the contest were highly charged with emotions and critical thoughts. They generously used the fiery verses of Allama Iqbal in their speeches.
In poster & essay writing competitions, students presented that every Pakistani should keep Iqbal’s message in mind forever and strive to shape the country into a true image of his dream.
Prof Dr Rai Niaz Ahmad, speaking on the occasion, said, “Our survival and prosperity depend upon Iqbal’s ideology, which is derived from the Holy Quran and the life of Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH).” He highlighted the vision of Iqbal which laid the foundation stone of the Pakistan Movement and provided Muslims of the sub-continent guidance towards the development of a democratic state. He said the universal message of Iqbal teaches people the lessons of empathy, social sensitivity and concern for all human beings. He said that Iqbal’s ideology of freedom was the foundation of the Ideology of Pakistan and it is the need of hour to change and amend ourselves as per Iqbal’s message. He asserted that role of universities and teachers is highly important in the efforts of putting the country on right track and road to progress. He advised the students to seek directions from Iqbal’s message and follow it to achieve the goals for which the country was created.
In English debate, Anas Munir (student of sciences faculty) got the first position, while Ameer Mauvia (student of FCFS) and Fatima Rizvi (student of agri-engineering) got second and third positions respectively. In Urdu debate, Sibghat Ullah (student of sciences faculty), Tassmia Jaber (student of UIIT) and M Usama Khan (student of FVAS) got first, second and third positions respectively.