OUR STAFF REPORTERS
MANDI BAHAUDDIN/SIALKOT
Two ceremonies were held each by the ex-servicemen and the teachers and students of Islamia University of Bahawalpur here to observe the Iqbal Day on Sunday.
The Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Society held the gathering at Irshad Colony to celebrate the 137th birth anniversary of the Poet of the East. Local residents also attended the function.
Addressing the participants, speakers said Allama Iqbal was a great freedom fighter who opposed capitalism. He participated in the Pakistan Movement as a frontline soldier and through his poetry infused revolutionary spirit in the Muslims of Subcontinent, they added. He was a great personality who influenced Quad-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to join the Muslim league for strengthening the movement for a separate independent homeland for the Muslims of Subcontinent, they said.
"His poetry not only instilled courage in the Muslims but also guided them to act in line with his vision. If our rulers practically follow his principles, the country could be retrieved from the troubles," they said.
They, however, regretted that the rulers practically do not draw guidance from Iqbal's teachings nor implement them in true spirit although they verbally urge the public to follow them. Major (r) Sher Gondal, Chief Warrant Officer Abdul Gani Gujjar, Capt Amin, Lt-Col Sadiq, Subedar Major Muhammad Bashir, Munir Ahmed Gondal were prominent among the speakers.
Likewise, a ceremony was held at Islamia University of Bahawalpur to observe Iqbal Day and the World Space Week.
Speakers on the occasion hoped that the youth would fully prove their worth through getting knowledge as the federal government had allocated billions of rupees for the promotion of education in the country besides launching various schemes for their better studies and future to prove themselves the eagles of Allama Iqbal.
They advised the students to take part in such activities enthusiastically to boost their knowledge and practical experience as they had to lead the country. They asked the students to try their level best to be fully capable to serve the nation.
The focal person of the World Space Week event, Dr Asghar Hashmi, briefed the ongoing activities and students' performance besides the future plans to carry out such activity. SUPARCO Director Shuja Taemori and IUB Vice-Chancellor Dr Muhammad Afzal Khan in their address highlighted the objectives of the current activities.