Pakistan Embassy in Washington marks Iqbal’s 149th birth anniversary
The Embassy of Pakistan celebrated Allama Iqbal's 149th birth anniversary with a poetry symposium and art exhibition, highlighting his profound influence on Pakistan's national identity and philosophy.
- Iqbal's vision as the intellectual foundation of Pakistan's national identity.
- The concept of *Khudi* (selfhood) in Iqbal’s philosophy.
- Relevance of Iqbal's poetry to contemporary challenges.
The Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C., marked the 149th birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal with a special event featuring a poetry symposium and an exhibition of paintings by renowned artist Sadequain inspired by Iqbal’s poetry.
The event,** held on November 9, brought together members of civil society, academics, students, media representatives and literary figures to pay tribute to Pakistan’s national poet.
Addressing the gathering, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh said Iqbal’s vision and poetry provided the intellectual foundation for the country’s national identity and the Pakistan Movement.
“The intellectual foundation of our national life is rooted in the thought of Iqbal, just as the leadership of the Quaid constitutes the political foundation of our national life,” he said.
The ambassador highlighted Iqbal’s efforts to awaken the youth and the Muslim community of the subcontinent, saying his message laid the intellectual groundwork for the movement for an independent homeland.
He also highlighted the concept of *Khudi* (selfhood), a central theme in Iqbal’s philosophy, describing it as a source of self-realisation, confidence and recognition of human dignity.
Sheikh urged participants to pass on Iqbal’s intellectual legacy to future generations, stressing the need to draw on his ideas for academic self-reliance, guidance and fresh thinking.
The programme also featured a panel discussion titled “The Poetry of Iqbal and the Demands of the Contemporary Era”, examining the relevance of his philosophy to present-day challenges.
Organised in collaboration with the International Academy of Letters USA and Bazm-e-Harf-o-Sukhan, the event also included readings of official messages from the prime minister and deputy prime minister/foreign minister, followed by a musical performance based on Iqbal’s poetry.
In his closing remarks, Ambassador Sheikh thanked the participants and underscored the importance of translating Iqbal’s philosophy into practical life.
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