ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: President Dr. Arif Alvi has paid glowing tribute to one of the greatest thinkers, philosophers, and poets of the East Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal whose ideas, values and out of the box thinking had inspired generations of writers and philosophers the world over.
In message on the birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal being celebrated on Wednesday, the president said that this day, we pay homage to Allama Iqbal for giving the idea of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent where they could lead their lives in accordance with their religious, social and cultural values and without fear and intimidation of the majority Hindus.
This idea finally came into being under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah on August 14, 1947.
The president said that the great philosopher and poet persistently gave us a message in his poetry, prose and speeches: to attain education and knowledge and apply this knowledge in our everyday life to understand life, our perception of reality and to attain a higher level of both spiritual fulfillment and happiness, and progress and prosperity.
Allama Iqbal taught us to strengthen our belief in our abilities and potential to achieve self-reliance in every facet of life with self-confidence, hard work and innovations and continue our quest to find new solutions and bringing innovation and creativity in life without compromising our self-respect, dignity and honor, religious, social and cultural values.
Iqbal had a great affection for the youth. He urged them to aspire for greatness, and be fearless and continue their quest for bigger and unseen possibilities like a soaring eagle that knows no bounds.
His famous verses from his ghazal Sitaron Se Agay have inspired generations of young people and continues to do so still. His concept of Khudi will continue to enlighten the way toward attaining inspiration in our quest to develop our country and attain our rightful place in the comity of nations.
Allama Iqbal said: (Develop the Self so that before every decree, God will ascertain from you: “What is your wish) On this day we re-pledge to re-align our lives in accordance with the teachings of Dr. Allama Iqbal of strengthening brotherhood, upholding the cherished values of liberty, justice and equality and striving to gain modern knowledge of science and arts, and embracing innovation and creation without compromising our religious, social and cultural values and preferences.
