Allama Muhammad Iqbal is the intellectual architect and spiritual guide of the Muslims of the subcontinent, and the torchbearer of the ideal concept of the “Mard-e-Momin.” — Address of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Rauf-I-Azam at the Iqbal Conference

On the occasion of Iqbal Day, a two-day International Conference titled “Sitaaron Se Aage Jahaan Aur Bhi Hain” (“There are other worlds beyond the stars”) was organized at Government College University Faisalabad. The conference was arranged by the Department of Urdu, with renowned researchers, Iqbal scholars, teachers, writers, and poets from within the country and abroad participating.

The inaugural session was presided over by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Rauf-I-Azam. In his address, he highlighted Iqbal’s concept of the Shaheen (eagle), stating that the younger generation should seek guidance from Iqbal’s message of selfhood (khudi) and continuous effort. He added that Iqbal’s dream can only be realized when the youth advance in modern knowledge, research, and innovation, and play an active role in the economic and developmental progress of the country.

In the academic sessions of the conference, Iqbal scholar Prof. Dr. Shahida Yousaf, Prof. Dr. Sher Ali (Dean, Alhamd Islamic University), Dr. Rashid Hameed (Executive Director, National Language Promotion Department), Usan Abdul Majeed (Professor of Arts, Syria), renowned writer Muhammad Hameed Shahid, and Principal Government Graduate College Faisalabad Dr. Afzal Hameed presented their research papers. The speakers, shedding light on various aspects of Iqbal’s thought, said that Iqbal is regarded as an intellectual guide for the Muslims of the subcontinent, who breathed new spirit into the Muslim Ummah through his poetry.

The Chairperson of the Urdu Department Prof. Dr. Rabia Sarfraz, Dean Faculty of Islamic and Oriental Learning Prof. Dr. Humayun Abbas, and other faculty members also expressed their views. They emphasized the need to align Iqbal’s philosophy with the demands of the present era so that the younger generation may better fulfill their intellectual and practical roles.

Participants of the conference appreciated the academic and research initiatives taken by the Department of Urdu for the promotion of Iqbal studies.

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