Mysuru: Famous Urdu and Persian poet-philosopher Allama Iqbal was remembered at ‘Youm E Iqbal’ that was organised at the MESCO PU College recently by the Dars E Iqbal literary organisation.

The programme started with Qirat by Oais Akhter and a Naat by Urdu poet Syed Ahmed Rahil. Retired KEB Executive Engineer Naseer Ali rendered the ‘Kalaam E Iqbal. Urdu poet Gouher Tarikervi, while welcoming the gathering in the jam-packed hall, highlighted the stature of Allama Iqbal in the galaxy of Urdu poets.

Prof. Masood Siraj spoke in detail about Iqbal’s high values and the beauty of his poetic descriptions.

Prof. Mohammed Zia Ulla highlighted the depth of Iqbal’s philosophical thought and explained the concept of ‘Khudi’ or ‘Self’ in his writings.

Moulana Syed Abbas Sajjadi, while paying homage to the great poet, made an emotional appeal to the youth to study the works of the great poet and understand his poetical works for which a basic knowledge of Urdu is required.

He lamented the fading away of this knowledge these days even in those youngsters whose mother-tongue happened to be Urdu.

Prof. B. Sheik Ali, in his presidential address, quoted many verses of Iqbal and explained their meaning. He said that the thoughts expressed by the great poet many decades ago held relevance even to this day.

He expressed happiness that the ‘Dars E Iqbal’ programme which was started some thirty years ago by some intellectuals had continued all these years as a monthly programme on the third Sunday of every month and wished that it continues over the years to come.

Prof. Riaz Ahmed and Prof. Shabbir Mohammed Mustafa were the chief guests.

Prof. Nyamathulla Khan, who compered, requested the gathering to educate their children in their mother-tongue without which their education and upbringing would be incomplete as everyone should know his or her mother-tongue.  Prof. Mohammed Jaffer proposed a vote of thanks.