ISLAMABAD, NOV 09 (DNA) -:  Speakers at a function held here on Friday at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) paid rich tributes to Dr. Muhammad Iqbal on his 141^st birth anniversary, urging the youth to follow his footprints for a better life.

The function was largely attended by the students of local colleges and Universities. It was marked by holding ‘Bait Bazi’ and ‘Kalam-e-Iqbal’s competitions among them.

The speakers including eminent intellectual and poet Dr. Prof. Fateha Muhammad Malik and Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood who underlined the need of comprehending and practicing the message of the great poet in a true spirit. This is only way to revive Islamic glory and putting the life on road to progress and prosperity, they asserted.

They noted that Iqbal’s thoughts are highly inspiring and motivating for the young generation for having a right direction towards a successful life. While eulogizing the role of Dr. Iqbal in the freedom movement, they said the dream of the poet was turned into reality and it led the Muslims to have a respectful life in the comity of the nations.

Dr. Fateha Muhammad Malik spoke high of Allama Iqbal’s poetry and intellectual thoughts and urged youth to follow the teachings of Poet of East. He recited some verses of poetry, relating to his Islamic thoughts.

Dr. Nasir Mahmmod while presiding over the function said that the University will continue its endeavor to promote the message of Dr. Iqbal among the youth through its academic pursuits.

He said there is dire need of the time to keep high the message and thoughts of the great Muslim Philosopher in practical life.  His intellectual thoughts are source of strength and guidance for the new generation, Dr. Nasir added.

In Kalam-e-Iqbal’s competition, those who won first, second and third prizes were Alleena Noor of AIOU’s Islamabad region, Wasim Bashir (AIOU) and Eshamul Hasan of Islamabad Model College for Boys F-8/4. The best prizes, first, second and third in the ‘Bait Bazi’ went to Fatima Jinnah Women University, Islamabad Model College for women I-8/3 and Garden College, Rawalpindi respectively.

Dr. Nasir Mahmood congratulated the prize’s winners and praised the quality and standard of their presentations, particularly reciting kalam-e-Iqbal in most impressive way.

Those who participated in the event included Dean Social Sciences Dr. Samina Awan,  chairman Department of Urdu Dr. Abdul Aziz Sehr, Director Students Affairs, Rana Tariq Javed, Regional Director Rawalpindi Region Malik Toqeer Ahmed Khan and Regional Director Islamabad Shah Farrakh, besides the Registrar Dr. Muhammad Muhammad Zaigham Qadeer.=DNA

=================