JEDDAH — Pakistan International School English Section (PISJ-ES) celebrated the 139th birth anniversary of the national poet Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal with great zeal and fervor at school auditorium recently. Adnan Nasir, principal PISJ-ES, said the celebration of Iqbal Day does not fulfill the purpose if we do not adapt our lives according to the guidelines of our spiritual father whose poetry reminds us of the past glories of Islamic civilization, and delivers the message of a pure spiritual focus on our religion as a source for sociopolitical freedom and greatness. Nasir emphasized Iqbal is not just a name but an ideology, which sprouted the initial hope of an independent land for Muslims of subcontinent in the form of Pakistan. He added that we should draw inspiration from Iqbal's ‘Shaheen' that stands for courage, purity of soul and noble character, devotion and dedication, endeavors and endurance to become responsible members of society infused with the attributes of a devout Muslim. Students from the junior and middle school presented spectacular performances on Iqbal's thought-provoking poems. Senior school students revived the essence of Iqbal's thoughts in their debates on the topic, ‘Iqbal's Concept of ‘Khudi' has become a Forlorn Idea of Delusion'. They expressed their thoughts in favor or against the topic, which charged the aura of the auditorium and gave an insight to contemplate on and imply Iqbal's perceptions to become a complete human being and a true Muslim. Samina Ansari media coordinator PISJ-ES told Saudi Gazette that the celebration was intended to pay tribute to the great philosopher and breathe in our youth the spirit of Iqbal's timeless ideologies of ‘Khudi' and ‘Shaheen.'
