Karachi (8 Nov.

2016): The Minister for Culture, Tourism and Antiquities Syed

Sardar Ali Shah has said that no writer or poet including Allama Iqbal can be
confined within the geographical or linguistic boundaries, as they are the
ambassadors of love and peace and rise above such limits. They are the collective
literary assets of humanity at large. He said that it is my keen interest that likewise
Iqbal day is being celebrated here in Sindh, so someday Shah Latif day will be
celebrated in other provinces of the country.
This he said while talking to media at the inauguration ceremony of the special
exhibition of relics and belongings of the national poet, Dr. Allama Muhammad
Iqbal on the eve of his 139th Birth Anniversary.
The Minister for Culture, Tourism and Antiquities Syed Sardar Ali Shah inaugurated
the 15-days exhibition organized by Culture department at National Museum of
Pakistan. Apart from the hand-written letters of Allama Iqbal, there was a vast
collection of articles placed in the exhibition, which remained under his daily use.
These included his chair, umbrella, stick, turban, black gown, books, 1st edition of
his poetic works and numerous photographs depicting his personal, social and
political life.
Talking to media on the occasion, the minister said that the writers, poets, artists and
all the literary souls cannot be confined within geographical or linguistic boundaries
but they are the fountains of inspiration for all the humans around the world. He said
that we have confined Allama Iqbal into only one arena of politics who dreamt of
Pakistan as elaborated in his 1930 address, but where did the great poet of Persian
language Dr. Muhammad Iqbal gone, who was the creator of such a beautiful and
mesmerizing verses in not only Urdu, but also in Persian. He lamented that there is
no or less research work done on Iqbal especially on his Persian poetry, and one
should come forward and examine his “Javed-nama” and “Zarb-e-Kaleem” to know
better how tall literary soul his was indeed.
Responding to a question by media, Syed Sardar Shah said that we love Iqbal, Faiz
Ahmed Faiz, Baba Bhula Shah, Khushkal khan Khatak, Ahmed Faraz and Mirza
Ghalib, and Sindh has been so loving spot for these literary figures that we have been
celebrating their days here with the same enthusiasm as we do for our Shah Latif and
Sachal Sarmast. He hoped that soon the day will come when Shah Latif Day will be
celebrated in Peshawar, Shaikh Ayaz Day at Sahiwal, and Day of Ustad Bukhari will
be celebrated in Faisalabad. He said that this is the only way to create and strengthen
the cordial and amiable bond between the provinces, because these writers are the
ambassadors of peace and love for all nations.
Syed Sardar Shah further said that the main objective of organizing this special
exhibition is to educate and inspire our younger generation regarding the works of
Iqbal, so that they may take some inspiration from his towering personality, and this
would enhance their creative faculties of mind. He said that we are living in times
of chaos, extremism, terrorism and despair, and only such writers spread hope, and
inspire and ignite our souls to carry on our struggle for a better world.

Handout (Saeed Memon)