Allama Mohammad Iqbal Evening Celebrated

High Commission for Pakistan Wellington

AN EVENING TO CELEBRATE THE WORK OF PAKISTAN’S NATIONAL POET ALLAMA MOHMMAD IQBAL

Pakistan High Commission in collaboration with New Zealand Centre for Literary Translation, Victoria University, Wellington organized an evening to celebrate the work of Pakistan’s national poet Mohammad Iqbal on 23 October, 2014. A selection of Iqbal’s poetry with its English and Maori translations and a response from a New Zealand poet Michael Harlow was beautifully printed in the form of a Keepsake and was displayed.

Speaking on the occasion, High Commissioner Zehra Akbari, commended Victoria University’s endeavor in promoting World literatures. She said the Keepsake on Iqbal’s poetry will stimulate greater interest in his work, which has universal appeal and value. She emphasized that Iqbal’s message is relevant even today and the world can find inspiration from his poetry and philosophy.

Other speakers including Professor Roberto Rabel, Pro Vice Chancellor (International), Victoria University, Dr. Marco Sonzogni, Senior Lecturer, School of Languages and Cultures of Victoria University  and Dr. Sydney Shep, Senior Lecturer and Head of Wai-te-ata Press of Victoria University, highlighted the significance of Iqbal’s work during the 20th century comparing it with W.B. Yeats who was Iqbal’s contemporary.  The programme also included recitation of the texts in Urdu, English and Maori languages and singing of Iqbal’s couplets.

The event, which was attended by diplomats, professors, scholars, parliamentarian and members of Pakistani community created larger awareness about contribution of Dr. Allama Mohammad Iqbal, the national poet of Pakistan on world literature.