Allama Iqbal's timeless vision celebrated at International Poetry Festival in Moscow

The literary and philosophical legacy of Allama Muhammad Iqbal was celebrated at an international poetry festival here ahead of his 149th birth anniversary. The gathering brought together diplomats, scholars, poets and Russian students to reflect on Iqbal's enduring message of selfhood, humanity and intellectual awakening, a Pakistan Embassy news release said. Welcoming the participants on behalf of the university, Vice-Rector Professor Vera Zabotkina reflected on Iqbal's lifelong search for the essence and purpose of human existence. She highlighted the universal appeal of his philosophy, particularly his belief that true human progress requires both intellectual growth and moral strength. She noted that Iqbal's ideas continue to inspire young minds across cultures and generations. Addressing the gathering, Ambassador of Pakistan to Russia, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, described Iqbal as a visionary who could see far beyond his times. He noted that Iqbal wrote extensively in Persian, reaching audiences beyond the Urdu-speaking world. Recalling Iqbal's visit to Kabul in 1933 to advise on the development of Kabul University, he highlighted the poet's belief that Afghanistan was the heart of Asia and that peace there was essential for regional stability. The Ambassador spoke of Iqbal's message of love, courage and conviction, which remains relevant nearly a century later. He recited verses from the celebrated poem Masjid-e-Qurtuba. Mian Iqbal Salahuddin, grandson of Allama Iqbal , recited verses from Masjid-e-Qurtuba and offered a thoughtful interpretation of its philosophical and prophetic vision. He spoke about Iqbal's concept of revolution, explaining that the poet regarded it as the very essence of life and the driving force behind the rise and survival of nations. For Iqbal, revolution was not confined to political upheaval but represented a continuous process of intellectual awakening, moral courage, and transformation. He emphasized that a nation which loses its revolutionary spirit and the will to change with the times eventually faces decline. He recalled Iqbal's powerful verses: Dr Khurram Ilahi offered a fascinating interpretation of Iqbal's imagination, describing his poetry as anti-gravitational for its ability to transcend the physical boundaries of the world. Referring to *Javed Nama*, he spoke about Iqbal's extraordinary imaginary journey through the cosmos, including Mars, where the poet explores an imagined civilization and reflects on human progress and knowledge. He observed that Iqbal's journey into space was not merely a literary fantasy but an expression of his belief that human thought should never be confined by the limitations of the present. Professor Walid Iqbal, another grandson of the poet, reflected on Iqbal's understanding of nationhood, comparing a nation to a living body and the poet to its seeing eye. He recited Iqbal's moving verses. He also shared a touching reflection on Iqbal's final prayer, recalling that even in his last moments, the great poet did not pray for his own children but for all humanity, wishing that future generations would grow to cherish mankind. It was a reminder that Iqbal's vision of compassion extended far beyond his own family, nation, or time. Other speakers explored Iqbal's philosophy of Khudi, self-assertion and the importance of balancing material progress with moral strength. Offering a vote of thanks, Ambassador Tirmizi said it was heartening to see how deeply Allama Iqbal continues to be cherished around the world, particularly in Russia. He warmly appreciated the Russian students who recited Iqbal's poetry in Urdu with such enthusiasm, affectionately calling them Iqbal's Shaheens. The evening marked a special moment in Pakistan–Russia cultural engagement, bringing together Iqbal's family, Pakistani scholars, and Russian students in a shared celebration of his poetry and philosophy. It was a beautiful reminder that great poetry knows no borders and that Iqbal's message continues to bring people and cultures closer together.