Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. - Iqbal’s message gives youth the confidence to dream big: Adv. Zaffar Shah
- You cannot understand Iqbal without understanding Qur’an and Seerah: Dr. Mushtaq Ganaie
- Iqbal’s philosophy guides every generation, says renowned educationist G.N Var
- Iqbal touches the heart before the mind: Prof. M. A Shah
- Iqbal changed my inner world and my professional journey: Dr. Majid Ganai
SRINAGAR: Amar Singh Club Srinagar hosted an inspiring and meaningful event to observe Iqbal Day, marking the birth anniversary of world-renowned philosopher and poet Dr. Allama Sir Muhammad Iqbal (1877–1938). The program was attended by scholars, doctors, lawyers, researchers, educationists and professionals from various fields.
The session was presided over by Senior Counsel Advocate Zaffar A. Shah, who delivered the keynote address on Iqbal’s deep philosophy, his concept of true knowledge and the transformation of one’s inner self.
Prominent speakers included Prof. Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Ganaie former HOD Iqbal Institute of Culture and Philosophy Kashmir University , Dr. M. A. Shah, Professor National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, Prof Dr Abdul Majid Ganai, former HOD General Medicine SKIMS and a veteran Literary and Iqbalean Lover, G. N. Var, educationist and founder of PSAJK, Dr Ajaz Ahmad, former Director Agriculture Kashmir, Nasir Khan, Secretary, Amar Singh Club, Dr Tawheeda Assistant Professor Psychology and others.
In his opening address, Advocate Zaffar A Shah said that the true tribute to Iqbal is not only organizing events, but bringing real change within ourselves. “If we walk out of this hall without inner change, then gatherings like these lose their meaning.” He explained Iqbal’s concept of Spiritual Knowledge that comes from inner awakening and spiritual awareness.
He said “Some knowledge stays on the tongue, but real knowledge settles in the heart and becomes part of one’s personality.” He added that although Iqbal studied Western philosophers like Nietzsche, Goethe and Bergson, he did not follow them blindly. Instead, he examined Western thought in the light of the Qur’an, Seerah and Islamic intellectual traditions.
Prof. Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad (Iqbal Studies Expert) spoke on Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam and said that Iqbal’s philosophy is based on revelation and deep reflection. “You cannot understand Iqbal unless you understand the Qur’an and the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).”
He highlighted Iqbal’s message for the youth; Do not feel inferior, Aim high, Build character through discipline and Khudi (self-awareness), Lead with knowledge, courage and confidence. He said Iqbal encourages Ijtihad the power to think, reason and progress within moral limits.
Prof. M. A. Shah (NIT Srinagar) shared his personal connection with Iqbal’s poetry and said “Iqbal does not just enter your mind, he enters your heart. Once you experience Iqbal, your worldview changes.” He said Iqbal trains a person to break mental slavery and stay strong in tough situations.
Dr. Abdul Majid Ganai shared that his connection with Iqbal happened accidentally but changed his life. “Iqbal shook my inner self. When I understood Khudi, I stopped living to satisfy others' expectations.” He added that Iqbal inspires people from every field science, medicine, engineering, education or law because Iqbal speaks to the soul, not only to the intellect.
Veteran educationist G.N Var said that Iqbal remains relevant today because his message encourages awakening, self-respect and dignity. He appreciated Amar Singh Club for hosting meaningful intellectual programs rather than limiting activities to only social gatherings.
Speakers emphasized that Iqbal considered youth as the builders of tomorrow. His message today encourages: Believe in yourself and discover your inner strengths, Stay confident and avoid unnecessary stress and pressure, Speak the truth and maintain self-respect, Learn new skills, gain knowledge and stay updated, Promote peace, unity and harmony beyond religion or nationality
Nasir Khan, Secretary of Amar Singh Club, thanked the speakers and the audience. He said the Club will continue to organize such meaningful intellectual and cultural events in future as well. The event concluded with a powerful message “Iqbal is not merely a poet he is a guiding light, awakening our hearts to dream, to believe and to rise toward a better future.”
