Guinness record eyed for lectures on Allama Iqbal

Nampally: A Guinness Book of World Records distinction is being sought for the longest series of lectures on legendary poet Allama Iqbal. The series of lectures titled 'Iqbal Shinasi' (meaning: Understanding Iqbal), commenced in October 1997 and are since then held every week in the Conference Hall of Masjid-e-Alia at Gunfoundry in Hyderabad.

Speaking at the two-day seminar organised to commemorate the occasion, senior High Court Advocate, Ghulam Yazadani who first instituted the series in 1997, said "Allama Iqbal is undoubtedly one of greatest poets of all time. He is loved by one and all, and even those who do not speak Urdu are proud of him for giving us "Saare Jahan se Achcha..Hindustan Hamara.."

"Iqbal also wrote great poems on other religions including Hinduism and Sikhism. A thousand lectures on his works held regularly have no parallel with any other Urdu poet in the history. We will pursue the achievement to be recognised by Guinness World Record as it is an important and unprecedented achievement in Urdu literature," he said.

The thousandth lecture was held at Urdu Hall in Himayat Nagar on October 12 and 13 as part of two-day celebration organised to mark the occasion. Eminent literary personalities, noted poets, writers and academicians participated in the celebrations. Research papers were presented, famous couplets from Iqbal's works resounded and people were filled in awe as experts provided insights on different works of Iqbal.

Grandson lauds the effort

Muneer Iqbal, the grandson of legendary poet Allama Iqbal and son of Justice Iqbal expressed his gratitude and lauded the efforts of Hyderabadis for organising the lectures. The weekly lectures would continue to be held regularly at conference hall, Masjid e Alia at Gunfoundry.

A compilation of research papers presented by scholars would be published soon, assured Yazdani, consenting the proposition made by Dr MM Taqi Khan. "Iqbal is a universal poet. His works provide deep insights into the society that are relevant not even today but for eternity", said experts.

During the two-day programme, eminent educationists and literary personalities including Prof Khaja Nasiruddin, Ziauddin Nayyar, Dr Aqeel Hashmi, Prof Ashraf Rafi, Mujtaba Farooq, Prof Mohsin Osman Nadwi paid rich tributes to Allama Iqbal. During his lifetime, Iqbal visited Hyderabad thrice and even paid homage to the poet and founder of Hyderabad Quli Qutub Shah during one of his visits.