LAHORE: A glittering evening was held at the Alhamra Art Center, The Mall on Saturday to pay a tribute to Allama Iqbal.

Singing and recitals of Iqbal’s poetry enthralled the audience. Tina Sani sang ‘Shikwa Jawab-i-Shikwa’ and Adeel Hashmi recited Iqbal’s verses with accurate accent. The evening was organised by the Lahore Arts Council in collaboration with Faiz Ghar.

In his welcome address, Lahore Arts Council Executive Director Atta Muhammad said: “We are holding this evening in connection with Iqbal Day and I think what we shall learn today from Iqbal’s poetry we should apply it in practical life because these are priceless gems and jewels to educate a nation.”

Adeel Hashmi, who anchored the evening, launched his first audio book ‘Payamay Mashriq’ on Allama Iqbal’s poetry. He has recited the poetry of Iqbal in this book in a remarkable manner.

Tina Sani had come all the way from Karachi to sing Iqbal at Alhamra. She told the audience that she first sang Iqbal 10 years ago. “If one wants to sing the poetry of someone like Iqbal from one’s heart, the passion automatically develops,” she said.

She opened the singing segment of the evening with poem ‘Masjid-i-Qartaba’, followed by ‘Masnavi’ by Maulana Rumi. The audience particularly enjoyed ‘Shikwa Jawab-i-Shikwa’ and “Her lehza hai momin ki naie aan naie shaan”.

Adeel Hashmi shared with the audience how Faiz Ghar thought of coming up with the first audio book on Allama Iqbal’s poetry. He said he was thankful to Zia Mohyeddin, Dr Arifa Syeda and Dr Javed Iqbal for their guidance in producing the book.

Change of guards: A prestigious change of guards ceremony was held by the Pakistan Navy at the mausoleum of national poet Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal to pay homage to him on his 137th birth anniversary with traditional spirit and enthusiasm.

The ceremonial guard mounting was followed by laying of a floral wreath at the mausoleum by the Station Commander on behalf of the Chief of the Naval Staff, officers and men of the Pakistan Navy.

The Station Commander offered fateha and recorde d his impression in the Visitors’ Book.

A large number of military, civil officials, school children and general public were present.

Published in Dawn, November 10th, 2014