KARACHI: In a rare collaboration, health scientists and medical science experts on Saturday teamed up with the intellectuals, historians, social scientists and economists to discuss the recent challenge of the society, fast declining economy in the country and lost glory of the Muslim nation around the globe.

They referred to scholar, poet and leader of Pakistan Movement Allama Muhammad Iqbal, who had warned in the late 19th and early 20th century about the social ills that could change the course of civilisations, bring drastic changes in the society as well as cultural and economic spheres of life while recommending the Muslim leaders to make knowledge and education their top priorities to save the future generation.

Speaking at the 23rd thematic calendar launch from the platform of Jahan-i-Maseeha Adbi Forum (JMAF), experts including senior historians, poets, academicians and health experts highlighted the philosophy of Allama Iqbal which they believed had become more relevant in the current state of the national affairs. They also referred to his famous collection of poetry which had become need of hour to take up the current challenge.

University of Karachi Vice Chancellor Dr Khalid Iraqi deplored that despite having the poet like Allama Iqbal who had conveyed universal message for the social development, economic growth and stable society, the country was facing the worst crisis of its history in the exact same three areas.

Renowned poet Ajmal Siraj said an advisory committee comprising educationists, writers and scholars selected life and literary works of Allama Iqbal as the theme for the next year’s calendar as he was a great philosopher who presented principles of freedom of speech, good governance, economic well-being of people and emphasised on wisdom which could only be achieved through knowledge.

“After months of research, this calendar has emerged as an art work, which compels people not only to know more about the life of Allama Iqbal, but also put them on the path of knowledge. His work has become more relevant in this crisis like situation we are facing today,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Syed Jamshaid Ahmed of Pharmevo said they believe in establishing and creating a healthier society.“And for the healthier society, we believe it’s not just medicines, but also promotion of literary activities by holding book fairs, mushairas and publishing books and thematic calendars are also part of our contributions on these lines,” he said.

Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2022