by Zafar Hussain

The Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing celebrated Iqbal Day. [Photo/China Economic Net]

BEIJING, Nov. 10 (China Economic Net) - The Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing celebrated Iqbal Day on Monday to commemorate the contribution of the legendary poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal.

The Deputy Head of Mission Mr.Ahmed Farooq read the messages from President of Pakistan Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan. In their messages, they asked the people to follow the philosophy of the great poet Allama Iqbal which formed great enthusiasm for the creation of Pakistan. They further said that his philosophy can take us to the heights of development and help us overcome the modern-day challenges.

Prof Zhou Yuan, the Head of the Urdu Department at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) [Photo/China Economic Net]

Talking with China Economic Net, Prof Zhou Yuan, the Head of the Urdu Department at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), said that she was very pleased to be invited to attend the Iqbal Day ceremony. Iqbal's poems are full of information, especially for young people. Iqbal always called on the youth to aspire for greatness and compared them to a fearless, soaring eagle that knows no bounds.

“His ideas not only have inspired generations of young people in Pakistan, but have universal values, and should also be learned by the Chinese youth. As a Chinese teacher of Urdu, I teach my students about Urdu poems, especially Iqbal’s. I hope that in future they will benefit from Iqbal’s encouragement for the young,” She mentioned.

A student from BFSU Haider told CEN that the Urdu poems are so beautiful that “only by listening to these poems can make me feel so comfortable. I should try my best to learn Urdu poems and practice more to improve my Urdu.”

“[It is the] first time I got a chance to attend such a special event, and it's made me feel a strong sense of friendship between China and Pakistan. And I feel the Pakistani culture is really charming. I would learn more in my future study life,” said Shagufta, a Chinese student from BFSU Urdu department.

In his closing remarks, Ambassador Mr. Moin-ul-Haq paid tribute to the Chinese students in promoting not only the Urdu language but also Iqbal's poetry in China. He said that Iqbal's message is a universe and gave hope to the people of the subcontinent in difficult times and he is a great poet of the 20th century.

Participants recite poetry of Allama Muhammad Iqbal for the occasion. [Photo/China Economic Net]

A famous Chinese poet Zhang Shixuan (Urdu name Intikhab Alam), Embassy officers, faculty from the Urdu Department of Beijing Foreign Studies University recited poetry of Allama Muhammad Iqbal for the occasion.