On the occasion of the 148th birth anniversary of Hakim-ul-Ummat and Poet of the East, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, a grand ceremony was organized at the Pakistan Consulate in New York.
The event, titled “Urdu Adab aur Chai,” was jointly hosted by the Pakistan Consulate and the Brilliance Foundation to honor Pakistan’s national poet, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, on his birth anniversary.
A large number of Pakistani community members from New York and New Jersey participated, reflecting their deep reverence for Iqbal and strong connection to his intellectual legacy.
The proceedings were hosted by Rahila Firdous, Chairperson of Urdu Adab aur Chai. She opened the program with the following couplet and warmly welcomed the guests:
*For thousands of years, the narcissus weeps over its blindness;
It is with great difficulty that a discerning eye is born in the garden.*
The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, graciously performed by Safia Ali.
In his opening remarks, Consul General of Pakistan in New York, Aamer Ahmed Atozai, highlighted the significance of Iqbal Day in Pakistan’s national history and intellectual evolution.
He stated that the core themes of Allama Iqbal’s poetry—selfhood (khudi), spiritual awakening, unity, and the revival of the Muslim Ummah—serve as guiding principles for individual and collective progress.
Kulsum Kazmi, founder of the Brilliance Foundation, spoke about various dimensions of Iqbal’s poetry. She described Urdu Adab aur Chai as the realization of her dream, aimed at promoting Urdu literature and honoring prominent literary figures in the United States. She expressed deep gratitude to her team for their unwavering support.
Renowned Urdu poet Raees Warsi and veteran journalist Azeem Mian also addressed the gathering, commending the Consulate’s initiative to organize such a literary event.
Other speakers covered Iqbal’s philosophy of selfhood and various aspects of his life, paying tribute to his profound intellectual contributions and the depth of his poetry.
They emphasized that Iqbal’s message harmonizes Islamic ideals with universal thought, rooted in self-realization, moral steadfastness, and the promotion of higher human values.
Speakers expressed satisfaction that Iqbal’s teachings continue to inspire, guide, and motivate youth worldwide.
Raees Warsi was particularly recognized for his invaluable contributions to promoting the Urdu language in the United States, especially for his efforts in getting Urdu included at the United Nations—a significant service to Pakistan and the language.
Selections from Iqbal’s poetry were recited during the event. Rahila Firdous not only wove the philosophy of selfhood into her poetry and hosting but also presented *Sar-e-Nihan-e-Khudi*, evoking a spiritual ambiance as the audience responded with *La ilaha illallah*.
Farzana Haqi’s soulful rendition of *Lab pe aati hai dua ban ke tamanna meri* became the prayer on every heart and lip.
When Iqbal’s verses mentioned the *momin* (believer), Shakeel Ahmed’s powerful recitation of *Har lahza hai momin ki nayi shaan, nayi aan* electrified the atmosphere.
The event fully embraced both Urdu literature and the tradition of chai. Amid New York’s rainy weather, an evening dedicated to the Poet of the East and the Pakistani community became truly memorable.
The ceremony concluded with a resolute commitment to adopt Iqbal’s message as a guiding principle for building a progressive, just, and enlightened society.
