Hyderabad, November 9: To honor the birth anniversary of renowned philosopher-poet Allama Iqbal, Tehreek Muslim Shaban organized a commemorative event at Hyderabad’s Iqbal Minar. Led by Mr. Mohammad Mushtaq Malik, President of Tehreek Muslim Shaban, prominent leaders from various political, social, and religious organizations gathered to pay homage to Iqbal’s legacy.
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Distinguished figures at the gathering included Mr. Amjadullah Khan, spokesperson for the MBT, Mr. Syed Nizamuddin from the State Congress Committee, former Urdu Academy President Mr. Mohammad Raheemullah Khan Niazi, MPJ President Mr. Mohammad Abdul Aziz, CPI representative Mr. Abdul Mannan, Telangana Muslim League President Mr. Mohammad Shakeel Advocate, and Mr. Ilyas Shamsi from the All India Social Workers Association, among others.
In their addresses, the leaders reflected on Iqbal’s philosophy of selfhood and his call for resisting oppression. They emphasized how Iqbal’s poetry advocated social justice, challenging capitalist structures and uplifting the voice of the marginalized. Mr. Mushtaq Malik shared the origins of the Iqbal Minar, established after the 1988 International Iqbal Seminar led by Syed Khalilullah Hussaini, with Mr. Abid Ali Khan, Editor of Siasat, as Reception Committee Chairman. This seminar, inaugurated by then Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao, led to the promise and construction of the minar. Despite its significance, this event marks the first formal gathering of Iqbal’s admirers at the site.
The leaders collectively urged the Telangana government to declare an annual observance of Iqbal Day at the minar and called on the Telangana Urdu Academy to introduce an Iqbal Award and host a poetry event in his memory.
Other prominent attendees included Congress Secretary Mr. Ali Bhojani, Shaban Vice President Mr. Abdul Haq Qamar, MBT Secretary Mr. Mustafa Mahmood, Muslim League Secretary Mr. Mirza Shakir Baig, former Congress Corporator Mr. Wajid Hussain, and Mr. Syed Imran, among many others.
During the ceremony, Mr. Mazhar Hussain from Mushirabad Shaban led a recitation of Iqbal’s iconic Sare Jahan Se Achha, joined by all participants. The Iqbal Minar was adorned with floral decorations and banners showcasing Iqbal’s enduring words, making the event a heartfelt tribute to the poet’s enduring impact on social and political thought.
