The function, held at the historic Amar Singh Club here, was attended by a galaxy of writers, intellectuals, teachers, journalists, and social workers, reflecting the late doctor's wide-ranging influence across different strata of society.

 

Presiding over the ceremony, Ganai, who heads the Group of Concerned Citizens, remarked that nations which forget their ancestors never prosper. He lauded the Urdu Council's efforts in remembering Dr. Iqbal and expressed concern over the challenges facing the Urdu language in the region.

 

"The Urdu language is facing numerous difficulties here, and a joint strategy is imperative to address them. The Group of Concerned Citizens will not lag behind in playing its role," Ganai asserted, while announcing annual financial support to the Council for organizing school-level seminars and debates to promote Urdu. "Urdu was born in this country, and it should not be treated unjustly," he added.

 

Former Vice Chancellor of Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Prof. Mushtaq Ahmad Siddiqi, recalled that the present generation acquired knowledge and grew up through the medium of Urdu, making its protection a top priority.

 

Renowned religious scholar Maulana Showkat Hussain Keng traced the history of Urdu in Jammu & Kashmir, describing Dr.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelIqbal as a perceptive writer who was deeply aware of his surroundings—a quality repeatedly reflected in his columns.

 

In his address, Dr. Hafiz Masoodi, a bureaucrat, said it was difficult to encapsulate Dr. Iqbal's vast academic and literary services. "He had a deep command over Urdu, English, Persian, and Arabic. His scholarly insight, high character, simplicity, and humanitarianism set him apart from his contemporaries," Dr. Masoodi remarked.

 

Earlier, Council President Advocate Abdul Rashid Hanjura, in his welcome address, said the Urdu Council is an inclusive movement striving to connect every section of society to safeguard the language in this region.

 

A detailed paper on Dr. Iqbal's life and his contributions to academics, literature, journalism, and social service was presented by Shahbaz Haakbari. A condolence resolution was also adopted.

 

During the event, the poetry collection Saroor-e-Justuju by Firaq Sopori was released, with a review presented by Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Ganai.

 

The proceedings were conducted by Council General Secretary Javed Matjee, while Ijaz Ahmad Kakroo presented the vote of thanks.

 

Among those present were Maulana Akzar Hussain, Ghulam Nabi Vaar, Shakeel Qalandar, Sohail Salim, Syed ur Rehman Shams, Salim Salik, Firaq Sopori, Prof. Nasir Mirza, and several other prominent personalities.

 

The Council also extended special thanks to Amar Singh Club Secretary Asif Khan and his staff for their excellent arrangements. (KNS)