The Gad and Birgit Rausing Library celebrated Allama Iqbal’s 140th birthday at LUMS with great fervour on November 15, 2017. The entire event revolved around the theme of ‘Iqbal ka Taswar-e-khudi’. Mian Iqbal Salahuddin, President Dabistan-e-Iqbal, Pakistan and Allama Iqbal's grandson was the chief guest at the event. He explained Iqbal’s message towards the youth and emphasised on practicing the concept of ‘khudi’ to raise quality leadership and self-reliance among the youth.
Dr. Tahir Hameed Tanoli, Head Academics at Iqbal Academy was the guest speaker. He spoke about Iqbal’s concept of ‘khudi’ and his message to have confidence in one’s own abilities and be shaheens of the nation. Dr. Moeen Nizami, Director, Gurmani Centre for Languages and Literature concluded the programme and appreciated the Library’s efforts to celebrate Iqbal Day.
Stamps and letters from Allama Iqbal's personal collection now owned by the Allama Iqbal Stamps Society Lahore and coins used in that particular era were exhibited at the event. Alongside these, stalls by the Iqbal Academy and Dabistan-e-Iqbal Publications were also arranged, offering a fifty percent discount on the publications for the LUMS community. Students showed a keen interest in Iqbal’s publications as well as the exhibition.
The event concluded with SOZE, a musical band consisting of LUMS students presenting Kalam-e-Iqbal for the audience.