Exhibition on Iqbal – a real treat

LAHORE, April 28: An exhibition on the life and works of Allama Muhammad Iqbal opened at Zahoorul Akhlaq Gallery of the National College of Arts on Thursday. The occasion also marked the launch of 2nd issue of Sohbat, a journal of contemporary arts and culture by NCA. The bi-annual journal represents the works of academics from different parts of the world, besides that of artists and the faculty of NCA. The guest speaker on the occasion was Sherbano Taseer, a writer and a journalist. Inviting Ms Bano as the guest speaker was a matter of symbolic significance because on the launch of first issue of Sohbat, then Punjab governor Salmaan Taseer was the chief guest. On the second launch his daughter was invited. Another significant thing was that Dr M D Taseer, father of Salmaan Taseer, was one of the intellectual luminaries on the horizon of India who shared deep spiritual affinity with Allama Iqbal. Speaking on the occasion, the moving spirit behind the event, Suroosh Irfani, threw light on the deep spiritual union between M D Taseer and Iqbal. He said: "Sherbano represents a generation which is going to change the future of Pakistan." He said M D Taseer and Iqbal shared spiritual, political and cultural affinity. The common thing between them was that they were open to dialogue with the West intellectually and culturally, he added. Sherbano in her address said being children of Salmaan Taseer they were going to uphold their father`s name. "My father was shaped by my grandfather and Faiz Ahmed Faiz, his uncle, that`s why my father promoted Muslim identity of peace and progress." She said her father looked for a moderate Pakistan. Bano was sad about the fact that there was a poverty of culture and literary discourse. The exhibition showcased rare family photos of Iqbal, his belongings, literary works and commemorative stamps issued after his name on various occasions. The rich collection on Iqbal in the exhibition was donated to NCA by Loh Kot Heritage Society. "The society has been working for years on culture and heritage of Lahore and made documentaries on gardens and important monuments of the city," said Rao Dilshad Ali, one of the coordinators of the event from NCA. The exhibition showcased some rare family photos of Allama Iqbal such as the photos of Iqbal`s three wives and their names, photos of his belongings such as Huqa, chair, bed and pedestal fan.