(24News) A seminar on “Iqbal’s Philosophy of Education” was organized under the auspices of Urdu Science Board regarding Iqbal Day in which eminent personalities of Urdu literature participated.
The ceremony was presided over by Dr. Muhammad Rafiq Khan, Professor of Lahore School of Economics, Director of Institute of Compilation and Translation, Punjab University, Prof. Dr. Basira Anbarin, Professor of Department of Urdu, Minhaj University, Dr. Fazila Bano, Dr. Jameel Ahmed, Dr. Rao Muhammad Aslam Khan, Dr. Engineer Javed Younis, Ashfaq. Ahmed Khan, Syeda Atrat Batul, Naveed Mirza and other speakers expressed their views.
The director of Urdu Science Board, Ziaullah Khan Toro, while explaining the objectives of the seminar in his welcome speech, said that the board is trying to promote scientific studies and publish new books through ties and agreements with government and non-government institutions and universities, seminars and lectures. through expert suggestions on various topics and helps in achieving the objectives of the Board.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Rafiq Khan gave a reasoned and thought-provoking talk on the philosophy of selfhood and philosophy of education of the poet Mashrikh Allama Iqbal.
Professor Dr. Basira Anbarin said in his speech that Allama Iqbal emphasized on education and training according to the child’s personality, religious and worldly education for Muslims along with technical education. Said that we have to take help from Iqbal’s thoughts and ideas for making the curriculum.
Dr. Rawaslam Khan expressed his opinion and said that Iqbal’s speech helps man to recognize his creator, Iqbal’s message for the youth is clear and actionable, Engineer Javed Younis said that according to the teachings of Allama Iqbal, scientific thinking is awakened in children. There is a dire need to do, we lack education and training.
Dr. Jameel Ahmad said in his address that our education system is divided into class divisions, which does not prepare the youth to think, the youth should understand the message of Iqbal.
Dr. Fazilat Bano said that Iqbal Kapigam is not only for Muslims but for the whole world, his poetry inspires thought and prudence.
Allama Farooq Akram recited the poem of Allama Iqbal, the participant of the seminar, “Yeh Ghazi Yeh Tere Hysterbande” with chants.
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What are the key contributions of Iqbal to education that were discussed in the seminar?
Title: Exploring Iqbal’s Legacy: An Interview with Dr. Muhammad Rafiq Khan
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good day, Dr. Khan. Thank you for joining us today. As the President of the recent seminar on “Iqbal’s Philosophy of Education,” could you start by sharing what motivated the Urdu Science Board to organize this event?
Dr. Muhammad Rafiq Khan: Thank you for having me. The Urdu Science Board has always aimed to promote scientific studies and enrich the discourse around Urdu literature, and Iqbal’s philosophy is a pivotal part of that. His thoughts on education, growth, and development are incredibly relevant, especially in today’s rapidly changing society. We wanted to initiate conversations that not only highlight Iqbal’s contributions but also explore how they can be applied in contemporary educational contexts.
Interviewer: Indeed, Iqbal’s philosophy has had a profound impact on education in Pakistan and beyond. Can you elaborate on some of the key themes discussed during the seminar?
Dr. Khan: Certainly! One predominant theme was the notion of self-empowerment through knowledge. Iqbal believed that education should instill a sense of self-awareness and purpose in students. We also delved into the role of culture and heritage in shaping an educational framework. Professors like Dr. Basira Anbarin emphasized how integrating cultural narratives into education can enhance engagement and understanding among students.
Interviewer: It sounds like a rich discussion enveloped in cultural significance. Were there any particular insights or perspectives from the other esteemed speakers that stood out to you?
Dr. Khan: Absolutely, each speaker brought something valuable to the table. For instance, Dr. Fazila Bano spoke passionately about the need for education to be not just informative but transformative. She argued that education should empower students to challenge societal norms and contribute positively to their communities. Similarly, Ashfaq Ahmed Khan highlighted the urgency of scientific literacy in today’s world, aligning it with Iqbal’s vision for a modern, progressive society.
Interviewer: Those insights certainly resonate with current educational challenges. Ziaullah Khan Toro mentioned in his welcome speech the importance of partnerships in advancing educational goals. How do you see this collaboration playing a role in promoting Iqbal’s educational philosophy?
Dr. Khan: Collaboration is crucial. The more institutions—be they governmental or non-governmental—come together, the more resources and expertise we can pool to enhance educational practices. By creating agreements and organizing joint seminars, we can disseminate knowledge and innovative practices that align with Iqbal’s ideals. This holistic approach is essential for developing an education system that meets current and future demands.
Interviewer: It’s encouraging to hear about such collaborative efforts. Looking ahead, what are some of the future initiatives or projects that the Urdu Science Board is considering to further promote Iqbal’s educational philosophy?
Dr. Khan: We have several initiatives in the pipeline, including workshops for educators that will focus on incorporating Iqbal’s philosophies into their teaching methods. We are also looking into publishing more accessible literature on Iqbal’s works and their applications in modern education. Furthermore, we aim to leverage technology through webinars and online forums to reach a broader audience.
Interviewer: Those efforts sound promising and necessary! Before we conclude, do you have any concluding thoughts on how Iqbal’s philosophy can shape the future of education?
Dr. Khan: I believe Iqbal’s philosophy can serve as a guiding light for our educational system. By fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a strong moral compass among students, we can cultivate future leaders who are not only intellectually equipped but also socially responsible. As we embark on this journey of renewal in education, let us remain committed to Iqbal’s vision of a truly enlightened society.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Khan, for your insights and for advocating for such meaningful educational reform. We look forward to seeing how these initiatives unfold!
Dr. Khan: Thank you for having me. The journey is just beginning, and I appreciate your support in raising awareness about these critical conversations.