NSU holds seminar on Allama Iqbal’s concept of the Shaheen and today’s youth
The Office of External Affairs (OEA) at North South University (NSU), in collaboration with the High Commission of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Bangladesh, organised a seminar titled “Allama Iqbal’s Concept of the Shaheen and Today’s Youth” on Tuesday at the NSU Syndicate Hall.
M.A. Kashem, Member of the Board of Trustees and Founder Life Member of NSU Trust, attended as chief guest. Professor Dr. Baseera Ambreen, Director of the Institute of Urdu Language and Literature at Oriental College, University of the Punjab, Pakistan, delivered the keynote address.
The event was also attended by Muhammad Wasif, Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan in Dhaka; Md. Quamruzzaman, Country Head and CEO of National Bank of Pakistan in Bangladesh; Prof. Abdur Rob Khan, Treasurer of NSU; Dr. Mahbubur Rahman, Professor and Chair of the Department of History and Philosophy; and Dr. Md. Hafizur Rahman, Professor of Biochemistry and Microbiology at NSU. Dr. Cynthia McKinney, Director of the Office of External Affairs, delivered the welcome speech, while Prof. Abdur Rob Khan moderated the programme and gave the vote of thanks.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Cynthia McKinney said such programmes feed both the mind and the soul, adding that Allama Iqbal contemplated questions people face in everyday life.
Dr. Mahbubur Rahman stressed the importance of revisiting Iqbal’s works in the modern context, noting that the poet-philosopher encouraged self-discovery, realisation of potential, and contribution to global enlightenment.
In her keynote speech, Dr. Baseera Ambreen elaborated on Iqbal’s symbol of the Shaheen (falcon) as an embodiment of self-respect, courage, moral strength, and intellectual freedom. “The Shaheen never fails. If your spirit is strong, you need not fear. You are the Shaheen of your nation and can change every aspect of your life with courage and motivation,” she said.
Dr. Md. Hafizur Rahman recited a poem inspired by the Shaheen concept and shared reflections on its relevance today.
Chief guest M.A. Kashem urged students to embody the fearless and visionary spirit of the Shaheen, emphasising that knowledge must lead to action, innovation, and the solution of real societal problems.
In his concluding remarks, Prof. Abdur Rob Khan expressed gratitude to Dr. Ambreen and the collaborators, highlighting the philosophical parallels between Allama Iqbal and Bangladesh’s own rebel poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.
