Salaam all:
I recently had the pleasure of attending a gathering to commemorate the works of Allama Iqbal, the great poet philosopher of the East. A group of enthusiasts whose lives have been touched by Iqbal’s philosophy put together an excellent program to pay homage to this great thinker and leader. The three hour long program kept the audience absolutely captivated, and unlike what happens in a lot of our desi gatherings, there was absolute silence while presentations on the Allama’s life, his works and philosophy were being made. His message was for every one, men and women old and young alike.
The futurists who put this program together belong to an organization called The Iqbal Academy, USA (non-profit , tax exempt corporation registered in New Jersey –
tax ID No. 22-3627896) that was launched by a handful of people in late 1997. They have been meeting regularly since then. Their goal is to build a learning center that will introduce and perpetuate Iqbal’s message to the young Muslims of America. Our young people must be made aware of the great contributions made to the world by one of our own. With this in mind, people who started the Iqbal Academy are trying to buy a piece of land – about 27 acres - located in central New Jersey to build a community center. This grand project will consist of:
Eiwan-e Iqbal (Auditorium and Banquet Hall)
Iqbal Library and Reading Room with facilities for a prayer room
Office
Sports and Recreation Room and
A Park
Most of the participants in the Iqbal Day program were young adults, born and raised in the States who were introduced to Iqbal’s poetry by their parents or mentors. I was really touched to see the level of interest and the trouble to which these youngsters had gone to study Iqbal’s works.
I personally think it is a noble cause and should be supported. And in this spirit, I request you to support the efforts of the people in New Jersey by making whatever contribution you can to help them achieve their goal.
For details you may contact
Nasir Shamsi (General Secretaty) at (732) 905-5177
Email [email protected]