North South University’s (NSU) Office of External Affairs (OEA) hosts a special seminar titled “Allama Iqbal’s Concept of the Shaheen and Today’s Youth” today (Tuesday) at the NSU Syndicate Hall. The event was arranged in partnership with the High Commission of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Bangladesh, highlighting a continued exchange of academic, cultural, and scholarly engagement between Bangladesh and Pakistan, a press release said.
Mr. M. A. Kashem, Member, Board of Trustees & Founder Life Member, NSU Trust, attended the program as the Chief Guest. Professor Dr. Baseera Ambreen, Director, Institute of Urdu Language and Literature, Oriental College, University of the Punjab, Pakistan, was the Keynote Speaker. The event was further graced by the presence of Muhammad Wasif, Deputy High Commissioner at the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka, and Md. Quamruzzaman, Country Head and CEO of the National Bank of Pakistan in Bangladesh. Professor Abdur Rob Khan, Treasurer, NSU, delivered the vote of thanks. Dr. Mahbubur Rahman, Professor & Chair, Department of History & Philosophy, NSU; and Dr. Md. Hafizur Rahman, Professor of the Department of Biochemistry & Microbiology, NSU; attended the program. Dr. Cynthia McKinney, Director, Office of External Affairs, NSU gave the welcome speech.
Dr. Cynthia McKinney emphasized the significance of philosophical discourse in shaping the youth perspectives of today. She said, “A program like this feeds both the mind and the soul. Poet Allama Iqbal contemplated questions that we have all contemplated in our daily lives.”
Following this, Dr. Mahbubur Rahman provided insightful remarks on the importance of revisiting Allama Iqbal’s works in contemporary times. He said, “Allama Iqbal’s message to the world encourages people to capture self-discovery, realize their own potential, and contribute to the enlightenment of the global community.”
Dr. Ambreen delivered the keynote speech and spoke in depth about Iqbal’s portrayal of the Shaheen (Falcon) as a symbol of self-respect, courage, moral strength, and intellectual freedom, qualities that are essential for the youth of today to cultivate. She said, “The Shahen (Falcon) never fails. If your spirit is strong, you need not fear. You are the Shaheen (Falcon) of your nation, and you can change every aspect of your life with courage and motivation.”
Dr. Md. Hafizur Rahman, following the keynote speech, recited a poem inspired by the concept of the Shaheen. He also shared brief reflections on the philosophy’s relevance, linking how its key concepts apply to contemporary life.
The program’s Chief Guest, M. A. Kashem, Member, Board of Trustees and Founder Life Member of the NSU Trust, delivered an inspiring speech stressing the role of universities in nurturing youth who embody the spirit of the Shaheen, fearless, visionary, and committed to contributing meaningfully to society. He said, “I believe that with the spirit of Shaheen (Falcon), we can overcome fear and live with dignity. Allama Iqbal urges you to ensure that knowledge leads to action and innovation. To use your education not just for personal advancement, but to solve real problems in society.”
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Professor Abdur Rob Khan, Treasurer of NSU University, who expressed appreciation to the speakers, collaborators, faculty members, and students for their meaningful participation. Professor Khan also moderated the event. He said, “We are grateful to Dr. Ambreen for her excellent contribution to our understanding of the poet Iqbal, his philosophy, and the similarities and kind of semblance that we can draw with our own poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.”
