Allama Iqbal’s birthday celebrated in the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, Stafford upon Avon, UK

Stafford upon Avon: In a special event marking Iqbal Day, the Sufi Trust organised a memorable gathering at the birthplace of the British national poet, William Shakespeare.

The aim was to honor and appreciate the two great poets bridging the realms of the East and West through their shared words and connections. Esteemed Reverend Dr. Paul Edmondson played host to this significant event, with guests formally welcomed by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. From the heartlands of Pakistan emerged the rising Qawwal Chahat Mahmood Ali Khan presenting Kalam e Iqbal in the vibrant tones of Qawwali, captivating the audience with his voice and passion.

A rhythmic vibe filled the air, prompting spontaneous swaying and dancing. Attendees of all ages expressed their admiration for Iqbal through various forms of poetry, ghazals, poems, prose, and the soulful resonance of musical instruments. The children of Trinity Church School added charm to the gathering with their beautiful recitation of Iqbal’s poetry.

During the event, prominent figures, Daughter of Kashmir, Ambassador of Pakistan Bakhtawar Mir, Vice Consul of Pakistan Consulate Birmingham, Makhdoom Chishti Chairman Sufi Trust UK , Abid Iqbal Say Art, Raja Muhammad Yasin, and others engaged with the media, shedding light on the profound intellectual confluence of Iqbal and William Shakespeare. They welcomed it as a heartening step in the context of inter-generational and Pak-UK relations.

Officials from Sufi Trust UK and Shakespeare Birthplace Trust expressed gratitude to the distinguished guests in the intimate ceremony. Luminaries such as Muhammad Ayub MBE, Councilor Rizwan Jalil, Tim Cock, Chief Executive of Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, Mayor of Stafford upon Avon, Professor Charlotte Scott, Muhammad Qamar Mohiuddin, Tahira Saddique, Mamoona Farooq, Haya Sukaina Ahmed, Aisha Ahmed ,Tayebah Saad, Misbah Shazad, Jaweria Saddique, and others were also contributing to the symphony of unity and poetic reverence on this remarkable occasion.

Report by S M Irfan Tahir Photojournalist / Member National Union of Journalists (NUJ) Great Britain.