Kolkata : Legendary poet Muhammad Iqbal, author of the iconic “Saare Jahan Se Achha Hindustan Hamara”, will be posthumously conferred the “Tarana-E-Hind” award by the West Bengal Urdu Academy on Friday, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee handing over the award to his grandson Waleed Iqbal.
A prominent Pakistani lawyer and politician, Iqbal is now in the city for the function that will kickstart a three-day “Jashn-E-Iqbal” festival celebrating the contributions of the literary genius.
“He is here from Pakistan to receive the award. He will also tour some historic places in the city and participate in the festival,” academy chairman Sultan Ahmed said here on Thursday.
The celebration is an attempt by the academy to revive the long-lost glory of Iqbal, widely known as Allama Iqbal.
As many as 45 delegates – scholars and poets – from six countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan and Mauritius, will participate in paper presentations and international mushairas (gatherings of poets) during the course of three days.
A photo-exhibition showcasing Iqbal’s rare photographs will be launched at the Academy premises on Saturday along with the grand opening of the ‘Gosha-E-Iqbal’, a dedicated section of the Iqbal’s works at the Central Urdu Library.
To honour Banerjee for her contributions to the revival of the Urdu Academy as well as for her work in the past three years, the title of “Pasban-E-Urdu” (protector of Urdu) will be bestowed upon her, said Ahmed.
In addition, guests and participants, will be given Banerjee’s book of Urdu poems titled “Tamanna”.