TFD NEWS
HEIDELBERG, (Germany): The Human Welfare Association Germany hosted its 14th annual literary gathering and mushaira on the banks of the River Neckar in Heidelberg, bringing together poets, academics, diplomats and members of the Pakistani diaspora to celebrate the intellectual legacy of Allama Muhammad Iqbal and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
The event was moderated by Mohammad Hassan and featured a thought-provoking session on the enduring relevance of Iqbal and Goethe in promoting intercultural dialogue and humanistic values.
Among the distinguished guests were Pakistan’s Ambassador to Germany, Ms Saqlain Syeda, First Secretary Ali Shahid, Press Secretary Dr Suhail Aftab, and poets and writers from Germany, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Participants included senior journalist Zahoor Ahmed (Berlin), Saima Kanwal, Shazia Noreen, Murad Shafiq, Tahir Adeem, Mudabbir Ahsan, Ejaz Rajput, Yasheeb Tamanna and Faheem Akhtar from the UK, and Mohammad Hassan Ibn Ismail from the Netherlands.
Speakers paid tribute to Iqbal and Goethe while appreciating organiser Syed Iqbal Haider for preserving the tradition of the farshi nashist (floor-seating literary gathering). The venue, adorned with traditional floor cushions and a paandaan, recreated the ambience of classical South Asian literary assemblies.
Opening the proceedings, Mohammad Hassan described it as an honour to conduct the event, praising Syed Iqbal Haider’s dedication in organising the gathering for the fourteenth consecutive year on the scenic banks of the River Neckar.
Senior journalist Zahoor Ahmed congratulated the organisers on successfully holding the event, while UK-based poet Faheem Akhtar reflected on Allama Iqbal’s intellectual contributions and said he had long heard about the Heidelberg gathering before finally having the opportunity to attend.
Prof Dr Hans Broder, head of a department at the University of Languages, commended the organisers for reviving a literary tradition that has largely disappeared in South Asia. He observed that Heidelberg’s recognition of Allama Iqbal – including a street named after him and the preservation of his residence – reflected the city’s enduring respect for the philosopher-poet.
Addressing the audience, Ambassador Saqlain Syeda congratulated Syed Iqbal Haider on organising the event and reaffirmed the Embassy of Pakistan in Berlin’s support for initiatives highlighting Iqbal’s literary and philosophical legacy. She also expressed the embassy’s intention to collaborate in programmes marking the 150th birth anniversary of Allama Iqbal next year.
In his closing remarks, host Syed Iqbal Haider thanked the guests, poets, media representatives and participants, reaffirming his commitment to continuing literary and cultural activities that strengthen intellectual and cultural ties.
The event concluded with a traditional reception featuring Pakistani refreshments, including samosas, pakoras and light snacks.
