Unveiling Ceremony of the Book of "Iqbal’s Correspondence with Atiya Begum"

In the Name of God, the Almighty

Greetings to:

the esteemed scholars, distinguished professors, and admirers of the enduring legacy of Allama Iqbal Lahori.

It is a pleasure that today’s session is dedicated to the introduction and unveiling of the Book "Iqbal’s Correspondence with Atiya Begum", with the valuable translation by Dr. Mozaffar Ali Kashmiri, an endeavor brought to publication through the efforts of the ECO Cultural Institute and made accessible to seekers of knowledge.

To highlight the significance of this event, it must be noted that culture is the foundational gem of regional convergence within the ECO framework, gaining vitality through our shared heritage. These are the legacies that, grounded in common historical roots, have shaped a collective and unique identity in this region. Such authentic bonds, by fostering mutual understanding among nations, pave the way for enduring friendships between states. In this regard, literature has always been the proud standard and eloquent language of this shared identity, a language that allows us to see ourselves as members of a single body, transcending time and space.

One of the most magnificent expressions of this bond can be found in the vast expanse of Pakistan’s national literature, where the name of Allama Iqbal Lahori shines like a brilliant star. He is a thinker who embodies cultural commonalities and serves as a connecting link among Persian-speaking communities worldwide. With the power of his words and the depth of his thought, he not only breathed new life into the region’s cultural fabric but also, by redefining Eastern identity, built a bridge among civilizations.

In our view, Allama Iqbal is not merely a poet or philosopher; he is the intellectual architect and awakened conscience of the region’s peoples. Drawing inspiration from the treasury of wisdom in Hafez and Rumi, he saw awakening as inseparable from unity and awareness, calling us toward a deeper bond, as he wisely wrote:

Distinctions of color and scent are forbidden to us,

For we are nurtured by a single spring

This transnational vision and the influence of Iqbal’s message, made possible through translations of his works into various languages, testify to the universal relevance of concepts such as "selfhood" and "self-respect". In this context, the translation of "Iqbal’s Correspondence with Atiya Begum" portrays a human and intimate dimension of his life during the pivotal years he spent in Europe. This work is a treasure, revealing the turbulent sea of his thoughts as he confronted modern civilization and exposing the challenges faced by a dynamic mind in reconciling tradition with modernity.

Studying these correspondences allows us to trace the roots of Eastern awakening in Iqbal’s mind and understand how he, from within Western civilization, recognized the necessity of returning to his authentic identity. From this perspective, this Book not only showcases the richness of literary correspondence in the contemporary history of our region, but also serves as a window into the mind of a man who considered his mission to be the removal of ignorance from humanity.

We firmly believe that revisiting and publishing enduring legacies such as Iqbal’s thought empowers us to rise, not as scattered islands, but as a unified civilizational body amid the turbulence of today’s world, shaping a future full of awareness, prosperity, and peace for coming generations. It is our hope that this valuable work serves as a firm step toward strengthening cultural convergence and the unbreakable bonds among the region’s nations.

In conclusion, I extend my gratitude to Mr. Majid Meshki, the esteemed Cultural Counselor of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Islamabad, and to Dr. Mozaffar Ali Kashmiri, the respected author and translator of this Book, whose dedicated efforts have made this program possible.

May you remain prosperous and proud.

President, ECO Cultural Institute

February 2026