Lahore: Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Thursday established and sponsored an Iqbal Corner at Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) to promote the philosophy, teachings and message of Allama Muhammad Iqbal among the younger generation.
The Iqbal Corner was inaugurated by LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol here at a ceremony along with Provincial Minister of School and Higher Education for Punjab Rana Sikandar Hayat, Vice Chancellor LCWU Dr. Uzma Qureshi, Dr. Hafsa Batool, Convener of LCCI Standing Committee Umar Saleem and other officials, academics and university representatives.
Speaking on the occasion, LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol said that establishing the Iqbal Corner was part of his vision to introduce the youth to the thoughts, philosophy and teachings of Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal. He said that the younger generation needed to understand Iqbal’s message of self-belief, hard work, knowledge, determination and service to the nation.
He said that Allama Iqbal’s philosophy remained highly relevant in the present era, particularly for young people who would play a decisive role in shaping Pakistan’s future. He added that the Iqbal Corner would provide students with an opportunity to explore Iqbal’s poetry, ideas and vision for the development and progress of the country.
The LCCI President said that the Lahore College for Women University, a century-old institution serving approximately 20,000 students, was an appropriate place for establishing the Iqbal Corner. He expressed the hope that the initiative would help develop a deeper understanding of Allama Iqbal’s message among students and encourage them to contribute positively to society.
He said that the business community had a responsibility not only to promote economic development but also to support educational and intellectual initiatives that could help build a knowledgeable, responsible and progressive society.
Provincial Minister for Education Rana Sikandar Hayat appreciated the LCCI initiative and said that promoting the philosophy and teachings of Allama Iqbal among the youth was essential for building a strong and progressive Pakistan. He said that Iqbal’s message of self-belief, knowledge, hard work and determination continued to provide valuable guidance to young people.
He appreciated the LCCI for establishing the Iqbal Corner at LCWU and said such initiatives could help students connect with the intellectual and philosophical heritage of Pakistan.
Rana Sikandar Hayat said that the Government of Punjab was giving special focus to education, particularly the education and empowerment of women, as educated women played a vital role in the social and economic development of the province and the country. He said that institutions like LCWU had an important role in providing quality education and preparing young women to contribute effectively to national development. He appreciated the university administration and LCCI for creating an environment where students could benefit from both academic learning and the teachings of national thinkers.
Vice Chancellor Lahore College for Women University Dr. Uzma Qureshi thanked the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry for establishing the Iqbal Corner at the university and said that the initiative would provide students with an opportunity to understand Allama Iqbal’s philosophy and vision in a meaningful manner. She said LCWU was committed to providing its students with quality education while also nurturing their intellectual, social and leadership capabilities. She appreciated LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol for taking the initiative and expressed the hope that the Iqbal Corner would become a valuable source of inspiration and learning for students.