Amar Singh Club Institutes Annual Dr Javid Iqbal Memorial Lecture; Colleagues Pay Tributes

Ziraat Times Team Report

Srinagar, June 7: Amar Singh Club, Srinagar, has announced the institution of an Annual Dr Javid Iqbal Memorial Lecture to honour the memory and intellectual legacy of noted scholar, writer and social activist Dr Javid Iqbal, who passed away on June 4, 2026.

The announcement was made during a condolence meeting organised by the club, which was attended by members of civil society, club members, academics, professionals, and members of Dr Iqbal’s family, including his brother Sohail Iqbal.

Welcoming the participants, Amar Singh Club Secretary Nasir Hamid Khan said the gathering had come together with “heavy hearts but profound gratitude” to celebrate the life and contributions of a man he described as “one of the brightest pillars” of the club.

A one-minute silence was observed in memory of the departed soul, followed by special Fateha prayers led by Syed Shakeel Qalander.

Paying tribute to Dr Iqbal, Khan described him as a rare and multidimensional personality who excelled as a professional, intellectual, writer, cultural enthusiast and compassionate human being. He said Dr Iqbal possessed a remarkable ability to connect with people across generations and dedicated his life to meaningful service and the upliftment of society.

Highlighting Dr Iqbal’s close association with Amar Singh Club, Khan recalled his participation in the club’s “Common Interest Conversations” programme in January 2025 despite battling cancer. During that interaction, Dr Iqbal had described himself as “a writer of sorts” and spoke with characteristic wit, humour and determination despite his illness.

Khan noted that the discussion rekindled Dr Iqbal’s passion for writing, leading him to publish a thought-provoking article in Greater Kashmir titled “Debating the Debate – An Essay on Public Space Engagement.” In the essay, Dr Iqbal emphasised the importance of civilised debate, public dialogue and the preservation of democratic spaces for constructive engagement.

Describing these values as central to Dr Iqbal’s intellectual legacy, Khan announced the establishment of the Annual Dr Javid Iqbal Memorial Lecture. He said the lecture series would provide a permanent platform for eminent scholars, thinkers and professionals to discuss subjects that were close to Dr Iqbal’s heart, ensuring that his ideas on dialogue, knowledge and civic engagement continue to inspire future generations.

The gathering also heard a special message from Dr Ghulam Qadir Allaqaband, currently based in the United States. In his message, Allaqaband recalled how his association with Dr Iqbal had introduced him to the intellectual worlds of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Jalal al-Din Rumi, Islamic history and Persian literature. He described Dr Iqbal as a man of deep intellect whose commitment to social service, particularly through Care Kashmir International, was matched by the courage and patience with which he confronted his illness.

Several prominent speakers paid rich tributes to Dr Iqbal during the meeting, including Zaffar Ahmad Shah, Saleem Beg, Dr Altaf Hussain, Abdul Majeed Zargar, Syed Shakeel Qalander, Zareef Ahmad Zareef, Prof. Hamida Nayeem, Qurat-ul-Ain, Amir Sohail Wani, Advocate Bashir Sidique and Dr Iqbal’s nephew Saif Sohail.

The speakers remembered Dr Iqbal for his scholarship, social service, empathy, commitment to reasoned public discourse, mastery of several languages—particularly Persian—and his ability to engage authoritatively on a wide range of subjects.

Concluding the event, Khan thanked participants for sharing their memories and reflections and expressed hope that society would collectively work towards the ideals and goals to which Dr Javid Iqbal had dedicated his life.