I have received an email from Iqbal Academy UK informing me of something which I consider an honor. My book, Iqbal: an Illustrated Biography (2006), has been presented for inclusion in the Birthplace Library at Stratford-upon-Avon. The director of Shakespeare Birthplace Trust received it from a delegation which included chairperson of the Academy and the Lord Mayor of Birmingham.From: Saeed Akhtar Durrani
Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Subject: Re: Fw: [RR] Iqbal's views about ShakespeareDear Khurram Shafique,
On 5th June 09, a delegation led by me as the Chairman, Iqbal Academy (UK) and including the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, visited Dr Diana Owen, Director of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust at Stratford upon Avon. We presented a copy of your illustrated book to her for the Birthplace Library.
We also proposed that a suitable plaque, containing Iqbal's Ode to the Bard be installed at a suitable place. The Director graciously agreed to our proposal.
I have now asked the noted calligrapher, Mr Rasheed Butt, to prepare a suitable metal plaque - but still await his answer...
I gave the Trust my own translation of Iqbal's poem - which has been placed in their Library. I'll keep you informed of progress…
With best wishes.
Saeed Durrani, Chairman, Iqbal Academy (UK)
Congratulations! This is a womderful achievement.
ReplyDeleteNice. May you receive greater success in your sincere efforts towards enlightening us. :-)
ReplyDelete"Why, then the world 's (Khurram Ali Shafique Sahib's) oyster" who has gained and given many a pearl and no doubt there will be many more ahead...
ReplyDeleteHe has learned well and teaches that: "The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose" and thus through the Igbal efforts - along with other writing and teaching - encourages all here and in class by word and example not to let "Our doubts (be our) traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt".
Although he speaks English as good or better than any American and I would "dare say" as well as most Englishmen, he knows better than to copy the West nor to laud the same except where this may be well earned and enlarging of ideal.
Thus with his discernment he has no need as did Caliban to say "You taught me language, and my profit on’ tis I know how to curse. The red plague rid you for learning me your language!"
Again unlike the characters in The Tempest he has based the "fabric of this vision" for his Iqbal and other writing "the great real globe itself " (and not merely as with The Tempest: The Globe Theatre)
Khurram Ali Shafique Sahib's readers and students everywhere as well as his inspirations and work are most substantial -- unlike those who are "such stuff as dreams (along) are made on (who's) little life is rounded with sleep."
Many Congratulations!
Zubair, Structure of Entropy and Connie, thanks for your kind words and sharing my happiness.
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