ISLAMABAD: The poets do not unite the nations but actually they make the nations and nation itself means the people who are united and nations make their states and states are responsible for the well being of the nation. The ideals of poets lead the people towards the goals of their lives working upon which they can reach their destination. Pakistan has such poet Allama Iqbal and Romania has Mihai Eminescu.
On 25th January 2024,a round table conference ” Allama Iqbal and Mihai Eminescu, Cultural Bridges of Pakistan and Romania” was held in National Language Promotion Department on both poets in collaboration with Embassy of Romania, National Language Promotion Department (NPLD) and Pakistan-Romania Friendship Association (PRFA) to celebrate National poets and to strengthen Cultural linkages.
January 15 was chosen in order to coincide with the birthday of Mihai Eminescu, Romania’s most influential poet.His poetry has been translated in over 60 languages and in the 154 years since he published his first poem, Eminescu has become Romania’s best known cultural ambassador.
The conference was graced by the presence of His Excellency Mr. Eduard Robert Preda, Charge d’Affaires of Romania, who served as the Chief Guest, alongside other esteemed members from the Romanian Embassy. Among the distinguished participants were Dr. Prof. Saleem Mazhar, Director General (NPLD) ,Mr. Zaildar Ahsan Shah, Chairman (PRFA) , Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director of PRCCF , Dr. Hina Shahid, Foundation University, as well as Dr Rashid Hameed, Executive Director NLPD, Mr. Zaildar Zaheer Shah, Member Advisory Council PRFA, Sheikh Fyyaz, Vice President Tourism PRFA, Tayyab Chatta, Vice President Sports PRFA and Mr.Khalid Rehman, Vice President Business PRFA.Editor Pakistan in the World Mr. Tazeen Akhtar Vice President Media PRFA also attended the event.
Mr. Eduard Robert PREDA shed light on the life of Mihai Eminescu, emphasizing his crucial role in awakening the Romanian population during Romania’s revolution. He praised Eminescu as a genius whose revolutionary poetry continues to be a subject of exploration for researchers, with ongoing efforts to decipher the symbolism embedded in his poetry.
Mr. PREDA highlighted the profound influence of Eminescu’s philosophy on Romania’s literature and its broader impact on European literature. He underscored that Eminescu, beyond being a poet, also served as a journalist, also faced criticism for his political thoughts.
He concluded that Eminescu’s ceaseless endeavors in composing poems, articles, and novels ultimately led to his untimely death at the age of 39.
Eminescu died early but his poetry is still alive enlightening those who seek guidance to a meaningful life for their society and the state.
Dr. Saleem Mazhar, the Director General (NLPD) emphasized that culture and academia play pivotal roles in fostering closer ties between the people of Pakistan and Romania. He advocated for the promotion of national poets from both nations, highlighting the importance of mutual efforts. He proposed initiatives to promote Pakistani culture in Romania and vice versa, emphasizing the reciprocal promotion of cultural exchange between the two countries.
Mr. Zaildar Ahsan Shah acknowledged the enduring strong friendship between Pakistan and Romania, emphasizing the shared cultural and traditional similarities between the two nations, including the presence of national poets.
Highlighting the cultural connection, he praised the works of Allama Iqbal and Mihai Eminescu, noting that these influential figures have left an indelible mark on the realms of poetry and philosophy. Despite belonging to different times and regions, both Allama Iqbal and Mihai Eminescu share a common ground in their profound ability to express the human experience through the beauty of language and poetry.
Mr. Zaildar Ahsan Shah commended the diplomatic efforts of Mr. Eduard Robert Preda, in bringing the two nations closer and strengthening bilateral relations. As a tribute to Allama Iqbal and Mihai Eminescu, he concluded his speech by reciting excerpts from their famous poems.
Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram emphasized the burgeoning strength of Pakistan and Romania relations, attributing this growth to the cultural and traditional affinities shared by both nations. He underscored that the profound love for their respective cultures and a deep sense of nationalism are common threads binding the two countries.
Editor Tazeen Akhtar shared shortly bilateral cooperation of two countries. He said, ” We mostly divide earth in East and West while our attitude towards West is mostly biased. Romania is situated at a unique geography where it becomes a junction between East and West. As Romania welcomes Pakistanis as very well known nation there and when we have two national poets who have common traditions and teachings, Romania can become a bridge between two civilizations.
Tazeen Akhtar said, ” Mihai Eminescu worked a lot to promote Romanian language and this conference has become a connecting factor between languages of both countries. The board is responsible to promote Urdu. It is a language that is spoken, written and understood by 1 person in every 6 persons in the world.”
He elaborated how Urdu is one of the three biggest languages at the earth. He said that Urdu is the language spoken not only in Pakistan but in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan as well. In India what they call Hindi is actually 95 % Urdu.
He expressed his satisfaction on the development of connection between Romanian and Urdu language that can go a long way in promotion of bilateral cooperation in all spheres.
As part of the conference proceedings, a documentary showcasing the life of Mihai Eminescu was presented. The documentary delved into Eminescu’s early life and highlighted his renowned poetic contributions. Additionally, commendation was extended towards his endeavors in promoting the Romanian language across Europe.
A dedicated segment of the conference was devoted to paying homage to both Allama Iqbal and Mihai Eminescu. Participants from the National Language Promotion Department (NLPD) took center stage during this segment, reciting and presenting the poetry of Allama Iqbal and Mihai Eminescu.
Dr. Hina Shahid, Mr. Zaildar Zaheer Shah, Mr. Rashid Hameed, Mr. Tayyab Chatta, Mr.Sheikh Fyyaz, Mr. Tehseen Akhtar, Mr.Khalid Rehman and several other guests expressed their admiration for the commendable efforts of Romanian Embassy, PRFA and NLPD in organizing an outstanding conference dedicated to paying tribute to the national poets of both Pakistan and Romania.
They lauded the contributions of H.E Mr. Eduard Robert Preda, Mr. Zaildar Ahsan Shah, Dr. Saleem Mazhar, and Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram for their dedicated endeavors in enhancing the cultural relations between the two nations. They all pledged to actively enhance cultural ties between the two nations within their respective domains.
Delegates from both nations seize this opportunity to establish connections, foster relationships, and delve into the immense potential for collaboration that lies ahead. Collectively, they express a desire to celebrate the cultural richness, strengthen the bonds of friendship, and envision a future marked by shared prosperity and lasting camaraderie.
The conclusion of the conference saw the distribution of certificates to the participants, followed by a visit to (NLPD) gallery. H.E Mr. Eduard Preda and other attendees explored the gallery, which showcased calligraphic arts.
Important Note : Islamabad has a memorial of both poets in the center of city in from of Kulsum International Hospital. It was constructed during the tenure of Ambassador Emilian Ion. Unfortunately , its condition is dilapidation day by day. PRFA and NLPD can look into this matter as well and do the needful. Eelaan group’s name was also heard during the conference. It is a real estate group that may certainly have construction capabilities as well. The memorial needs a little repair only and Eelaan can cooperate in this regard – Tazeen Akhtar Editor
On Culture Day, Romanians celebrate Mihai Eminescu, the national poet of Romania
