As part of its ongoing literary series Mashal-e-Urdu, the ECO Cultural Institute (ECI) hosted the unveiling ceremony of the book “Khatoot-e-Akbar Ba Naam-e-Iqbal” at the 36th Tehran International Book Fair. Organized in collaboration with Urdu Language Students Union in Iran, the event took place at the “Saraye Ketab” hall and attracted scholars, students, and literature enthusiasts.
Dr. Saad Khan, President of ECI, reflected on the deep emotional value of handwritten letters during his childhood recalling and emphasized how the tradition of letter writing served as a vessel of genuine human connection-an art that is beautifully captured in this book. He praised Dr. Zahid Munir Amir, the author, for his scholarly dedication in compiling such a significant work.
Dr. Zahid Munir Amir, shared insights into the journey of compiling the book and spoke about the various challenges he encountered in collecting and organizing the valuable material. His remarks offered a glimpse into the laborious and thoughtful process behind the book’s creation.
The book, a unique collection of letters addressed to Allama Iqbal by Akbar Ilah Abadi, was widely appreciated by all present. Reflections were shared by Iranian scholars Dr. Ali Bayat and Dr. Ali Kavousi Nejad, with the session moderated by Dr. Syed Hassan Raza Naqvi. Ms. Samana Abid Dawoodani, Pakistan Affairs Expert at ECI, also shared her views, reaffirming the Institute’s commitment to literary and cultural exchange through initiatives like Mashal-e-Urdu. The program highlighted ECI’s role as a cultural bridge, fostering dialogue and understanding among member states through the promotion of the languages of ECI member states and their shared literary heritage.
