Team Clarion
LUCKNOW – Verses from Allama Iqbal, the Poet of the East, found their echo in the Uttar Pradesh assembly on Saturday as the House held discussions on the state’s fiscal budget. The resonant verses prompting deep reflection in the chamber:
“Yunan-o-Misr-o-Ruma Sab Mit Gaye Jahan Se,
Ab Tak Magar Hai Baqi Naam-o-Nishan Hamara,
Kuchh Baat Hai Ke Hasti Mit’ti Nahin Hamari,
Sadiyon Raha Hai Dushman Daur-e-Zaman Hamara.”
(Greek, Egyptian, and Roman civilisations have all vanished from the earth. Yet, our civilisation remains, steadfast and resolute. There is something remarkable about our existence; it withstands the test of time despite enduring centuries of adversities.)
During the debate, former chief minister and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav noted that this Iqbal’s poem is studied in army schools, emphasising its significance.
The leader of the opposition also highlighted Iqbal’s reverence for Ram. He quoted:
“Hai Ram ke wujood pe Hindostan ko naaz
Ahl-e-nazar samajhte hain is ko Imam-e-Hind.”
(India is proud of the existence of Ram; Spiritual people consider him the prelate of India.)
Akhilesh Yadav also recited several poems by Allama Iqbal and urged the government to include these verses in the upcoming budget.
While the government remained ambiguous on this matter, Raghuraj Pratap Singh aka Raja Bhaiya, head of Jansatta Dal (Loktantrik), opposed Iqbal’s ideology, alleging that the poet advocated division of the country based on religion, aligning himself with the idea of Pakistan.
In a contrasting perspective, while expressing support for the budget and praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Raja Bhaiya emphasised that merely decorating temple walls doesn’t establish the essence of the Ganges and Yamuna culture. He remarked that Modi is currently advancing the promotion of Sanatan religion akin to Shankaracharya.
