SRINAGAR: The Amar Singh Club in Srinagar has announced the establishment of an annual Dr. Javid Iqbal Memorial Lecture to commemorate the life and intellectual contributions of the noted scholar, columnist, and social activist Dr. Javid Iqbal, who passed away on June 4, 2026.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the announcement was made during a condolence meeting organized by the club on Sunday. The gathering was attended by members of the civil society, intellectuals, lawyers, academicians, cultural figures, and family members of Dr. Javid Iqbal, including his brother Sohail Iqbal.
Nasir Hamid Khan, the Club Secretary, addressed the attendees, stating that the meeting was convened with a sense of profound gratitude to remember “a truly great soul of Kashmir.” A minute of silence was observed, followed by special Fateh prayers led by Syed Shakeel Qalander.
Khan described Dr. Javid Iqbal as one of the club’s most distinguished members, highlighting his multifaceted personality known for intellectual depth, compassion, wit, and dedication to society. He noted that Dr. Iqbal left a significant impression on everyone he encountered, whether through scholarly debates, sharing wisdom, or engaging with his characteristic charm.
Khan recalled Dr. Javid Iqbal’s continued association with the Amar Singh Club, even in January 2025, when he participated in the club’s ‘Common Interest Conversations’ program despite battling cancer. He mentioned that Dr. Iqbal referred to himself as ‘a writer of sorts’ and that his voice showed no signs of the pain he was enduring, which later inspired him to resume writing.
Following this event, Dr. Javid Iqbal authored a column in Greater Kashmir titled “Debating the Debate – An Essay on Public Space Engagement.” In this piece, he emphasized the importance of civil discourse and the preservation of public spaces, cautioning that diminishing public spaces could lead to societal fragmentation.
Announcing the memorial lecture, Khan explained that it would serve as a permanent platform to invite prominent thinkers, scholars, and professionals to discuss topics that were central to Dr. Javid Iqbal’s interests. He expressed hope that the lecture series would continue to inspire and safeguard the public spaces Dr. Iqbal advocated for.
A message from Dr. Ghulam Qadir Allaqaband, sent from the United States, was also read aloud. Dr. Allaqaband acknowledged Dr. Javid Iqbal’s extensive knowledge of figures like Allama Iqbal and Maulana Rumi, as well as Islamic history and Persian literature. He also recognized Dr. Iqbal’s commitment to social service, particularly his involvement with Care Kashmir International, and praised his resilience during his prolonged illness.
Tributes were also offered by senior advocate Zaffar A Shah, Saleem Baig, 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. Speakers remembered him as an intellectual with proficiency in multiple languages, particularly Persian, and a firm proponent of dialogue and reasoned debate in addressing public concerns.
Khan concluded the program by thanking the participants for sharing their memories and voiced his hope that society would collectively strive towards the ideals Dr. Javid Iqbal championed throughout his life.
The Chenab Times News Desk