لب پہ آتی ہے دعا بن کے تمنا میری
زندگی شمع کی صورت ہو خدایا میری
My desire comes to my lips as a prayer of mine
Oh Lord! May like a candle be the life of mine
دور دنیا کا مرے دم سے اندھیرا ہو جائے
ہر جگہ مرے چمکنے سے اجالا ہو جائے
May, the darkness of the world wane because
 of mine
May every place brighten with sparking light 
of mine

You must be familiar with this poem as it’s read aloud every morning in the school assembly. I believe most of you know that the poet of this famous poem “Bachay ki Dua” (Child’s Invocation) is no other than Allama Iqbal. His worthy piece of poetry is presented as a child praying to Allah to protect him from evil and bad practices, give him strength and courage to be pious and virtuous, and to walk on the righteous path and serve the nation. This poem is meant to nurture the sense of inspiration, devotion, virtue as well as purposeful life.
Who is Iqbal?
Allama Muhammad Iqbal is the National Poet of Pakistan. He was born in Sialkot on November 9, 1877. He was a brilliant and talented boy belonging to a religious family. During his early years, Iqbal’s father advised him to recite the Quran every day. This routine enabled him to absorb the ‘Seerah’ (character) of the Prophet (PBUH), which led him to understand how the character of a thorough Muslim should be. The same thought he injected in his poetry with a deep sense of patriotism, revival of Ummah and reawakening of the youth of subcontinent. 
The restless efforts he made towards promoting consciousness, dignity and morality, and building character of the Muslim youth and children is worth cherishing. 
Iqbal Day 
November 9 is observed every year as Iqbal Day. It is a national holiday in Pakistan. However, this day is not meant to enjoy as a holiday, but it is regarded as a clarion call for the nation to understand Dr Iqbal’s actual message, and keep in mind that our great revolutionary poet wanted the youth of this nation as a vibrant force that grows to become useful citizens, and plays a frontline role in the well-being of people as well as the development of homeland. It’s a day to celebrate Allama Iqbal as the most sought-after torch-bearer, a leader, a thinker and a philosopher. Through his Urdu and Persian poetry and English prose, he timely galvanized the sense of self-actualization and self-discovery amongst the youth. Iqbal’s books, specifically famous poems, have been translated into many languages, which have helped in sending his universal message across the cultures and nations.
Our beloved country is the living outcome of Iqbal’s vision, which he presented in a practicable form during his 1930 Allahabad address. He not only dreamed of a separate homeland, but also searched for a dynamic leadership for the Muslims of subcontinent. He wrote many letters to Mohammad Ali Jinnah and convinced him to come back from England and lead the Muslims for making a separate homeland. This was his vision that he found in Jinnah a true leader and revolutionist. 
Iqbal Day is a special time to learn from Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s life, intellect, poetry and contributions to evaluate what we are doing as a nation, and where we stand. It’s a dedicated day to focus on Iqbal’s reflection on Pakistan and honor his legacy. The profound impact of Iqbal’s universal message on the intellectual and social development of Muslims can never be overlooked. 
Iqbal’s Universal Message for Youth & Children
Allama Iqbal had great love for children. He believed that the children of today are the future leaders, so it is an obligation to train children in the best way, and equip them with the modern-day skill-based education and essential expertise. The fundamental aspect of Iqbal’s revolutionary poetry is universality, that’s why his poems are read around the globe as an inspiration. 
Allama Iqbal wrote very interesting, meaningful, effective, and enlightening poems to inculcate good habits in children and for their better upbringing. His poetry covers almost every aspect of life. Most of his poetry is for the young generation with the precise universal and moral messages. He gave a clear vision to motivate the youth towards the progressive path. He had high hopes and tried his best to awaken the eagle spirit in them. That’s why he called them as ‘Shaheen’, the Urdu word for eagle.
Bang-e-Dra’s Hundred Years
There is a section “Bachon ki Nazmain” dedicated to ‘poems for children’ in Iqbal’s most read book “Bang-e-Dra”. The year 2024 is the 100th year of Bang-e-Dra’s publication. Iqbal-lovers are celebrating it in a way that the poems in the book are being highlighted in their write-ups and talk shows. His poems specific for kids teach them the golden principles of life giving them moral lessons through interesting characters in a creative way. The titles of his poems are simple, meaningful and engaging. He endorsed the importance and implication of basic moral values like empathy, modesty, compassion, kindness, harmony, humanity, sympathy and spirituality through these poems.

Iqbal’s Poems for Children
Although these poems were written a century ago, yet still it carries the same spark, allure and persistence. The young minds, who aspire to be useful and knowledgeable, and want to become active members of society, should not miss reading the poetry of Iqbal. They must understand and memorize the message Iqbal gives through these poems. Children love poems and there is no doubt that these poems are a treat for them. These poems include “The Child’s Invocation”, “Sympathy”, “Spider and Fly”, “Mountain and Squirrel”, “Cow and Goat”, “Bird’s Complaint”, “Mother’s Dream”, etc. Let’s have a look at the poems for children and figure out the imperative lessons:
1.    “Hamdardi” (Sympathy)
کیا غم ہے جو رات ہے اندھیری
میں راہ میں روشنی کروں گا
Never mind if the night is dark
I shall shed light if the way is dark
ہیں لوگ وہی جہاں میں اچھے
آتے ہیں جو کام دوسروں کے
The good in the world only those are
Ready to be useful to others who are
This poem describes the dialogue between a nightingale and a firefly. Firefly helps the nightingale to reach its destination when it seemed lost in night. This lovely poem with simple words delivers an impressive message of sympathy, humanity, kindness and benefit to others no matter how ordinary or small you think you are. Friends, you know it’s the basic principle of Islam to help others without discrimination. The best amongst you is the one who has a good character. This poem, through the iconic character of ‘jugnu’ encourages the children to be kind, selfless, action oriented, and compassionate. 
2.    “Pahar aur Gulehri” A Mountain and a Squirrel 
ہر ایک چیز سے پیدا خدا کی قدرت ہے
کوئی بڑا کوئی چھوٹا، یہ اس کی حکمت ہے
Everything shows the supremacy of God
Some large some small, is the wisdom of God
نہیں ہے چیز نکمی کوئی زمانے میں
کوئی برا نہیں قدرت کے کارخانے میں
In this world nothing is useless
In God’s creation nothing is bad
The subject matter of this interesting poem is the intricate relation of size and worth, depicted through the amusing characters of a mountain and a squirrel in an insightful way. The dialogue between a mountain and a squirrel carries a lot of interesting messages for children including the value of every creature irrespective of its physical size and placement. This poem depicts the reality of life that everyone is meant to play its distinctive role in the world without any excuse. It teaches children to accept personal differences, unique characteristics and avoid discrimination and arrogance.  

3.    “Makra aur Makhhi” A Spider and a Fly
اس جال میں مکھی کبھی آنے کی نہیں ہے
جو آپ کی سیڑھی پہ چڑھا پھر نہیں اترا
This fly would never be pulled into your net
One could never step down who climbed your net
سو کام خوشامد سے نکلتے ہیں جہاں میں
دیکھو جسے دنیا میں خوشامد کا ہے بندہ
In the world many longings are fulfilled with flattery
All in the world are enslaved with flattery
This lively poem effectively tackles the sensitive topic of flattery and deceitfulness through the engaging characters of a spider and a fly. Spider praises the beauty and interior of his house to attract the fly so he can prey her. When it didn’t work, the spider opts for flattery and praises the fly to the extreme. This poem contains noteworthy messages for children not to fall in traps, not to believe in fabricated stories. It motivated youngsters to access others’ intentions and circumstances first and then act prudently to avoid deception and sycophancy.
4.    “Parinday ki Faryad” The Bird’s Complaint
آتا ہے یاد مجھ کو وہ گزرا ہوا زمانہ
وہ باغ کی بہاریں، وہ سب کا چہچہانا
I am constantly reminded of the bygone times
Those garden’s springs, those chorus of chimes
آزاد مجھ کو کردے، او قید کرنے والے
میں بے زباں ہوں قیدی، تو چھوڑ کر دعا لے
O the one who confined me, make me free
A silent prisoner I am, earn my blessings free
This expressive poem describes the cry of an encaged bird. It draws a clear line between freedom and slavery by stressing upon the significance of a blessing like freedom. In simple words it narrates the grief, longing for home and loneliness of the bird, and how much it yearns for freedom and homeland. This poem teaches children the importance of freedom, and having a separate and independent homeland.
5.     “Gaey aur Bakri” A Cow and a Goat
آدمی سے کوئی بھلا نہ کرے
اس سے پالا پڑے خدا نہ کرے
None should nicely deal with man
May God protect us from man
یوں تو چھوٹی ہے ذات بکری کی
دل کو لگتی ہے بات بکری کی
Small though is the size of the goat
Convincing is the advice of the goat
This poem revolves around the dialogue between a cow and a goat. Through this poem, Iqbal beautifully narrates that doubts, ingratitude, negativity, judgments and complaints are enough to ruin the harmony, peace and contentment in life. It teaches children the importance of gratitude, loyalty and sincerity. Always be faithful and honest with those who support and stand with you in time of need as well as be thankful to Allah for His countless blessings.
6.    “Maan ka Khwab” A Mother’s Dream
رلاتی ہے تجھ کو جدائی میری
نہیں اس میں کچھ بھی بھلائی میری
Make you cry the separation from me
Not least little good does this to me
This poem is a description of a mother’s dream and sentiments about her lost son. It contains valuable lessons for both children and parents. The big tragedy of life is when a loved one passes away. This poem narrates the value of blood relations, patience and Allah’s supremacy. It’s suggested not to keep crying out of grief, instead perform good deeds and do charity for the departed soul.  
Conclusion
Friends, it’s a humble request, please read and memorize the poems of Iqbal, make a conscious effort to draw moral lessons from it, and practice those in your life. Iqbal wants you to have high morals and a strong character. In fact, poetry is the most exciting medium of conveying as well as provoking the feelings. 
Iqbal did poetry at a time when Muslims of subcontinent were living in misery. So, he addressed the youth to develop intellectual skills, become optimistic, be dignified and proactive, and give up the careless attitude. 
There is no doubt that Pakistani youths are determined and courageous, all they need is vision, proper training and inspiration. If children carefully read Iqbal, they would develop strong character and be able to play a commendable role in the development of Pakistan. Iqbal Day provides us a golden chance to study, treasure and appreciate the rich intellect and poetic contribution of Iqbal.