“The eagle, deceived and raised among vultures,<\/p>\n
Knows nothing of the ways and traditions of eaglehood.”<\/p>\n
Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Bal-e-Jibril<\/p>\n
Few poetic verses capture the intellectual and moral decline of individuals and nations as profoundly as this celebrated couplet by Allama Muhammad Iqbal. More than a literary masterpiece, it is a timeless diagnosis of psychological subjugation, civilizational decay, and the crisis of leadership. Every generation, regardless of time or place, can discover its own reflection in these words.<\/p>\n
For Iqbal, the Shaheen (Eagle) is not merely a bird of prey; it is the embodiment of self-respect, intellectual freedom, courage, lofty ambition, moral character, and relentless striving. In contrast, the Kargas (Vulture) symbolizes dependence, complacency, opportunism, and a mindset accustomed to surviving on what others have produced rather than creating its own destiny.<\/p>\n
The true tragedy, therefore, is not that the eagle has become weak. The greater tragedy is that it has forgotten who it really is.<\/p>\n
When an eagle is raised among vultures, it gradually loses confidence in its natural abilities. Its instinct to soar above the clouds is replaced by the habits and limitations of its surroundings. Eventually, its conditioned existence becomes its accepted reality. It no longer recognizes the heights for which it was created. This state of intellectual and psychological captivity is precisely what Iqbal regarded as the gravest threat to both individuals and nations.<\/p>\n
Sadly, this metaphor resonates powerfully with the condition of many contemporary societies. Our educational priorities, social attitudes, political culture, and institutional practices too often reward conformity over creativity, expediency over principle, and blind allegiance over independent thought. Consequently, talent remains abundant, yet confidence diminishes; opportunities increase, yet vision becomes increasingly blurred.<\/p>\n
Iqbal believed that the primary purpose of education was never confined to preparing individuals for employment. Rather, its higher mission was to awaken the dormant eagle within every human being. An educational system that produces technically competent graduates but fails to cultivate integrity, wisdom, critical thinking, moral courage, and a spirit of public service may create professionals, but it cannot produce visionary leaders.<\/p>\n
The message of this verse extends equally to political and administrative leadership. Leadership that substitutes principles with expediency, national service with personal ambition, and long-term vision with short-term political gains ultimately conditions society to think like vultures rather than eagles. Nations derive their true strength not merely from economic resources or military capability but from the character of their leadership, the integrity of their institutions, and the moral values they collectively uphold.<\/p>\n
The same principle applies to economic development. Nations that invest in research, innovation, productivity, entrepreneurship, and human capital cultivate the resilience and independence of the eagle. Conversely, economies trapped in excessive debt, chronic dependence, short-term policymaking, and unproductive economic structures remain confined within the psychology of dependence, unable to realize their true potential.<\/p>\n
Pakistan today confronts numerous political, economic, and social challenges. Yet perhaps the greatest challenge is neither financial nor institutional\u2014it is intellectual and moral. A shortage of resources may be overcome through sound policies, but a shortage of vision is far more destructive. The true wealth of a nation lies not in its natural resources alone but in the intellectual, ethical, and civic development of its people. Unless our younger generation is nurtured with confidence, discipline, integrity, intellectual curiosity, and a profound sense of national purpose, even the brightest minds may gradually lose sight of their inherent potential.<\/p>\n
Yet Iqbal’s philosophy is not one of despair. It is a philosophy of awakening.<\/p>\n
He reminds us that the eagle’s nature can never be permanently extinguished. It may be neglected, suppressed, or forgotten, but it can always be rediscovered. Once individuals and nations reconnect with their civilizational heritage, intellectual traditions, ethical foundations, and collective purpose, no external force can permanently prevent them from rising again.<\/p>\n
In my view, the need of the hour is to cultivate not merely successful professionals but enlightened and principled citizens. Our educational institutions must become centres of character formation rather than factories of degrees. Our politics must transcend the pursuit of power and become an instrument of public service. Our economy must be built upon productivity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance rather than dependence. Only then can we restore the spirit of Iqbal’s Shaheen and reclaim the heights for which our nation is destined.<\/p>\n
Ultimately, Iqbal leaves every individual with a timeless question:<\/p>\n
Are we truly eagles, or have we lived among vultures for so long that we have forgotten the very essence of eaglehood?<\/p>\n
The answer to this question will determine not only our individual character but also the future destiny of our nation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
“The eagle, deceived and raised among vultures, Knows nothing of the ways and traditions of eaglehood.” Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Bal-e-Jibril Few poetic verses capture the intellectual and moral decline of individuals and nations as profoundly as this celebrated couplet by Allama Muhammad Iqbal. More than a literary masterpiece, it is a timeless diagnosis of psychological […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":78676,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1040],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[94],"class_list":["post-78675","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-opinion-analysis"],"yoast_head":"\n