Sir: The public reaction over the cancellation of a public holiday on Iqbal Day was mixed. Some hailed the government’s decision as a practical step to raise the nation from its lethargic mood while others criticised this step as a way to forget the national poet. Iqbal was not only a poet but an institution and his poetry was not mere words but a philosophy and an ideology that paved the way for recognition of the Muslims of the subcontinent. No doubt, we as a nation should remember our national hero but not by closing all activities. The basic purpose of Iqbal’s poetry was to awaken the Muslims from deep slumber and create awareness regarding ‘self’ and ‘selflessness.’ We as individuals and as a nation have to recognise the lesson of Iqbal’s poetry. Again we are sleeping and have closed our eyes to social injustice. We have to think beyond our self-interest. Thus the cancellation of a public holiday is a wake-up call for all Muslims to rise as a nation. RUMAISA ALI Lahore