Iqbal believed that poetry was not merely for beauty or entertainment, but a powerful means of awakening the individual and the collective soul. His verses emphasize khudi (selfhood), action, faith, and the pursuit of excellence, especially for the youth, whom he regarded as the torchbearers of the future. Many of his poems for children — such as Aik Pahaar Aur Gulehri, Parinday Ki Fariyad, and Lab Pe Aati Hai Dua — have become cultural touchstones in Urdu literature. These works combine imaginative imagery with simple yet profound messages that remain relevant across generations.