Lifetime achievement: Old Ravians pay tribute to writers, historians

LAHORE:

Government College University’s (GCU) Old Ravians Union (ORU) on Saturday conferred a lifetime achievement award on Urdu and Punjabi writer Bano Qudsia, playwright Shoaib Hashmi and historian Farhat Mahmood.

Qudisa and Mahmood received their award from Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, the chief guest at the annual reunion dinner. Hashmi could not attend the ceremony. Playwright Asghar Nadeem Syed received the award in his stead.

Speaking on the occasion, Justice Saqib Nisar said it was important to inculcate confidence among students.

The judge spoke on his days as a student at the GCU. “Representing my college in debate competitions across the country made me a confident individual.”

The judge said access to education and justice set developed countries apart from the underdeveloped world.

“It is imperative to strengthen foundations of our education and judicial system if we seek sustainable development,” the SC judge said.

GCU Vice Chancellor Hassan Amir Shah said the university’s alumni were its true strength.

He said alumni had donated Rs220 million to the GCU’s Endowment Fund Trust to help support underprivileged students.

In her speech, Qudsia thanked the GCU for the award. She said the university had nurtured a culture of academic excellence. Later, Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan performed at the reunion.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 4^th,  2016.