Discussion on self-actualisation

LAHORE: The Government College University (GCU) Lahore organised a panel discussion on ‘Self-actualisation and Authenticity’ in connection with the World Philosophy Day. The moot was organised by the GCU’s Philosophy Department and the Brett Philosophical Society.

Prof Dr Mirza Ather Baig, eminent philosopher and writer of famous novel Ghulam Bagh (The Garden of Slaves), chaired the discussion, which was also addressed by GCU Vice-Chancellor Dr Hassan Amir Shah and philosopher-poet Dr Alwin Vincent Murad.

Speakers said the ideals of self-actualisation and authenticity could not be achieved without hard work and struggle.

GCU Philosophy Department Chairperson Dr Sobia Tahir said self-actualisation and authenticity had remained the longstanding ideals and goals of human life, and man had been perusing these since immemorial times using numerous means like religion, spirituality, philosophy, art or literature.

Dr Sobia believed these ideals were not only unachievable without hard work and struggle but also empty and insignificant. “-actualisation and authenticity may not be sought in utter meaninglessness or vacuum. Some value must be assigned to them which one may strive with conviction, dedication and pleasure,” she said. She stressed that self-actualisation and authenticity should never be separated from praxis. In his keynote address, Dr Mirza conceptually grounded the topic in multiple perspectives and opened up various dimensions for the development of the discussion.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 9^th, 2016.