Excellence in education: Government College University kicks off anniversary celebrations

University VC unhappy over lack of govt funding.


Our Correspondent January 01, 2014
Provincial minister Rana Mashood, Dr Samar Khan and VC GC University Khaliqur Rehman cutting the cake during the 150th Anniversay of GC University in Lahore. PHOTO: ONLINE

LAHORE:


The first day of the new year marked the 150 anniversary of the Government College University, one of the oldest educational institutions in the country.


The GCU hosted 150th anniversary celebrations at its Oval ground on Wednesday. At least 8,000, including students, faculty, alumni and members of the education fraternity, attended the ceremony.

The celebrations kicked off with a formal address by Vice Chancellor Dr Khaleequr Rahman.

Rahman said the university was proud of its alumni.

“Poets, sportsmen, politicians and bureaucrats – our alumni have played a key role in the development of the country” he said.

Rahman said the university’s Kala Shah Kaku campus would offer students state-of-the-art facilities. He said the university completed the master plan and the PC-1 for the new campus and submitted it to the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan and the government.



He regretted the provincial government’s failure to release funds to the GCU for the last two years. He said while the Abdus Salam School of Mathematical Sciences had won awards from the European Mathematical Society for producing 100 PhD’s in 8 years, the HEC and government’s annual grants for ASSMS were discontinued.

“Our hope is that the government will look into the matter and ensure the timely release of funds to assist our varsity in its future endeavours,” he added.

He said the university operated from a campus constructed in the 19th century. He said as the university housed over 11, 000 students, it was important to address its growing needs.

Old Ravians’ Union President Kamran Lashari took a trip down memory lane.

He said he had secured admission on the basis of his sporting skills.

He expressed his desire for the university to revive sports on campus. He regretted that the campus no longer had a swimming pool. He requested the administration to look into reviving sporting activities through provision of adequate facilities for students.

Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif was expected to be part of the celebrations. However, Education Minister Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan came to the event on his behalf and read a massage by him.

In his message, the chief minister said the government was working with institutions to equip them with the latest technology. He said the government was upgrading current government infrastructure.

The chief minister also urged the youth to assist the government in the fight against extremism and terrorism.

Government college had shifted from the Haveli Dhian Singh campus to its current location after its completion in 1877. It was granted the university charter in 2002.

The administration has announced to hold celebratory events throughout the year as part of its 150 years celebrations.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 2nd, 2014. 

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ