Speakers pay tribute to Hasan Ali Effendi for promoting education
Federal Minister for Education and Vocational Training, Madad Ali Sindhi, has emphasized the enduring importance of historical figures who lead the way for their nations.
He specifically highlighted Khan Bahadur Hasan Ali Effendi, the founder of Sindh Madrasatul Islam University (SMIU), as "a pivotal figure in our history" during the university's 139th foundation day ceremony.
The minister expressed the need to educate youth about Hasan Ali Effendi's contributions and shared a personal connection to Sindh Madrasatul Islam, where his father had studied in 1913. He acknowledged the institution's historical significance as the alma mater of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and other leaders.
During the event, the Federal Minister announced a donation of 500 books from the Pakistan Book Foundation for the Khan Bahadur Hasan Ali Effendi Library at SMUI and commended Dr. Mujeeb Sehrai for organizing the foundation day.
SMUI Vice Chancellor Dr. Mujeeb Sehrai highlighted that Hasan Ali Effendi's role in history deserves recognition, as he founded a modern educational institution that played a pivotal role in producing Pakistan's founder, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Dr. Sehrai also mentioned the institution's increased budget and self-generated revenue.
Turkish Consul General Jamal Sangu recognized Hasan Ali Effendi's historical role as the first Consul General of the Ottoman Empire in Sindh and emphasized the strong historical ties between Turkey and Pakistan.
Dr Tariq Rafi, Chairman Sindh HEC, congratulated Vice Chancellor Dr. Mujeeb Sehrai for organizing the 139th Foundation Day and underscored Khan Bahadur Hasan Ali Effendi's contribution to modern education.
Senator Javed Jabbar highlighted Hasan Ali Effendi's remarkable journey, from an orphaned child to a master of Arabic, Persian, and English. He noted that Hasan Ali Effendi, through his intellectual acumen and services in the field of education, gained the trust of the British despite their discrimination.
Former member of Sindh Assembly Mehtab Akbar Rashidi praised Hasan Ali Effendi's inclusive approach to language, leading to the establishment of an English medium school, Sindh Madrasatul Islam.
Additionally, SMIU's Department of Social and Development Studies Chairperson Dr. Subhash Babu and historian Prof. Ejaz Qureshi discussed SMIU's social impact in Sindh.
The ceremony featured a cake-cutting ceremony, performances by SMIU students, and a documentary on Hasan Ali Effendi's life and struggles. Shields were presented to speakers and guests, and the event saw a substantial turnout of dignitaries, academics, journalists, and students. The ceremony was hosted by Sundus Nisar.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 2nd, 2023.