If you think the education is expensive, try ignorance and you'll see it's even more expensive, said Dr Hasnain Walji, the Executive Director of United Global Initiative, at a lecture organised at Habib University on Wednesday.
He advised the audience that the more you give, the more you get.
Habib University, a leading liberal arts institution, launched its new lecture series on 'Reshaping Philanthropy in the Islamic World' with the inaugural lecture on 'Universities as Nurseries of Ethical Leadership and Social Responsibility for the Advancement of Muslim Societies' delivered by Dr Walji.
Dr Walji, an educator, author, social entrepreneur and medical researcher shared his insights on higher education and emphasized the crucial role of universities in molding ethical leaders and socially responsible citizens.
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He shed light on the unique standpoint higher education institutes hold in Muslim societies, where religion and culture deeply influence daily lives. Universities serve as central spaces to integrate ethical principles and inculcate social consciousness in the young so that they may become thoughtful leaders who can positively impact their communities in line with Islamic values, stressed Dr Walji.
"The idea of Reshaping Philanthropy in the Islamic World means when we have to do something for humanity, we give something that is really close to our heart," said Dr Walji, highlighting the need for charitable investments in higher education.
"The philanthropists from our communities need to understand one phrase, if you think education is expensive, try ignorance; its impact is far more expensive," he added.
Earlier, as the session began, Dr Nauman Naqvi, Associate Professor of Comparative Humanities at Habib University, underscored on the principles of love, generosity and sacrifice, which define Muslim civilization.
"Pakistan is the most generous nation in the world, but ironically, the generosity in higher education is not taken seriously," he noted.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 18th, 2024.
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