Reunion: 84-year-old Edwardian reminiscences of his heydays
Around 300 alumni attend old students association’s annual dinner.
The association’s president said it provides old friends a way to keep in touch with one another and stay up-to-date regarding news about the college. PHOTO: EXPRESS
PESHAWAR:
“I imagine I am still only 20 years old and have come to attend my classes,” said Noorul Basar, 84, while attending an annual college dinner after a 63-year gap.
Basar studied at Edwardes College Peshawar from 1948 to 1950, and was more than happy to attend the Edwardes College Old Students Association’s (ECOSA) annual gathering at Shalimar Garden, located within the century-old college.
He was accompanied by his grandson, who is currently studying at the college, as Basar is unable to walk unsupported and must use a wheelchair. Being one of the oldest Edwardians at the occasion, Basar was warmly welcomed.
“I have spent the most delightful moments of my life here. I was quite young in those days, but even today I feel like I can leave this garden for my chemistry class,” said Basar. “The fact that my son, and now grandson, both have studied from here makes me feel very proud.”
Besides him, around 300 former Edwardians, including Senator Haji Adeel, All Pakistan Textile Mills Association former president Mohsin and Hazara Division Commissioner Khalid Umarzai, were also present. Sifwat Ghayur, a slain commandant of the Frontier Constabulary (FC) was represented by his son.
In his welcome address, ECOSA president Amir Aman stressed upon the need to adopt college students so that the burden of bringing them up is shared with their parents. Aman also asked the college principle to consider restoring admission quotas reserved for sons and daughters of old Edwardians.
Those who spoke on the occasion paid rich tributes to retiring Professor Kalimullah, lauding his services to the college. They said Kalimullah’s dedication and devotion had enabled students to become successful in their professional lives.
During his speech, Principal Dr Titus Presler said the ECOSA provided old friends a way to keep in touch with one other, stay up to date regarding news about the college, and contribute to the enhancement of the institute.
“Edwardes College’s mission is to educate and develop professionals who will serve as leaders in meeting the challenges facing Pakistan,” said Presler, adding the college is the oldest and most prestigious institution for higher education in the province.
The principal also explained the provincial government had requested the college be given a degree awarding status, which would enable it to design and implement highly innovative graduate and post-graduate education for young people of the provincial and tribal areas.
Mohsin, Kalimullah, Aman and others later adopted eight students who they would provide financial support for. Ghayur’s son donated a book written by his father to the college.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 1st, 2013.
“I imagine I am still only 20 years old and have come to attend my classes,” said Noorul Basar, 84, while attending an annual college dinner after a 63-year gap.
Basar studied at Edwardes College Peshawar from 1948 to 1950, and was more than happy to attend the Edwardes College Old Students Association’s (ECOSA) annual gathering at Shalimar Garden, located within the century-old college.
He was accompanied by his grandson, who is currently studying at the college, as Basar is unable to walk unsupported and must use a wheelchair. Being one of the oldest Edwardians at the occasion, Basar was warmly welcomed.
“I have spent the most delightful moments of my life here. I was quite young in those days, but even today I feel like I can leave this garden for my chemistry class,” said Basar. “The fact that my son, and now grandson, both have studied from here makes me feel very proud.”
Besides him, around 300 former Edwardians, including Senator Haji Adeel, All Pakistan Textile Mills Association former president Mohsin and Hazara Division Commissioner Khalid Umarzai, were also present. Sifwat Ghayur, a slain commandant of the Frontier Constabulary (FC) was represented by his son.
In his welcome address, ECOSA president Amir Aman stressed upon the need to adopt college students so that the burden of bringing them up is shared with their parents. Aman also asked the college principle to consider restoring admission quotas reserved for sons and daughters of old Edwardians.
Those who spoke on the occasion paid rich tributes to retiring Professor Kalimullah, lauding his services to the college. They said Kalimullah’s dedication and devotion had enabled students to become successful in their professional lives.
During his speech, Principal Dr Titus Presler said the ECOSA provided old friends a way to keep in touch with one other, stay up to date regarding news about the college, and contribute to the enhancement of the institute.
“Edwardes College’s mission is to educate and develop professionals who will serve as leaders in meeting the challenges facing Pakistan,” said Presler, adding the college is the oldest and most prestigious institution for higher education in the province.
The principal also explained the provincial government had requested the college be given a degree awarding status, which would enable it to design and implement highly innovative graduate and post-graduate education for young people of the provincial and tribal areas.
Mohsin, Kalimullah, Aman and others later adopted eight students who they would provide financial support for. Ghayur’s son donated a book written by his father to the college.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 1st, 2013.