IBA names centre after Ardeshir Cowasjee. PHOTO: NEFER SEHGAL/FILE
In memory of Ardeshir Cowasjee, one of Pakistan’s most renowned columnists, social activist, and philanthropist, the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi has launched the Ardeshir Cowasjee Centre for Writing.
Pending its formal inauguration early next year, a soft opening was held in the newly completed Student Centre at the main campus on Friday.
“Influential leaders need to have strong communication skills, of which writing forms an integral part. We have named the Centre after Cowasjee as a dedication to a personality who was a beacon of hope,” said IBA Dean and Director Dr Ishrat Husain at the launch. He expressed hope that the students of IBA would follow in the footsteps of the great man who used the power of the pen to effect change.
Dr Framji Minwalla, assistant professor and chairperson of the social sciences and liberal arts department, introduced the concept behind the initiative. “The ability to write effectively is key for academic and professional success,” said Dr Framji. He iterated the power of writing as an agent of change, mentioning Cowasjee’s contribution to an amendment in the Constitution of Pakistan, which has a footnote dedicated to him.
The centre will offer a number of customised services, seminars and workshops to students, faculty and staff to help improve written expression, working on assignments and addressing writers’ block.
Javed Jabbar, the guest of honour and director of the centre, lauded Cowasjee for his immense courage in effecting change. Ava Cowasjee, daughter of Ardeshir Cowasjee, remembered the great works of her father and thanked IBA Karachi for honouring him.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 3rd, 2013.
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Grown up to reading Cowasjee article in the local daily. Still remember a lot of his articles against land grabbers and Real Estate developers. Through his effort the kidney hill park is somewhat saved, glass tower building is another example where the builder has to obey the court orders. Need more people like him here in Karachi. IBA did a good decision with the new vice chancellor in place.
@Aysha M: Ayesha I agree that Mr. Ishrat should have taken permission from Oriya ans Ansar Abbasi. Mr.AC was prolific writer and at times one did not agree with him and that is norm rather than exception. Naming a center after son of city who happens to be non Muslim is good omen.
a very big thanks to people of my country, for honoring my OLD MAN, Chudhary of Karachi. Khuda bless you MR.Ardeshir Cowasjee SAHIB, true son of the land. Peace upon you my old Man.
Great job IBA... but I wonder how would Cowasjee have reacted to the high-rise being built at IBA city campus...
No doubt Ardeshir Cowasjee was a great columnist but some of his actions were quite controversial... a) Mr Cowasjee had always been a critic of every government. But he took a u-turn when dictator Musharraf barged in. As a reward to his mild stance towards Musharraf, the dictator rewarded him with police escort at taxpayers expense. b) Mr Cowasjee vehemently opposed construction of a high rise building at Broadway Clifton but kept a blind eye towards encroachments by various influentials on Nehr-e-Khyam, which led to overflow of rain water into hundreds of houses & apartments in Bath Island Karachi. c) Mr Ardeshir Cowasjee insisted on Jahangir Park opposite to huge Bagh Ibne Quasim, which is already the largest park in Karachi. Resultantly, people don't go to Jahangir Park which has become a safe harbor for drug addicts and a potential hideout for criminals.
As an alumnus IBA Class of 1978 I am very pleased that IBA has duly recognised the great man. Another of his name sake the late Ardeshir L.Spencer taught Finance & Economics at IBA He was an equal gem of a man, my guide and mentor.
As my personal tribute to him I named my eldest, Ardeshir, who has MashaAllah excelled in his chosen field of medicine as a Consultant at Mass General Hospital,, Boston ,Harvard Faculty and Pappus Scholar I believe the name has contributed in good measure as well.
Ardeshir Cowasjee was a friend of my grandpa, Sardar Mir Ahmad Nawaz Khan Bugti. Our country Needs great men like these
@Syed A. Mateen: May God rest his soul in peace. Pls take permission from Ansar Abbasi and Auria Maqbool Jaan if you can say the above about Cowasjee
A fitting tribute for a man who has done much for education, not only in Karachi, but in other cities of Pakistan and for individuals as well.
Great job IBA Sense can only come from Karachi