Convocation ceremony: Hundreds of students receive fruit of labour

Bahria University awards degrees in various disciplines to 965 graduates.

ISLAMABAD:

A visibly elated Sidra Riaz stood with poise as her batch mates roared in excitement, tossing their graduation caps in the air and striking poses before rolling cameras. The cheer of doting parents, beaming faculty and graduating students was almost palpable on the 10th convocation ceremony of Bahria University (BU) at the Jinnah Convention Centre on Saturday.

Riaz, who received a gold medal for excellence in her Bachelor of Social Sciences (BSS) degree, said, “I’ve had some very good national and international exposure at the university. The degree and faculty have really helped me grow personally as well as professionally.”



She is currently working in the President’s Cell and pursuing an MPhil in Public Policy. She has also represented BU at the Harvard Model United Nations.

Similarly, Sara Meer, who also received her BSS degree, reminisced about her time at the varsity. “Initially I was a bit intimidated as I was unfamiliar with courses such as development studies and international relations but studying them has really shaped my thought process,” she said while speaking with The Express Tribune. “Aside from academics, I’ve been lucky in finding some good friends at the university,” she added. Currently a researcher at the Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies, Meer also worked as a radio jockey earlier in life.

Muhammad Ashraf, who received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, dubbed the collegiate experience a rewarding one. Ashraf, who is pursuing a Master of Business Administration plans to switch to performing arts. He has been acting in theatre plays since 2009 and is also a part of an upcoming Pakistani comedy film, “Kambakht”.

Referring to the second and third graduating batches of BSS, a faculty member Faisal Buzdar, said “All of the students worked very hard. They were very curious. The good thing about our department students is that they want to think critically and independently and it is a proud moment for us to see them graduate.” He expressed the hope that the students will be able to carve a niche for themselves and excel in their chosen careers.



Musab Toosy, who bagged a gold medal at bachelor level in geophysics, said he had turned his parents’ dream into reality. “I’m extremely happy and grateful to my parents, teachers and seniors who supported me at every juncture of my academic career.” Currently working at Petroleum Exploration Limited, Toosy is also pursuing an MS in the same discipline after which he aspires to undertake a PhD.

BU Pro-Chancellor and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Asif Sandila and BU Rector Admiral (retd) Shahid Iqbal conferred degrees and medals upon the graduating students.

A total of 965 students were awarded degrees, 22 got gold medals and 17 got silver medals in their respective departments. While congratulating the students on their success, Sandila said “It is a matter of great satisfaction and encouragement for all of us that the university is effectively contributing in building up human resource of the country.”

He urged the academia to come forward with strong commitment to contribute to nation-building.

Earlier, the rector gave an overview of academic infrastructure, faculty development, revision of curriculum and introduction of additional academic disciplines in sync with market trends.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 24^th, 2013.