Centennial birthday celebrations: Akhtar Hameed Khan remembered
Khan’s achievements include his work at the Rural Development Academy in Comilla
The National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) on Sunday organised a “Akhtar Hameed Khan Centennial Birthday Celebration Lecture” in collaboration with Akhtar Hameed Khan Resource Center (AHKRC) and Council of Social Sciences (CoSS).
Khan was a social scientist and is recognised for his contributions to the theory and practice of poverty alleviation through social mobilisation, said a press release. The event marked the 100th birth anniversary of the social worker.
Khan’s achievements include his work at the Rural Development Academy in Comilla (Bangladesh), the Daudzai Integrated Rural Development Programme in then-NWFP and the famed Orangi Pilot Project in Karachi. He successfully developed and implemented the participatory development model at the community level, which has been recognised internationally as a model for eliminating poverty and ensuring sustainable development.
Speaking as the chief guest, Prime Minister’s Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said the younger generation of researchers and field workers should study the works of Dr Akhtar Hameed Khan in order to supplement their skills with compassion and humility. He urged the researchers to develop strong commitment towards enhancing the wellbeing of the lower income segment of the society.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 27th, 2014.