University of Peshawar’s 63rd convocation : Blind student gets standing ovation

PESHAWAR:

Awais Alam, a blind student at University of Peshawar, received a warm welcome by Governor Sardar Mehtab Ahmad and a standing ovation at the 63rd convocation ceremony held on Wednesday. At least 494 degrees were awarded on the day.

When Alam’s name was announced, all students, parents and faculty attending the event stood up to give the recipient a resounding round of applause. The governor announced an award worth Rs100,000 and complete funding for postgraduate degrees at UoP for Alam.



Alam who is from Malakand Division completed his graduation in political science and intends to focus on an MPhil in the future. While talking to The Express Tribune, Alam said he is very grateful to the governor and all those who supported him. He requested the K-P government and UoP administration to provide facilities for students with special needs and encouraged the media to highlight the dismal living conditions and issues faced by people who are differently abled.

A happy day

At the 2013 session’s convocation, at least 494 degrees were conferred—the recipients included 282 women—and 35 gold medals were awarded for first position in respective fields. In addition, 26 PhD and seven MPhil degrees were also awarded. Addressing the convocation, Mehtab offered his deepest felicitations to the graduating students and their happy parents.

The governor also underlined establishing more universities would be meaningless without a focus on research, publications and development. He commented on the improving HEC ranking of UoP, adding he hoped to see UoP rise to the top in coming years.

The chancellor appreciated the university for delivering quality education. He added the aim of education is not only to land a job and earn lots of money. “Education should also be used for the betterment of our nation,” added Mehtab.

Vice Chancellor Rasul Jan while presenting the annual performance report said the university has produced 163 PhD graduates and received nine mega projects in the year of 2014-15.

Gold-medalist Hina Habib told The Express Tribune lack of awareness is the main hurdle for education of girls. From Parachinar, Kurram Agency, Habib said Fata had very talented women and they should be provided with equal opportunities for education.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 5^th, 2015.