KARACHI: They marched proud, shoulders straight, heads held high in beige, blue, violet gowns all with the uniform ajrak print borders and caps with different colour tassels into the convocation marquee.

The 17th convocation of the Institute of Business Management (IoBM) on Sunday was yet another feather in the cap of Shahjehan S. Karim, the president and founder of the business school, as certificates of merit and degrees were conferred on some 850 candidates.

“Be proud of what you achieved, be thankful to those who helped you succeed and never forget to help others,” said valedictorian Areeba Zaidi, a BBA (Honors) student and winner of the Janmohammad Dawood gold medal, during her speech in which she thanked the management, faculty and board of governors of her institution with her parents.

“Your mother is your insurance policy and your father your ATM card but from now on no more excuses or take backs and no regrets as you move on forward to become masters of your destiny. Your future is in your hands so take control and make the most of it,” she said.

Aliuddin Ansari of Engro in his keynote address pointed out to the class of 2014 that they were now in a good position to help others. “You are one of the 0.1 per cent belonging to the privileged class. You have reached this far and there is no question that you wouldn’t be able to succeed further in life. But what else can you achieve? What impact can you have in the world?” he said.

“Please think more of your life than just getting a good job. You should balance your comforts by looking after the social needs of others. There is no one above you and no one below you. Just treat everyone as your equal. That is the rule to finding success. But if you face failure, remember that through failure comes learning,” he said.

Finally, senior Sindh minister for education and literacy Nisar Ahmed Khuhro said that of IoBM’s 17 convocations he had attended 10 and said the same thing every time. “You are through with your studies and starting a practical life. Make your country proud!”

Earlier in his welcome address, IoBM’s chancellor Elahi Bux Soomro congratulated the students who he said were his grandchildren’s age. He also praised Shahjehan S. Karim, IoBM’s president, for having done something so worthwhile by founding such a great institution of learning after retiring in the 1990s.

Mr Karim presented the progress report.

Published in Dawn, December 8th, 2014