KARACHI: “You are very fortunate to have received professionally sound education and training. Make the best use of it. But don’t forget that you have opted for a health service,” said Dr Ruth Pfau, an icon of service to humanity in Pakistan, while speaking as the chief guest at the 28th convocation of the Aga Khan University (AKU) held on its premises on Saturday.

In her late eighties now, Dr Pfau is feted in the country and abroad for her 50-year-long battle against leprosy, fought almost single-handedly.

In her brief speech, she reminded the young graduates of their responsibilities and the values they should aspire to. She also spoke of how young people responded to individuals perceived to be exemplary, whom they could admire, respect and be influenced by, if you “give them somebody who they would like to follow, they will follow”. She added that Pakistani youth desperately needed role models.

Earlier, in his welcome address AKU president Firoz Rasul highlighted the importance of civil society and said everyone in society was its potential member.

“It is in civil society that both our unity and our diversity are expressed. We express our diversity when a multitude of voices speak without fear on every subject. We express our unity through the respect that we accord to those whose perspective we may not share, but whose right to their perspective we respect,” he said.

“When civil society is strong, communities and countries thrive. When they are not feared or discouraged, they are important contributors to the public good. Otherwise, the ‘Ruth Pfaus’ of today and tomorrow may find it impossible to help us address the many challenges Pakistan faces.”

He congratulated the students on their achievements and urged them to become agents of change. “For the sake of your profession, your community, your country, and your world, I urge you to fulfil your potential as an agent of change. Savour this day. Be proud of all you have achieved. But know that another ocean lies before you, and another shore awaits you,” he said.

This year, 233 nurses graduated, 212 with undergraduate and 21 with graduate degrees. In medicine, two PhDs in the health sciences, 20 master’s, 96 undergraduate degrees and 17advanced diplomas (13 in human development; four in health professions education) were awarded.

PhD in education went to a student from the northern areas. In addition, 31 master’s degrees and 12 advanced diplomas in education were given.

“I am aiming to do residency in the US in paediatrics, and hopefully will return to Pakistan. As I have always been interested in research and teaching, I plan to continue these along with clinical practice,” said Dr Amna Qasim from the AKU medical college, who won the best graduate award, when asked about her plans.

Sharing her feelings, Afsheen Amirali Hirani, recipient of the best graduate awards at the AKU school of nursing and midwifery, also expressed the desire to go into teaching after completing her professional education. She said: “I am lucky that I’ve learnt from some of the best teachers in this field and I desire to become a teacher, too, one day.”

The university also honoured two of its faculty members; Dr Abdou Filali-Ansary (the founding director of AKU’s Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations, from 2002-2010) was conferred the title of Professor Emeritus, and Dr Muhammad Memon, the director of the Institute for Educational Development, Pakistan, was given the Award of Excellence in Education.

Published in Dawn, November 29th, 2015