KARACHI: Hamdard University (HU) held its 25th convocation on Saturday on its main campus, where over 1,200 students from seven disciplines were awarded degrees.

Twenty-seven students were awarded gold medals. The Shaheed Hakim Mohammad Said Medal was awarded to eight students; Anum, Mariam Fatima, Annus Jabbar, Fatima Nasir, Wajeeha Noor, Nimrah Haq, Komal, and Rabia Sajjad.

Twenty-two students received their PhDs, 29 their MPhils, and 75 their master’s degrees.

Speaking at the ceremony, organised after two years of Covid-19 restrictions, HU Chancellor Sadia Rashid congratulated students, their proud parents, and teachers on the milestone achieved today.

“To the young graduates, I would like to say that the world is waiting to see what steps you will choose. This is the time when you discover your destiny. You can now join our alumni of over 32,000, serving all around the world,” she said, urging students to always be grateful to their parents and teachers for the efforts they made to brighten their future.

She also highlighted the services of the late Hakim Mohammad Said, who, she said, was a great visionary, a hard-working physician, a dedicated philanthropist, an educationalist, a patriot, and the founder of this academic institution.

She requested the gathering to observe a few minutes of silence and pray for the brothers and sisters of Turkey and Syria, who have been hit by a devastating earthquake recently.

Earlier, HU Vice Chancellor Prof Syed Shabib-ul-Hassan welcomed the guests to the university’s Silver Jubilee Convocation.

“Although we are celebrating the university’s 25th convocation, the institution is almost 32 years old.” “As I reflect on the past, this journey spread over three decades couldn’t have been possible without the dedication and determination of every single individual who was or is part of the university’s community.”

The vice chancellor also recalled the challenges faced in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and thanked everyone for their contributions during those difficult days.

“You all are pandemic survivors.” We faced a lot of uncertainties together. We transformed into an environment we had never imagined before, from classroom learning to online sessions and examinations, and now I can see you all gathered here today. “It is evident that we all have succeeded together.”

He hoped that the graduates would uphold HU’s values and prove their mettle in the professional field.

He also expressed gratitude to the Consul-General of Japan in Karachi, Odagiri Toshio, who graced the occasion.

Published in Dawn, February 26th, 2023