KARACHI: Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU) has celebrated the 140th Foundation Day of Sindh Madressatul Islam (SMI) at Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto Auditorium.

Students from SMIU Model School and SMI University performed folk songs and delivered speeches on the institute’s historic role in modern education during the pre- and post-independence periods of Pakistan.

A group of students, led by Dr Akbar Ali Chandio, presented a poem on the institute. Messages from SMIU alumni studying abroad and those serving in various organisations were also shared.

A tribute was paid to SMI founder Khan Bahadur Hassanally Effendi and distinguished alumnus Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. Dr Mujeeb Sahrai, Vice Chancellor of SMIU, participated in the cake-cutting ceremony and announced cash rewards for students who performed during the event.

In his address, Dr Sahrai discussed the social and educational challenges during British rule and highlighted Hassanally Effendi’s efforts in establishing SMI to uplift the Muslim community. He emphasised SMIU’s evolution from a school founded in 1885, to a college in 1943, and finally a university in 2012.

Dr Sahrai expressed his commitment to further developing SMIU and its model school, aiming for internationalisation and improved rankings.

The ceremony concluded with speeches from Director of Student Affairs Naeem Ahmed, and Deans Dr Jamshed Adil Halepoto and Dr Zahid Ali Channar, and was attended by a large number of students, faculty, and staff.

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2024