Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal stressed on the need for maturity in the personality of students which can come through scientific edification.
Minister said this while addressing the convocation of Hamdard University, Islamabad here on Monday.
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal/deputy chairman of the Planning Commission, attended the event as Chief Guest. Other participants included Mayor Islamabad Sheikh Ansar Aziz, Vice Chancellor, Faculty members, Students and their parents.
Gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded to the top three position-holders for outstanding academic performance by the Chief Guest Honorable Federal Minister AhsanIqbal.
Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the significance of university life and said that universities are home to the best of the both worlds: professors who represent wisdom and knowledge and students who are energetic and hungry for knowledge. When these two synergize, society moves forward and provide a favourable ecosystem for development. Minister said that graduation is a time of celebration and triumph and marks the end of one phase and beginning of the next phase. He said that it is a very proud moment for the graduates, parents and teachers who have all played their part effectively. While the students have worked hard with focus, determination and discipline, teachers have done their utmost to help you by encouraging and motivating you to perform at optimum and achieve your goal, he said. While addressing to students, he highlighted the sacrifices made by parents and said that you might not be aware of in order to provide you with the enabling environment at home, financial, and moral support, to help you through this crucial phase of your life.
Minister mentioned his own experience as a student and said that I was excited to go to the US for my MBA; however as a parent, I recall the anxiety and the worry I went through as a parent when my children were off to university. Minister said that you are entering a new chapter in your life in an exciting world, full of challenges, opportunities amplified by the Web and the connection revolution; human beings are no longer rewarded most for being compliant cogs. Instead, our chaotic world is open to the work of passionate individuals, intent on carving their own paths.
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world, he said. As an individual, your success and collectively as a country, Pakistan’s success lies in how well we do in our education. Minister maintained that we live in a knowledge age and science and technology has revolutionized our world and we need to be at the cutting edge of it.
Minister said that innovation in technology and entrepreneurship would help Pakistan in its development. I would like to emphasize to all young graduates that you must use your skills and knowledge for the welfare of your communities in which you live. Minister said that your academic journey is not over yet and you must be clear on the end result and how you wish to get there. You will face many challenges but this is what the “real world” is all about and the next phase in your life is a great training ground for your future success, he said. Minister maintained that you must think big, dream based on not what is, BUT on what might be. You will have amazing networking opportunities in your next phase—you will meet new people with different skills. It is easy to remain in the comfort zone in terms of the friend circle but the best lessons in life are learnt through reaching out. Play your part in sports, cultural or other activities that enable you expand your network, he said.
“You must have clear goals in your life and try your best to achieve them. Don’t be afraid of failures. Keep trying and eventually you will get desired result. “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop”, he concluded.
