LAHORE: A grand alumni reunion night was held here at the Government College University (GCU) Lahore.
The event, oraginsed by the Old Ravians Union, was marked by a rocking music performance by noted singer Jawad Ahmed and candid reminiscences of their student life by eminent Old Ravians, including the former prime minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali. The historical Gothic Style building of the GCU was also illuminated for the reunion celebrations.
“It was the Government College Lahore, my alma mater, who gave me the courage to speak and stand for truth, and also the courage to the face disagreement and opposition, said Jamali, who was the captain of the GC Hockey team in his student life. The former prime minister said that roll of honour from the GCU was still one of the biggest prides of his life.
Jawad Ahmed said that it was the music society of the GCU where his passion for music developed, and later became his profession. He shared memories of his first singing performance at the GCU Nazir Ahmed Music Society as an intermediate student.
Speaking on the occasion, Old Ravians Union President Kazi Afaq Hossain announced the lifetime achievement award for noted anchor of a private TV channel. Last year, the award was given to the late noted writer, Bano Qudsia. He appreciated the services of Prof Dr Khalid Butt for making the Old Ravians Union active and vibrant.
GCU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Hassan Amir Shah said that it was essential that both the government funding and fundraising by Old Ravians Union must continue for establishment of the state-of-the-art facilities at the university’s new campus in Kala Shah Kaku. The vice chancellor added that the Old Ravians were their real strength, “who always helped them in advancing the university’s vision and mission”.
Old Ravians Union Honorary Secretary Prof Dr Khalid Manzoor Butt proudly said that the GCU had strongest alumni in the country, which had always played its active role in protection and development of their alma mater. He said five of GCU alumni were elected as prime ministers of Pakistan, including Nawaz Sharif and Yousaf Raza Gillani.
Railways Minister Khwaja Saad Rafique, Punjab Minister Nadeem Kamran, former chief secretary Pervez Masood, former Punjab inspector general of police Saadat Ullah Khan, Additional Chief Secretary Khawaja Shumail and a large number judges and police officers also attended the reunion.
