KARACHI- Hamdard University's 17th Convocation was held at its main campus where 1330 students were awarded degrees in various graduate and post-graduate programs. Convocation'schief guest was HEC Chairman Dr Javed Laghari with Nuclear Scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan as the guest of honour. Ambassadors of various countries, members of Hamdard University's Board of Governors,deans and faculty members of various faculties also attended. Program started with entrance of academic procession followed by recitation from the Holy Quran and National Anthem. Hamdard University's Chancellor Sadia Rashid declared the convocation open and the Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Hakim Abdul Hannan presented the University's annual report highlighting the achievements of various faculties, especially mentioning the start of the post-graduate training in Operative Dentistry.The VC also spoke of the University's support for students thorugh scholarships and stipends. Chancellor Sadia Rashid in her speech congratulated the graduates, and their parents, advising students' hard work and sincerity in their practical lives. She said that Hamdard University is a non -profitable institutionand its expenses are supported by Hamdard Foundation. The chief guest presented degrees and gold medals to the passing out graduates. Asfand Luniwas declared the best dental graduate and received two gold medals. Dr A Q Khan, in his speech,said that our country will progress only when every Pakistani citizen works with honesty and devotion. He stressed upon students to cultivate the quality research in their respective fields and present their research work in different International forums. Chief guest Dr Javed Laghari admired the achievements of the Hamdard University, outlining the HEC's contribution in promoting postgraduatestudies in Pakistan. He spoke of numerous international and national sponsorships available in different fields. He especially referred to digital library and its availability in different universities where hundreds of scientific journals are accessible. Following its trend, Hamdard University every year bestows honorary PhD degrees on those personalities who make remarkable contribution to their respective field. This year, the famous drama writer Fatima Suraiya Bajia and eminent Scholar Hakim Zill-e-Rahman from India received honorary PhD. They, in their speeches, said that they are grateful to Hamdard University for acknowledging their work by awarding honorary PhD degree to them.
