ORU pledges active role in GCU uplift

Lahore: The newly-elected executive committee of Old Ravians’ Union (ORU) has pledged to play an active role in development of Government College University, Lahore especially in the areas of supporting deserving students and setting up facilities at the university’s new campus at Kala Shah Kaku. Eminent Old Ravian Industrialist Syed Babar Ali was the chief guest at the inaugural function of the union’s new executive committee, led by Walled City Authority Director General Kamran Lashari, while GCU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Khaleeq-ur-Rahman also graced the ceremony as the Guest of Honor.

Addressing the ceremony, Syed Babar Ali lauded the achievements of his alma mater in the realms of science and academics and wished to see the wider role of GCU in sports. “GCU is our pride and it must be as excellent in sports as in research, academics and co-curricular activities,” he added. He also lauded the services of ORU President Kamran Lashari in beautifying Lahore and Islamabad.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof Rahman appreciated the dedication and attachment of Old Ravians with their alma mater, saying that they had guided us and showed great involvement in the restoration of the university’s main building. He said that it was being restored to original condition to the maximum possible extent with a special grant by Old Ravian Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

ORU President Kamran Lashari laid a stress on promotion of cultural heritage in the country. “In the second world, Churchill had refused to divert funds from the cultural heritage to war, saying that then what we are fighting for?” Kamran Lashari added.

ORU Honorary Secretary Dr Khalid Manzoor Butt said that the main role ORU was to support the faculty and administration of the university for the development of their alma mater and it would continue play its role effectively. Dr Butt remembered that Syed Babar Ali was the first Old Ravian to donate one million rupees to the university’s Endowment Fund Trust.

Later, Syed Babar Ali presented shields to the outgoing executive committee of ORU.