ORU honours Dr. Zaheer Ahmad Siddiqui

Lahore: The Old Ravians Union at their annual reunion have honoured Prof. Dr. Zaheer Ahmad Siddiqui, an eminent poet, distinguished professor and former registrar, for his 50 years meritorious services in research, administration and teaching for the of Government College University, Lahore. Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Khaleeq-ur-Rahman, Old Ravians Union President Kamran Lashari, Secretary Dr Khalid Manzoor Butt and noted writer Tehmina Durrani on behalf of ORU executive committee presented a special souvenir to the distinguished professor who has written over 15 books and compiling the Pakistan’s first compressive Persian-to-Urdu dictionary.

Addressing the reunion at the historical Oval Ground of GCU, eminent Indian writer and Old Ravian Pran Nevile, the author of ‘Lahore – A Sentimental Journey’, said that Lahore and GCU were equally famous in India, adding that two former Indian Air Marshals and two army chiefs were also old students of Government College, Lahore. “GC looks still almost same, but just the ratio of girls on the campus have increased,” he added.

Addressing the Old Ravians, Vice Chancellor Prof Khaleeq-ur-Rahman said it took tremendous effort and endless time to set up reputed academic institutions like GCU, adding that numerous teachers and students really worked hard over the last 151 years to establish the glorious traditions of academic leadership. The Vice Chancellor called upon the Old Ravians that GCU needed their support to expand its functions in different domains, besides strengthening the existing facilities. He expressed gratitude that Old Ravians had donated Rs 130 million to GCU Endowment Fund Trust in the last three and half years for the scholarships of financially-challenged students.

Tehmina Durrani proudly said his father was an Old Ravian who had used to tell him about the traditions and excellence of Government College, Lahore. She said that the literati had to play their role for promoting tolerance and democratic cultures in the country.

Speaking on the occasion, ORU Honorary Secretary Dr Khalid Manzoor Butt said Old Ravians remembered their alma mater not because of their degrees but due to the values, morals and confidence that the Government College taught them.

Lahore High Court Bar Secretary Mian Muhammad Ahmad Chacahhr also addressed the reunion.

Later, Canadian Indo-Pakistani Bhangra music group,’JoSH’ performed at the annual reunion.