Beaconhouse National University (BNU)

Dean Dr. Amra Raza opened the ceremony by highlighting Dr. Rahman’s unparalleled legacy and sharing excerpts from his diverse writings, reflecting his profound knowledge. A documentary beautifully captured his journey from army life to receiving prestigious awards and serving as Dean at BNU, showcasing his transformative impact on education and linguistics. Distinguished speakers shared heartfelt anecdotes: Vice Chancellor Dr. Moeed Yousaf reflected on Dr. Rahman’s inspiring leadership and meaningful connections, while Dr. Tahir Kamran delivered a soulful and humorous address, evoking smiles and tears. Dr. Akmal Hussain, Dr. Muhammad Waseem, and Ms. Shabana Ahmed eloquently spoke about his profound mentorship, humanitarian nature, and ability to inspire through wisdom and kindness, leaving the audience visibly moved. Known for his exceptional mannerisms and intellectual brilliance, Dr. Rahman’s legacy was celebrated with warmth and admiration. The event concluded with the Vice Chancellor presenting a shield to Dr. Rahman, who expressed heartfelt gratitude and shared his hopes for the School of Education’s continued success in advancing academic excellence.

The UNESCO Chair, led by internationally acclaimed artist Professor Rashid Rana as the first Chair holder, aims to break boundaries, generate knowledge, and build equitable societies. During the inauguration ceremony, Professor Rana outlined a visionary approach to leveraging art as a means of empowerment and education, emphasizing BNU's role in leading this transformative initiative. With its strong foundation in liberal arts and creative disciplines, BNU stands as an ideal platform to advance UNESCO's mission. As part of the global UNESCO Chairs Programme—launched in 1992 with over 1,000 Chairs in 120 countries, including eight in Pakistan—this initiative aligns with themes of climate change, digital transformation, and now, inclusion through art. The establishment of this Chair not only enhances BNU's global engagement but also reinforces its dedication to using art as a powerful tool for innovation and societal development. This recognition marks a significant step forward in promoting inclusion and creating meaningful impact through academic and creative excellence.

A key highlight of the gala was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Syed Babar Ali, a visionary leader and philanthropist, by members of the BNU Board of Directors. Respected dignitaries, including Mrs. Nasreen Mahmud Kasuri, Mr. Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, Mr. Kasim Mahmud Kasuri, Mr. Nassir Kasuri, Dr. Parvez Hassan, and Vice Chancellor Dr. Moeed W. Yusuf, acknowledged his extraordinary contributions to education and industry. Syeda Henna Babar Ali, daughter of Syed Babar Ali, shared heartfelt remarks about her father’s inspiring journey and his enduring legacy. The event served as a platform to strengthen connections among the BNU community and celebrate the achievements of its members, fostering pride in the university's impactful contributions to society.

During the ceremony, Vice Chancellor Mr. Moeed W. Yusuf delivered a compelling convocation address, highlighting the university’s achievements over the past year and presenting the annual report to the Chancellor. He celebrated the outstanding academic performances of 18 graduates who were presented gold medals, with 14 of these awards earned by female students—a testament to the university's commitment to empowering women through education. In total, 531 graduates received their degrees. This included 123 from the Mariam Dawood School of Visual Arts & Design (MDSVAD), 52 from the Razia Hassan School of Architecture (RHSA), 10 from the Seeta Majeed School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (SLASS), 169 from the School of Media & Mass Communication (SMC), 28 from the School of Computer Science and Information Technology (SCIT), 65 from the Institute of Psychology (IP), 18 from the School of Education (SE), and 66 from the School of Management Sciences (SMS). The Chancellor, Mr. Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the graduating class, commending their hard work and perseverance. He also praised the gold medalists for their exceptional academic achievements. Addressing the graduates, the Chancellor encouraged them to use the knowledge and skills gained at BNU to contribute meaningfully to society and wished them success in their future endeavors. The event concluded with applause and celebration, marking a milestone in the lives of the graduates and reaffirming BNU’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation.