A bright and inquisitive mind, when nurtured with progressive thinking and open-mindedness, becomes a true asset to society, said renowned writer and artist Rumana Husain, while addressing the Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said Memorial Scholarship programme as the chief guest. The event, held at The Arena, Bahria Town Tower, was presided over by MS. Sadia Rashid, President of Hamdard Foundation Pakistan.
During the ceremony, more than 150 bright students at the matriculation and intermediate levels were awarded financial scholarships of fifty thousand and seventy-five thousand rupees, respectively. The scholarships were presented under the Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said Memorial Scholarship programme. Syed Muhammad Arsalan, Director of Hamdard Foundation Pakistan, also attended the event. Husain, in her address, emphasized the importance of examining information from multiple viewpoints and using diverse methods of study to foster deep scholarly growth.
She also noted the historical significance of the Hamdard Naunehal magazine, initiated by Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said to fill the void of inspiring children’s literature in Urdu. The magazine, Husain pointed out, played a pivotal role in nurturing generations’ intellectual and mental growth and should be included in regular studies. Speaking about Karachi’s diversity, Husain highlighted the city’s unique identity, where people from different linguistic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds coexist harmoniously. She encouraged the scholarship recipients to embrace open-mindedness, respect differing opinions, and focus on environmental preservation, warning against the threat posed by plastic waste to aquatic life. MS. Sadia Rashid, President of the Hamdard Foundation, also shared her thoughts, recalling how Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said envisioned a nation where no child would beg but instead head to school with joy and the pursuit of knowledge.
She emphasized Hakim Said’s belief in the value of time, quoting his words, “Time is a trust from Allah; using it wisely is an act of worship,” urging students to prioritize time management for good health and constructive thoughts.
Rashid also stressed the importance of acquiring knowledge, developing a love for reading, and using smartphones wisely to avoid distractions.
She congratulated the scholarship recipients, acknowledging their hard work and the dedication of their parents in supporting their educational pursuits. The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt prayer, Dua-i-Said, and was attended by a large gathering of students, parents, and teachers.
