TAXILA: There is a need to follow the teachings of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan in order to transform the education system into a vibrant tool to bring changes in the minds of students and promote tolerance, interfaith harmony and peace in society.

These views were expressed by speakers at the fourth meeting of the board of governors of Sir Syed Education Foundation here on Monday.

The speakers called for revival of the ideology of education as envisioned by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, the greatest Muslim reformer and statesman of the 19th century.

The participants from education, social, cultural, religious, economic, welfare and philanthropist sector also stressed the need to equip the youth with quality education to meet the challenges at educational, ideological, social and cultural fronts.

The BoG session held at a local hotel was presided over by Dr Sarfarz Khan, patron of the Area Study Centre, University of Peshawar.

Sir Syed Education Foundation president Prof Tahir Durrani said Sir Syed introduced the thought of Islamic culture in the subcontinent and promoted the idea of getting western education without affecting religious doctrines and character.

To achieve these goals, he established an institute that imparted modern education to the Muslims focusing on character building.

He said the foundation was working on these lines to equip students with quality education through 14 campuses mostly in rural areas.

Three more campuses would be established in Haripur, Mardan and Lilla town near Jhelum.

Mr Durrani said over 100 students were studying in different institutions of the foundation, including 42 children from the Sikh, seven from Christian and six from Hindu communities.

BoG president Dr Sarfraz Khan said the ideology of Sir Syed needed to be followed to meet the challenges of modern times.

He emphasised the importance of safeguarding cultural values besides equipping the youth with modern education. Pakistan Academy of Family Physicians Taxila chapter president Dr Syed Asad Ali stressed the need for implementing Sir Syed’s concept of Muslim nationalism.

Published in Dawn, December 10th, 2019