PESHAWAR: Speakers at a function here on Thursday stressed the need for imparting purposeful and moral education to the students.

The event was organised to recognise services of Prof Gohar Zaman, a noted educationist and former principal of University Public School (UPS).

Prof Gohar Zaman joined teaching in 1963 and became principal of UPS. He resigned from service in 1990 and launched his own private school system. Shamim Saifullah Khan, renowned educationist and former principal of Aitcheson College, Lahore while addressing as chief guest at the event said that people were responsible for the worst situation of the country.

He said that blame should not be put on others.

He added that education was not only passing on information to students but real education was to morally transform them through a purposeful education.

Speakers pay tribute to former principal of UPS for his educational services

“We are responsible for our own faults and blunders. There is no need to blame others. The whole country is in a state of emotional ecstasy that’s why people are suffering a major moral dilemma due to absence of vision,” Mr Khan said. He added that in early 60s when he was part of the University of Peshawar, a sense of responsibility prevailed both among teachers and students.

Mr Khan said that moral integrity, positive attitude and creating a good sense towards national responsibilities could help them to achieve the goal of a purposeful education. He said that they should talk about issues, not people. “Educationists like Prof Gohar Zaman with moral integrity and vision could guide the youngsters on a right track,” he maintained.

Dr Abdul Matin, former vice-chancellor of University of Peshawar, presiding over the function, said that Gohar zaman was blessed with a sound sense of identity, distinct personality traits and disposition to perform his duties.

He said that Mr Zaman gave a new vision to teachers as well as to his students through his sincere efforts to work for moulding the society. “Being a genuine teacher, he remained a source of inspiration for his students and colleagues” Mr Matin said.

Prof Kalimullah said that Mr Zaman had set an example of honesty and fair play during his tenure as teacher and principal of UPS from 1963 to 1990. He said that UPS had scaled heights of success and it was enlisted among 20 best public schools of the country.

“Being old student of UPS, I feel proud that I got an opportunity to receive education from this august institution. We need educational leaders like Prof Gohar Zaman, who remained dedicated to the cause of imparting quality education to students,” he said.

Dr Fakhrul Islam, director Pakistan Study Centre, said that without moral training, education took students nowhere as today’s youth despite being potentially strong were unclear on how to face modern day challenges. He said that Prof Gohar Zaman inspired a generation of students, who were serving on high posts in the country.

Earlier, Prof Gohar Zaman in his inaugural remarks said that Shamim Saifullah Khan was his mentor because he trained him. He said that he and Mr Khan used to mow down lawns of UPS during winter vacation. He said that Mr Khan had rolled down his ‘Khanism’ under the roller and behaved as a true leader.

Amir Gohar and Arif Gohar, sons of Gohar Zaman, also spoke to the gathering. A large number of old students and teachers attended the event. Prof Ruhul Amin, a noted academician and former principal Islamia Collegiate School, was also in attendance.

Later, a book written by Arif Gohar on the educational services of Prof Gohar Zaman was launched.

Published in Dawn, February 6th, 2015

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