KARACHI, June 6: The spiritual leader of Bohra community, His Holiness Dr Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin, was awarded the Doctorate of Letters (Honoris Causa) degree by the University of Karachi at a special convocation held at the Governor's House here on Saturday night.

Sindh governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, who is also KU chancellor, conferred the degree on Syedna Burhanuddin in the presence of a large number of people. In an eloquent and scholarly address after receiving the degree, Dr Syedna Burhanuddin called upon the Muslims to come towards Islamic system of learning.

"The structure of our educational system, which was thrusted upon us by imperialism, is the root cause of all our problems. It will have to be abandoned and we should come towards Islamic system of education," he said.

He said that with the expanding horizons of the era, the very meaning of education is also changing. "In order to live a life of respect, honour and self-sustainability, the industrial and technological skills have become imperative in the present day along with attainment of literature and language," he maintained.

Syedna Burhanuddin said the lines on which the national life was being built up demanded that Muslims should not become oblivion of this important segment. "Through struggle, we should lit our name in the world and attain a highly elated position," he said.

Referring to Genetics Department of Karachi University, he pointed out that construction of the building had been completed. He advised students of the department to take maximum benefit it.

He quoted a Hadith (Holy Prophet's statement) saying that every wise and sagacious person should compulsorily know four things - to attain knowledge with great intent; to remember knowledge and preserve it; to practice it and to propagate it.

Earlier in his presidential address, Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad said it was a unique privilege and honour to him that he was conferring an honorary degree on a very learned spiritual leader of Bohra community.

Besides, he said it was an honour and privilege for the University of Karachi to recognize and acknowledge the Syedna's outstanding contributions for society and his efforts to revive the true Islamic culture.

Apart from his invaluable contributions for the genetics department, he said that one could quote a number of other examples of eloquent testimony to the futuristic thinking and progressive outlook of Dr Burhanuddin and his community.

The governor said that responsibilities of a university were not only to impart knowledge and promote research and studies, but also to give recognition to the services and achievements of the men of letters and knowledge.

"This inspires the students and faculty and gives confidence to them that good deeds and contributions never go unnoticed," he said. In his welcome address, KU vice-chancellor Prof Dr Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui said that it had been an old and cherished tradition of Karachi University to recognize the contributions and achievements of those who had rendered selfless services to the humanity as a whole.

Dr Pirzada Qasim said that Syedna Burhanuddin was not only a spiritual leader of Bohra community, but also known internationally for his piety and philanthropy. His services for promotion of learning, teaching of Islam and revival of Islamic culture, art and architecture was commendable, he added.

Later, the governor hosted a dinner in honour of the distinguished personality marking his 93rd anniversary. The convocation and dinner was attended by former governor, Lt Gen (Retd) Moinuddin Haider; State Bank governor, Dr Ishrat Hussain; provincial ministers and advisers, industrialists, chief secretary, syndicate members and faculty of Karachi University and prominent figures from Bohra community. -APP