LAHORE: Government College University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Asghar Zaidi on Tuesday announced setting up the ‘Dr Ajmal Chair’ in the Psychology Department and a social policy advisory council for interdisciplinary research.
“The research has become complex and multidisciplinary and now it is mandatory for researchers and professors to have knowledge about multiple disciplines,” said Prof Zaidi while addressing seminar organised by GCU Psychology Department to celebrate 100 years legacy of pioneer academic psychologist Dr Muhammad Ajmal.
Dr Ajmal (1919-94) also established the first-ever university-level psychology department and counseling centre in Pakistan and laid the foundation of the Lahore Mental Health Society.
A large number of eminent psychologists and academicians, including Dr Asir Ajmal, the son of Dr Ajmal, addressed the seminar and shed light on the life and achievements of the psychologist who also served as the principal of Government College Lahore.
Mr Muhammad Ali, a Radio compere, gave an overview of Dr Ajmal’s biography and family background.
Dr Naumana Amjad and Dr Amjad Tufail from the Society of Advancement of Muslim Psychology in Pakistan highlighted Dr Ajmal’s role in establishing the psychological warfare department in the armed forces and his services as the VC of University of the Punjab.
Dr. Ismatullah Cheema talked about role of spirituality in Psychology and Dr. Saeed Bhutta, the chairperson of GCU Punjabi Department, highlighted the literary aspects of Dr Ajmal’s personality.
Dr Akhtar Qureshi, the former chairperson of the GCU Psychology Department, also shared his personal memories with Dr Ajmal.
Dr Usman Chaudhry, the honorary director of the Fountain House, talked about the work on psychological warfare done by Dr Ajmal. He also highlighted the rising rate of depression in Pakistan, saying that it would become a leading disorder in near future.
Meanwhile, GCU Minhas Art Gallery has put on display the acrylic paintings of senior artist Muhammad Shafique.
VC Prof Dr Asghar Zaidi and artist Dr Ajaz Anwar inaugurated the exhibition which housed about 17 impressionistic paintings featuring the landscape beauty around the historical buildings of Lahore and Multan.
Dr Ajaz Anwar said that acrylic was one of most difficult medium of art and Muhammad Shafique had preserved the landscape beauty around Mughal architecture which unfortunately was decaying with time and urban development.
The VC also spoke.
The exhibition will remain open till Jan 15, 2020.
CHRISTMAS: The University of Engineering and Technology (UET) organised a cake cutting ceremony on the eve of Christmas.
The event was organised to show solidarity with the Christian community.
VC Prof Dr Syed Mansoor Sarwar said all minorities of the country were enjoying same rights as the Muslims.
“The Christian community has a major role in the progress and stability of Pakistan,” he added.
He also cut the Christmas cake along with all the Christian employees.
UET Registrar Muhammad Asif, Senior Warden Dr Mushtaq, PRO Dr Tanveer Qasim, Dr Gul Hameed, Technical Staff Association President Manzoor Bhatti, the director Sports and others were also present.
Published in Dawn, December 25th, 2019