KARACHI: Speakers at a programme have paid glowing tribute to late Hakim Mohammad Said and said that he established the Hamdard Naunehal Assembly (HNA) to enlighten young minds, boost their confidence and to equip them for future challenges so that they could serve the nation with the best of their abilities.

According to a press release issued here on Sunday, Hamdard Foundation president Sadia Rashid presided over the event comprising two sessions.

Renowned satirist Anwar Maqsood was the chief guest at the sessions tilted ‘Hamdard Naunehal Assembly, a successful journey since 1985’, while senior journalist Ghazi Salahuddin was the chief guest at the session titled ‘This is our country, Have we played our due part in its progress’.

Former HNA members, who are now professionals and serving the nation in different fields, attended the meeting to express their gratitude and to pay tribute to Hakim Said.

The HNA works as the children’s parliament similar to the country’s parliament in order to train and provide the young generation the opportunities to discuss political and national matters and suggest solutions.

Speaking on the occasion, Anwar Maqsood termed the HNA a unique and innovative forum for children and appreciated it for its discipline.

He said he was particularly impressed by the former HNA members who were now successful in their respective fields and serving the nation.

Ghazi Salahuddin said that Hakim Said was a visionary leader and throughout his life, he promoted the education and health sectors.

Earlier, in her welcome address, Ms Rashid said that Hakim Mohammed Said had correctly perceived that in order to make Pakistan a developed and prosperous country, it was mandatory to develop the spirit of patriotism among the hearts and minds of all Pakistani children.

Published in Dawn, August 29th, 2022