KARACHI, Nov 30: Tribute was paid to columnist and philanthropist the late Ardeshir Cowasjee for his outstanding humanitarian services at a condolence meeting held in Aga Hassan Abedi Auditorium of the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) on Friday.

Presided over by SIUT founder Dr Adib Rizvi, the meeting was attended by faculty and staff of the institute.

Praising his philanthropic services, Prof Rizvi said that Mr Cowasjee, who was a great friend and supporter of the SIUT, came in contact with the institution over three decades ago.

Dr Rizvi disclosed in the meeting that Mr Cowasjee’s association enriched the SIUT with a donation of three lithotripters, housed in the Cowasjee Lithotripsy Unit and dedicated to Rustom Fakirjee Cowasjee, and a recently donated angiography machine benefiting the underprivileged segment of society.

The SIUT director said Mr Cowasjee was an excellent human being who remained a true friend of the SIUT till his death. He said undoubtedly Mr Cowasjee was the conscience of the cosmopolitan Karachi. His fearless writings and raising voice on public issues would always be remembered, Dr Rizvi said.

Dr Anwar Naqvi of the SIUT moderated the session paying tribute to the late Ardeshir Cowasjee, remembering the donation of the first dialysis machine in the memory of his wife in 1993.

A 24-unit dialysis centre at the SIUT was named after his illustrious mother Mucca Cowasjee, Mr Naqvi added.

He said Mr Cowasjee was amongst the first ones who pledged to donate their organs for the benefit of humanity. He took an active part in deceased organ donation programme.

A two-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect for the departed soul.—PPI/APP