Graduates urged to help build egalitarian society at 27th convocation of IoBM

A vibrant sense of excitement and boundless ambition illuminated the faces of 1,591 graduates as they received their degrees during the 27th Convocation of the Institute of Business Management (IoBM) on Saturday.

Aspiring entrepreneurs and future leaders celebrated this significant milestone with enthusiasm, sharing the joyous moment with their proud parents. Among the graduating class, 24 exceptional students were awarded gold medals, while 44 received merit certificates.

Degrees were conferred across a diverse range of programmes, including BBA, BS, MBA, MS, MPhil, and PhD.

The event was honoured by the presence of distinguished guests, including Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori as the chief guest, Dr Gohar Ejaz, former caretaker federal minister of commerce, industry, and production as the guest of honour, and former caretaker prime minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar.

The keynote speaker was Yasmin Fasih, an IoBM alumna from the first batch (1997), currently serving as the regional human resource manager for operations execution in the Asia-Pacific region at Maersk, Singapore.

Governor Tessori, in his address, encouraged the graduates to reflect on the day their parents accompanied them on their first day of school and how their unwavering support has guided them to this significant milestone. He praised the visionary leadership of the IoBM’s late founder president, Shahjehan Syed Karim, for establishing this prestigious institute of higher learning. He called upon the youth to raise their voice, take initiative, and work toward creating a brighter and more promising future for themselves and the nation.

The governor, highlighting the invaluable contributions of the IoBM's late founder president, Shahjehan Syed Karim, to the field of education, announced his intention to recommend to the president of Pakistan that he be posthumously honoured with the prestigious Hilal-e-Imtiaz.

Dr Gohar Ejaz highlighted that the seats occupied by the graduates today represent less than one percent of all graduates, emphasizing the exclusivity and privilege of their achievement. He noted the immense opportunities available in Pakistan and presented an economic overview of the country, illustrating how graduates can contribute to various sectors. “We have immense potential to grow, and what we need today is you!” he concluded.

IoBM President Talib Karim presented the Institute's Progress Report, underscoring the IoBM's dedication to achieving AACSB accreditation, expanding global partnerships for alumni, and integrating advanced technology into the curriculum to enhance the learning experience. He also highlighted the efforts of the IoBM's Center for Islamic Business and Finance, which is actively aligning its initiatives with the broader developmental goals set by the government.

In his welcome address, IoBM Chancellor Bashir Janmohammad advised the graduates to always respect their parents. He encouraged them to dream big and develop entrepreneurial skills to add value to their lives and careers. He also acknowledged the unwavering support of parents in helping students achieve their dreams.

Former prime minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar expressed his excitement about being among the youth, stating, "I feel energized when I am surrounded by young minds brimming with vigour. A formal education helps channel this energy toward meaningful objectives."

He encouraged the graduates to actively contribute to building an egalitarian society where everyone fulfils their role according to their abilities, describing it as the Pakistani dream we must collectively strive to achieve. He also urged the graduates to embrace new aspirations, emphasizing that creativity is deeply connected to the essence of life.

During her keynote speech, Yasmin Fasih remarked, “Today, we celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in your lives.” She commended the graduates for their hard work and perseverance, reflecting on her own journey at the IoBM and how it played a pivotal role in her success. “Remain deliberate and purposeful in your approach, embrace lifelong learning, and don’t hesitate to take chances in life,” she encouraged.

Valedictorian Rida Asif, the proud recipient of the Shahjehan Syed Karim Gold Medal, highlighted the importance of corporate social responsibility in her address. She encouraged her fellow graduates to utilize their education and skills to drive meaningful change and make a positive impact on society.

The IoBM's 27th Convocation was more than just an academic milestone; it was a celebration of perseverance, dedication, and triumph. The event paid heartfelt tribute to the unwavering support of parents and faculty, whose guidance and encouragement played a vital role in shaping the graduates' journey toward a bright and promising future.