ISLAMABAD- The National University of Modern Languages (NUML) awarded more than 650 degrees to the students who graduated from 2002 to January 2013 here at its convocation 2013.
A large number of dignitaries, jubilant students, their proud parents and the faculty of NUML attended the ceremony, which was filled with grace and fervour.
The Bachelor and Masters students who graduated during June 2011 to Jan 2013 and scholars who completed their research work and qualified for award of PhD, MPhil and MS degrees from 2002 to January 2013 were conferred upon the degrees in different disciplines. Over 650 students were awarded the degrees including 69 PhDs, 17 MPhil 564 Masters and Bachelors and 39 of the male and female students won the coveted gold medals.
The audience gave tremendous applause to visually impaired student, Muhammad Ikhlas Tariq, who won gold medal in MSc in International Relations. Commenting on his success he said, "It is success of not only mine but also of my teachers, my friends and parents who assisted and guided me to all through to reach this level. My university has bestowed me with a candle that has compensated me for all my disabilities and now I feel no problem to move forward."
Another student who was conferred upon the gold medal, Azka Khan, said, "It is an honour having your achievements celebrated among your peers. I attribute this achievement to the graciousness of Allah Almighty, and to the guidance and inspiration I received from my teachers and to the confidence my parents had in me."
The chief guest Lt Gen Raheel Sharif while emphasising the need for research, said, "Civilisations have progressed through inquiry and research and it invariably demands patience and perseverance which are manifestations of the spirit of tolerance. Research culture is taking roots in our leading institutions. Just at NUML, 15 research papers have been produced and published in international journals during last year alone".
While addressing the students he said, "The university has equipped you with necessary knowledge to move forward in your life. Whatever profession you join, remember that Pakistan has enabled you to be what you are and what you will be in the long run. You have to return some of it to the nation by way of your hard work and service to the nation."
Earlier, Rector NUML Maj Gen (Retd) Masood Hasan enumerating the achievements of NUML highlighted the launching of new disciplines and collaboration with the foreign universities in order to enhance the standards and prestige of the university.
DG NUML Brig Azam Jamal, while answering a query about holding convocations after a long-wait, assured that from now on convocations will be held each year in which previous backlog will also be cleared on priority.
In the end the gold medallists and PhD scholars had a group photo with the Chief Guest Lt Gen Raheel Sharif, DG HRD Army Maj Gen Nadir Zeb, and other university officials. The students tossed their caps to celebrate the conferment of degrees upon them.