LAHORE - Speakers at a seminar paid rich tributes to Prof Anna Molka Ahmad, pioneer of College of Art and Design, University of the Punjab for her matchless contributions and services as a founder, educationist, painter, sculptor, teacher, poet and chairperson of the College. The seminar was held in connection with Prof Anna Molka Ahmads 17th death anniversary at Senate Hall, PU on Tuesday. The seminar was presided by the college principal Prof Dr Rahat Naveed Masud while Jamila Zaidi, old student and the closest friend to Prof Anna Molka Ahmad was the chief guest on the occasion. Tahira Ayaz and Zara David, daughters of Ms Ahmad also participated in the seminar as special guests, who talked about different aspects of her personal life. They said that as a mother she was very kind who always encouraged them. While sharing her memories with Ms Ahmed, Jamila Zaidi eloquently analyzed and appreciated her contribution and efforts for art in Pakistan. Some prominent artists, art critics and writers including Saeed Akhtar, Ayaz Mahmood, Dr Nadhra Shahbaz and Tasneem Mazhar, Prof Dr Mussarat Hassan, Prof Dr Shaukat Mahmood (Maxim), Famous Cartoonist Javed Iqbal, Shahnawaz Zaidi, Zafarullaha, Maliha Azami Agha, Shahnaz Malhi, Ghulam Mustafa, Masood Abbas, Quddus Mirza, Dr Shahida Manzoor and Shazia Mukhtar also spoke on the occasion. They threw light on the various aspects of the contribution of Mrs Ahmad and also shared their personal feelings and experience as students of the late artist. Shahnawaz Zaidi also narrated the poetry of Ms Ahmad which was appreciated by the audience. The participants also appreciated the efforts of the principal Prof Dr Rahat Naveed Masud and the college for holding the unique and special event in honour Prof Anna. Prof Anna Molka Ahmed was among the pioneers of women artists in Pakistan and had been a long-time director and moving spirit behind the Fine Arts Department of the Punjab University. She was born to Jewish parents, in London, UK in 1917. Her mother was Polish and father was a Russian. She studied painting, sculpture and design at St. Martin School of Arts, London. She converted to Islam at the age of 18 in 1935, before marrying Sheikh Ahmed. The couple moved to the Indian subcontinent in 1940-41 and settled in Lahore. She was awarded Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, for her services in the field of fine arts education in the country. Her students became famous artists in the country and many of them are playing their role globally.