OUR STAFF REPORTER LAHORE - Punjab University Institute of Education & Research on Saturday organized Golden Jubilee Postgraduate Students Conference 2011 in connection with golden jubilee celebration of the Institute. The theme of the conference was Rethinking Education for Pakistan in 21st Century. PU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mujahid Kamran was the chief guest while Director IER Prof Dr Mumtaz Akhtar, Prof Dr Liaqat Ali Akbar, faculty members and a large number of students were also present on the occasion. Stressing the need to encourage PhD researchers, VC Dr Mujahid Kamran said the value of PhD students should be understood. He said PhD scholars are the real power of creation of new knowledge. He urged the supervisors to encourage their students because most of the great scientists, who earned a great repute throughout the world, were encouraged by somebody at early stages. Dr Mujahid Kamran congratulated Dr Mumtaz Akhtar for organizing this conference. He said the education was the only way to find respect amongst the comity of nations, and education was a must for uplifting the nation. He said the experience of getting through PhD enhanced your personality and polished your faculties. He said 750 verses of Holy Quran urged the human beings to focus on the creation of universe. He said the education was must to get the nation out of backwardness and poverty and there must be continuous policies and targets. He urged the leadership to realize the fact and allocate a hefty budget for education. Earlier, Director Institute Prof Dr Mumtaz Akhtar said it was the responsibility of researchers to create new knowledge and the conference would be a great chance for PhD students to work in their respective departments. Organizing Secretary of the conference Prof Dr Rafaqat Ali Akbar also addressed the audience.