Raheel Sharif donates Rs2m to GCU trust

LAHORE: Former Chief of Army Staff Gen (Retd) Raheel Sharif has donated Rs 2 million to Government College University’s Endowment Fund Trust (GCU-EFT) from which the university will initiate two perpetual golden scholarships financially-challenged students.

He was attending annual dinner of the Old Ravians Union (ORU as the chief guest at the university's Oval Ground. Speaking on the occasion, Raheel Sharif said this visit to his alma mater had filled him with nostalgia of student life. “It has been the most memorable days. I strongly miss the maroon blazer, my motorbike and all the flavors of a Ravian life, especially the respect we get as a student of this prestigious institution,” he added.

He said his association with Government College Lahore went back to 1964 when his sister completed masters from here and he came here to attend her degree awarding ceremony. “My two brothers Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider) and Captain Mumtaz Sharif studied form this great institution,” he added.

The former army chief paid glowing tribute to his professors for inculcating in him the values and spirit to fight various challenges in life with dignity and honor. “I am proud to be a Ravian,” he added. He said that he was one call away whenever his alma mater needed him. He also gave shields to the members ORU Executive Committee.

GCU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Hassan Amir Shah reiterated that Old Ravians were their real strength who always helped them in advancing the university’s vision and mission. He added the university's Endowment Fund Trust, established from their support, had swelled to Rs 360 million supporting the education of more than 600 current Ravians every year from its profit/interest.

The VC said a university required multibillion rupees investment for new buildings, laboratories, classrooms, equipment etc, so therefore it was essential that both the government funding and fundraising by Old Ravians Union must continue.

ORU President Kazi Afaq Hossain and others also spoke on the occasion. Punjab Minister for Higher Education Syed Raza Ali Gillani and large number of Old Ravians from across the country attended the reunion with their families.