IBA launches book about its history

Karachi  

The culminating event to commemorate the Institute of Business Administration's (IBA) 60-year celebrations took place in form of a book launch encapsulating its history.

The launch ceremony of the book titled 'Chronicling Excellence: A History of IBA' was held on Thursday, at the IBA City Campus, in presence of its alumni.

Launching the book, chief guest Justice Munib Akhtar of the Sindh High Court said the true asset for the institute was its people and their contributions had helped IBA become a national icon.

Former senator Javed Jabbar offered a detailed analysis of the book, citing its unique style as a thematic record of history rather than a chronological order.

He recognised the importance of the US institutions, including University of Pennsylvania and Wharton, which had helped form IBA. 

Head of human resources at the First Women Bank and former head of human resource at IBA, Ayesha Menai, recalled her journey being a student at IBA.

Addressing the guests at the book launch ceremony, Dean and Director IBA Dr Ishrat Husain said the final celebratory event for 60 years celebrations had marked IBA's recording of its printed history through the collection of scattered documents.

“IBA has a rich history which spans various locations and founders, which made the collection of its official records a challenge, but the author compiled this trove of knowledge in a comprehensive manner,” he said.

“Over 100 alumni were interviewed to verify its accuracy, and still this book is not meant as a final word.”

Dr Ishrat called for the literati of Pakistan and abroad to read, criticise and contribute to the collection of IBA's records.

Following him, author Sibtain Naqvi shared his approach towards compiling the historical volume, saying that the book was not a novel, but
an accurate depiction of history.

He said the administrative team under the supervision of Registrar Captain (Retd) Ahmed Zaheer was a valuable asset which had helped him find the important documents.

Dr Noman ul Haq urged the necessity of the study of art and literature, especially at an institute of IBA's stature.

Dr Haq shared anecdotes to shed light on how a well-rounded personality was created through the fusion where art and science meet.

"Intellectual nourishment is required even for business students to understand the human element as Mark Zuckerburg, Bill Gates and Mohummad Yunus used their understanding of the human psychology to develop their businesses."

To commemorate IBA's 60th year, a series of celebrations took place starting from March 16, when a press conference was held by Dr Ishrat Husain at the Karachi Press Club for the first time in IBA's history. 

The audiences was also told that on IBA's Foundation Day (March 21), a night of musical festivity took place, where maestro Rahat Ali Khan entertained a large gathering of alumni, faculty and guests with his melodious songs.

This was followed by the student week in which various societies organised events such as cricket tournament, girls' outdoor sports, music competition, dramas and other activities.

On September 12, IBA organised the first ever 'Foreign Ministers Forum' at which current incumbent Sartaj Aziz outlined Pakistan's foreign policy.

Two former ministers - Hina Rabbani Khar and Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri-presented the policies their governments had adopted.  A seminar and exhibition was also held on Sadequain's rubaiyat.