Tag: (GCU)

Lahore, February 27, 2023 (PPI-OT):The GC University Lahore on Sunday morning celebrated a grand yoga event for inner peace on the Oval Ground of its campus, with the participation of around 2,000 yoga practitioners from all across Pakistan, making it one of the largest yoga events in the country.

The event, organized by the University’s recently-established Ravian Yoga Club in collaboration with the Pakistan Yoga Council, aimed to promote mental and physical wellness in society while reducing stress and anxiety. Participants of all age groups, from five-year-old to eighty-year-old, were dressed in comfortable yoga attire and led by professional yoga instructors through a series of yoga poses and exercises.

Speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Asghar Zaidi highlighted the importance of promoting mental health, particularly in the current challenging times. “Yoga improves not only physical strength and balance but also reduces stress and anxiety, which are becoming more and more common in our society these days,” he said.

He emphasized the role of such yoga events in fostering a sense of community and belonging, adding that “by making yoga accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or physical condition, events like this can help to break down barriers and promote a sense of unity and inclusivity.”

Prof. Asghar Zaidi, who is also a global advisor of WHO Geneva on healthy ageing, also highlighted the importance of Yoga in old age. He mentioned in particular importance of social connections, alongside the exercise, to be greatly contributing to health while ageing.

Prof. Zaidi expressed gratitude to the Pakistan Yoga Council for their support, saying that “by working together, we can create a ripple effect of health and wellness that extends far beyond the individual participants at the event.”

Women’s rights activist Mrs. Kiran Zaidi appreciated this opportunity for young female students and faculty to practice yoga in a safe and supportive environment. “As a woman, it can be challenging to find safe spaces to collectively exercise and practice self-care,” she said. “This yoga event provided a supportive and welcoming environment where female students and faculty felt comfortable to practice yoga and connect with other like-minded individuals.”

Yoga professional Yogi Riaz Khokha said this huge turnout at the GCU Yoga event is a testament to the growing popularity of yoga in Pakistan. “One of the things I love about yoga is that it can be adapted to suit people of all ages and abilities,” he said.

Actor Rashid Mehmood suggested that other universities should also establish similar clubs to promote healthy activities. “By practicing together, we can learn from each other, share our experiences, and support each other on our individual paths. I hope that events like this will continue to bring together people of all ages and backgrounds to practice yoga and promote health and well-being for all.” Earlier, on Saturday night, the University also arranged a Sufi music night for the yoga practitioners who came to GCU from other cities for this grand Yoga event.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations Department,
Government College University (GCU)
Squash Complex, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
UAN: +92-42-111-000-010 Ext: 296
Tel: +92-42-99213343
Cell: +92-321-8440769
Email: registrar@gcu.edu.pk
Website: http://www.gcu.edu.pk

Lahore, February 20, 2023 (PPI-OT):The All Pakistan Inter Varsity Gymnastics Championship 2023 concluded on a high note with the GC University Lahore clinching the championship trophy. More than eleven universities participated in the tournament held under the auspices of Higher Education Commission at GCU Sports Hall. The Vice Chancellor of GC University Lahore, Professor Dr. Asghar Zaidi, Director of Sports Wasim Akhtar, and officials of Higher Education Commission, including Muhammad Asif, graced the ceremony with their presence.

The team GCU emerged as the winners of the championship with Punjab University and University of Central Punjab securing joint second place and University of Management Technology (UMT) achieving the third position. The teams competed in a variety of disciplines, including floor exercises, balance beam, vault, and uneven bars. Speaking at the closing ceremony, Professor Dr. Asghar Zaidi congratulated the winning team and thanked all the participants for making the championship a success. He emphasized the importance of sports in developing the physical and mental capabilities of the youth and expressed his hope that students from all universities can use GC University’s gymnastic training facilities to represent Pakistan better in the future.

Muhammad Asif, an official of the Higher Education Commission, lauded the contribution of GC University Lahore to the field of sports and acknowledged the many sports stars that the university has produced over the years. Director of Sports Wasim Akhtar reaffirmed GC University’s commitment to promoting sports and pledged to continue supporting athletes in the future. The All Pakistan Inter Varsity Gymnastics Championship 2023 showcased the talents of some of Pakistan’s most promising young athletes and served as a reminder of the importance of sports in building a healthy and prosperous nation.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations Department,
Government College University (GCU)
Squash Complex, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
UAN: +92-42-111-000-010 Ext: 296
Tel: +92-42-99213343
Cell: +92-321-8440769
Email: registrar@gcu.edu.pk
Website: http://www.gcu.edu.pk

Lahore, February 17, 2023 (PPI-OT):The Government College University (GCU) Lahore has hosted a captivating fusion of Turkish and classical Sufi music, as the renowned Turkish Band Afro-Arab Music Circle performed alongside the talented musicians and singers of GCU’s Nazir Ahmad Music Society (NAMS).

The five-member Turkish band, led by Abdullah Kaymak, and NAMS students also recited Qaseeda Burda Shareef, which was highly praised by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr Asghar Zaidi, who said, “Qaseeda Burda Shareef renews hope in our hearts for better times, especially when our Turkish brothers are grappling with the aftermath of a catastrophic earthquake.”

Prof. Zaidi also expressed his delight at the incredible cross-cultural musical collaboration between NAMS and the talented Turkish band. The event was attended by a large gathering of students who were mesmerized by the instrumental, vocal, and orchestral performances by the artists from NAMS and the Turkish band. Abdullah Kaymak and his team have extensively travelled throughout Turkey and the Middle East, sharing the beauty and depth of Afro-Arab Sufi hymns with audiences across the region.

Asim Maharvi Chishti of the Chishtiya Ribbat Sufi Studies Centre expressed his pride in the GCU students who collaborated with Kaymak and his team to create something truly unique and beautiful. “It was a testament to the deep-rooted cultural ties between Pakistan and Turkey and highlighted the potential for further cross-cultural collaborations in the future,” he said.

The musical evening was organized by GCU-NAMS in collaboration with the Chishtiya Ribbat Sufi Studies Center. Overall, the Pak-Turk cross-cultural music collaboration was an enthralling experience that left a lasting impression on all those who attended the event.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations Department,
Government College University (GCU)
Squash Complex, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
UAN: +92-42-111-000-010 Ext: 296
Tel: +92-42-99213343
Cell: +92-321-8440769
Email: registrar@gcu.edu.pk
Website: http://www.gcu.edu.pk

Lahore, February 10, 2023 (PPI-OT):The Kashmir Society of GC University Lahore held a seminar titled “Kashmir and Indian Colonial Strategy,” where they staged a special theatre play that depicted the harsh reality of life in Kashmir under Indian rule and showcased the support of the international community and Pakistan for the Kashmiri people.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Asghar Zaidi chaired the seminar, which was also addressed by guest speaker Dr. Syed Mujahid Gilani, the grandson of Syed Ali Geelani, and eminent actor Azra Aftab. Dr. Syed Mujahid Gilani spoke about the illegal economic policies implemented by India in Kashmir and the impact they have had on the local population. He endorsed the event’s theme by saying, “India is an occupier in Kashmir, and any actions taken by an occupier will be considered imposed on the people.”

Actor Azra Aftab said that more such dramas should be produced to depict the harsh reality of life in Kashmir. Vice Chancellor Prof. Zaidi condemned the holding of the G20 Summit in Kashmir and appreciated the work of the Kashmir Society in raising awareness about the plight of Kashmiris. Earlier, the President of the GCU Kashmir Society, Ch. Keehan Ijaz, opened the event with a presentation that briefed the attendees about the role of students in raising awareness about the Kashmir issue.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations Department,
Government College University (GCU)
Squash Complex, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
UAN: +92-42-111-000-010 Ext: 296
Tel: +92-42-99213343
Cell: +92-321-8440769
Email: registrar@gcu.edu.pk
Website: http://www.gcu.edu.pk

Lahore, February 09, 2023 (PPI-OT):The Government College University (GCU) Lahore on Thursday held a ceremony to honour the achievements of one of its distinguished alumni, Professor Dr Khurshid Rizvi. The ceremony was held at the University’s Meeting Rooms, where Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Asghar Zaidi presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Prof. Rizvi.

The award is one of the highest honours given by GCU to its alumni who have made outstanding contributions in their field. Professor Dr. Rizvi was announced as one of the ten recipients of the award during the university’s 20th Convocation in November but was unable to attend due to a trip abroad.

Dr Rizvi is a renowned scholar of oriental languages and is considered to be one of the top Urdu poets, researchers, and literary figures in Pakistan. He is well-versed in Arabic, Persian, Urdu, English, and Punjabi, making him a multifaceted talent in the world of language and literature. In 2008, the government of Pakistan recognized Dr Rizvi’s literary services by awarding him with the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, one of the highest civilian honours in the country. Rizvi has authored and edited books in many languages on a range of subjects including seven poetry collections to date.

At the ceremony, Dr. Rizvi thanked his institution and Vice-Chancellor for the recognition. He expressed that this award holds a special place in his heart as it is from his own alma mater. The Vice-Chancellor, in turn, praised Dr Rizvi for his hard work and dedication to his profession, saying that he serves as a great example for all teachers. The ceremony was attended by a large number of faculty members, students, and guests, who all gathered to celebrate the achievements of Dr Rizvi.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations Department,
Government College University (GCU)
Squash Complex, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
UAN: +92-42-111-000-010 Ext: 296
Tel: +92-42-99213343
Cell: +92-321-8440769
Email: registrar@gcu.edu.pk
Website: http://www.gcu.edu.pk

Lahore, February 08, 2023 (PPI-OT):A three-day book fair offering up to 50 percent discounts by 30 publishers has received an overwhelming response from students and teachers on the first two days of its opening at the Government College University Lahore. Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr Asghar Zaidi inaugurated the three-day Book Fair organized by the University’s Library at the Abdus Salam Hall where eminent publishers set up their stalls. GCU Chief Librarian Muhammad also attended the inauguration ceremony.

Talking to media, Vice Chancellor Prof. Zaidi said students are being given discounts on books and this time we are also providing an opportunity for the students to interact with the authors of the books. Prof. Zaidi said he encourages everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to buy books, meet authors, and expand their knowledge and understanding of the world.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations Department,
Government College University (GCU)
Squash Complex, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
UAN: +92-42-111-000-010 Ext: 296
Tel: +92-42-99213343
Cell: +92-321-8440769
Email: registrar@gcu.edu.pk
Website: http://www.gcu.edu.pk