ISLAMABAD: Punjab Governor Rafique Rajwana has urged the learned scholars, researchers and intellectuals to share a common vision to change the calamities into opportunities because it is only possible with the hard work of the students for changing the fate of the poor farming communities by adopting new technology of 21st century. While addressing the 17th Convocation of Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University (PMAS-AAUR) in Rawalpindi on Saturday, he pointed out that it is quite encouraging that this seat of higher learning is taking lead on the concepts of mountain agriculture and hydroponics, which has a quantitative impact to produce 50 times more and also to reduce the medical bills of overall community of Pakistan. The governor said, “The universities are known for knowledge creation and research plays pivotal role in the development of any institute of higher learning. I would urge to further the concept of pragmatic and applied research and prioritise the benefit of common countrymen”. He lauded different projects and initiatives launched for the capacity building of students in the field of agriculture and allied disciplines that would not only lead to train the graduates but would also broaden the horizons of agricultural sector through value addition of farm production. The Punjab governor congratulated the recipients of various degrees and urged them to put in their best efforts to bring the country out of vicious cycles of poverty and scarcity of resources. A total of 2,360 students were awarded degrees in PhD, MPhil, Masters and undergraduate courses while 55 students who topped the examination in their respective disciplines were decorated with medals. 41 graduates’ received gold medals, seven were awarded with silver medals, seven with bronze medals while 53 students recieved PhD degrees at the 17th Convocation of PMAS-AAUR. South Korean Ambassador Dr Song Jong-Hwan, Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Prof Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, PMAS-AAUR Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof Dr Rai Niaz Ahmad, University of Gujrat Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zialul Qayyum, NUST Rector General Muhammad Asghar, Government College Women University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Noureen Aziz Qureshi, MNA Malik Abrar, MNA Raja Javed Akhlas and MPA Raja Muhammad Hanif were also present on the occasion and conferred degrees among the graduates. Senator Najma Hameed, Sardar Naseem Khan, Rahat Qudoosi, controller examinations, registrar, directors of campuses, directors of institutes, deans of all faculties, members of syndicate and academic council, eminent educationists, faculty members and a large number of degree holders, students and their parents were also present on the occasion. South Korean Ambassador Dr Song Jong-Hwan in his address advised the students to perform an active role based on their education and experience for the development and progress of Pakistan. He said that it is a matter of honour for him to attend the convocation of PMAS-AAUR and thankful to PMAS-AAUR Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Rai Niaz Ahmad. He advised the students to help a common man and poor segments of the society. Earlier, in his welcome address, PMAS-AAUR vice chancellor informed that the Punjab chief minister has approved the establishment of sub-campus of the university in Mandra, tehsil of Gujar Khan and PC-1 of the project has been submitted to complete this task at the earliest. He said, “What we need is that our universities must perform like skilled universities in their disciplines. We are ready to accept challenge of even training graduates of other disciplines for 21st century under the vision of prime minister and Punjab chief minister”. He further said that the integrated approach of rainwater harvesting and its use for production of fruits and vegetables could bring paradigm shift in the livelihood of this Potohar region. He congratulated the graduating students who have been rewarded for their tireless academic pursuits and urged them to put in their best efforts for the development of country. Earlier, Punjab governor also planted a sapling and inaugurated staff club and sports complex in university premises. He also participated in groundbreaking ceremony of Institute of Hydroponic Agriculture and Aisha Hall a block of girls hostel.