Daily Times

LAHORE: Speakers at a function said that the March 23 is an unforgettable day in Pakistan’s national history, as the day marked the momentous occasion when people resolved to struggle for an independent state based on principles of equality and justice.

Addressing faculty and students of the Kinnaird Academy High School for Girls at a Pakistan Day function, arranged by the Presbyterian Education Board (PEB), they urged the new generation to equip them with the latest knowledge and adopt positive approach and thinking about the society, and follow moral and spiritual values.

“If we become good Pakistanis, it will mean that we are on the right path in terms of moral and spiritual values,” said Amarnath Randhawa, president of the Hindu Sudhar Sabha. “We have high hopes on our new generation,” he said, and lauded the services and hard work of the Presbyterian Education Board for a quality education and equipping students with the knowledge.

Amarnath urged the students to focus on their studies, adopt and promote their culture and their identity. “We must know that our strength comes from the diversity of our community, and our culture of inclusion of people of all backgrounds, races, genders, identities, religions, views and ways of thinking,” he pointed out.

In a message on the occasion, PEB Executive Director Veda Shaheen Gill said that the purpose of the schools of the Presbyterian Education Board has not changed since their founding: to educate the poorest of the poor in Pakistan, irrespective of class, religion, or origin. “Our mission is to provide high-quality education that addresses needs of all individuals morally, physically, intellectually, socially, and spiritually – so essential for each individual’s quality of life,” she said.

At the Kinnaird Academy, teachers and students did their best to make the Pakistan Day celebrations memorable. The school was reverberated with beautiful patriotic songs and the students also presented a skit on interfaith harmony and national unity. Principal Reeba Gill wished the students happiness and best of knowledge so that they could work for the progress, prosperity and stability of their country.

On the occasion, PEB representative Simon Jacob urged the students to feel the pride of being part of such a glorious nation. “I hope this national day of Pakistan will add more colours in our life,” he said. “I have firm conviction that it is through faith, unity and discipline that we can move forward on the path of development and reconstruction of Pakistan,” he said.

“We have to remember that independence is a precious gift of God,” he said. “Let us pledge today that we shall always keep alive the spirit of national unity and renew our resolve to devote ourselves for the progress and prosperity of our motherland,” Simon Jacob said. He informed the audience that there were 22 schools of the Presbyterian Education Board in operation throughout Punjab.

“Over 5,000 students are being served in the PEB schools,” he said, adding that the students of different religions and faiths study side by side in all these schools. Because all faiths learn together and are respected, students learn values of tolerance, respect, and love which lead to a more peaceful society, he said.

Sharing their views, Imran Julian and Rebecca Farhan said that curriculum and academic standards of the PEB schools were some of the highest in Pakistan, with all students passing national matriculation exams and many excelling. “We are celebrating different national occasions in our schools to assist our students to display their talents,” they said.

Published in Daily Times, March 24^th  2018.