Daily Times

LAHORE: Former chief of army staff General (r) Raheel Sharif has donated an amount of Rs 2 million to the Government College University Lahore Endowment Fund Trust (GCU EFT) for the fee of financially challenged students.

Addressing the annual dinner of the Old Ravians Union (ORU) at the university’s Oval Ground, General (r) Raheel said that his visit to his alma mater had filled him with nostalgia of the student life. “It’s been the most memorable days of my life. I strongly miss the maroon blazer, my motorbike and all the flavours of a Ravian life, especially the respect we get as a student of this prestigious institution,” he said.

The former COAS said his association with Government College Lahore goes back to 1964 when his sister completed masters from the institution and he came along with her sister to attend her convocation. “My two brothers Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider) and Captain Mumtaz Sharif also 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 honour. “I am proud to be a Ravian,” he said, adding that he is always available whenever his alma mater needs him.

Later, he gave shields to the members of executive committee of the union.

Speaking on the occasion, 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 that the university’s Endowment Fund Trust, established by their support, had swelled to Rs 360 million and was supporting the education of more than 600 students every year.

Published in Daily Times, April 16^th 2018.