Dr Ahmad Omar Murad, Chairman, ILM Trust, expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation for UMT faculty and staff on their valuable contributions to the University, particularly after the sudden passing away of UMT's Visionary Founder, Dr Hasan Sohaib Murad. He specifically appreciated the efforts of Ibrahim Hasan Murad, President, ILM Trust and UMT, who took the mantle of taking charge under very challenging circumstances. Dr Murad also thanked Dr Muhammad Aslam, Rector UMT, on his expert leadership which kept the institution running without missing a beat. He appreciated the efforts of Abid H K Shirwani, DG UMT and close companion of Dr Hasan Sohaib Murad (late) for keeping the institution running. He also acknowledged the presence of Dr Naushaba Hasan, whose contribution as life partner of Dr Hasan Sohaib Murad is immense and must be recognized in every success that Dr Hasan was able to achieve.
Addressing the graduates, Dr Ahmad Omar Murad said that the world in which we find ourselves today is vastly different from the one found just half a century ago. We are living in a world where every new day is unlike the day before. He stated that each day brings new challenges and opportunities. The rapid changes brought about by science and technology, social norms that govern our lives and the way we interpret the world is truly unprecedented. He further stated that when we graduated 30 or 40 years ago, what we thought impossible is possible today. The devices that we carry in our pockets to connect with the world or express our opinions were not in our collective imagination a mere 40 years ago. People made apocalyptic predictions that the world would not have enough to sustain its population and the only way to survive would be at the expense of another. Yet economic productivity has surpassed the imagination of the earlier predictions.
There has never been a shortage of knowledge or skills that add to the knowledge base and improve the quality of life. We have done very well in this regard as our Creator has equipped us well. Anyone who applies himself in seeking knowledge finds success. The world has deteriorated in moral standing. There are universal truths and values that have always guided societies. Despite tremendous improvement in material comforts, there is a global crisis is mental health and this is indicative of our moral standing. Deeply polarized societies unable to find middle ground are indicative of our moral health. Uncivil politics are indicative of our moral health. But the real question is what can we do about it?
Dr Murad said that as you step into the practical world and chart a new path forward, it is your burden, you own the future that becomes your tomorrow. Dr Ahmad said that you need to apply moral elements to your skillset and make life something bigger than your own self.