SALU Faculty of Education Honors Educators and Celebrates Enduring Pak–Turk Brotherhood.
The Department of Teacher Education at Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU) today hosted a landmark event, masterfully intertwining the celebration of Teachers' Day with a profound tribute to the deep-rooted "two countries, one nation" bond between Pakistan and Turkey. The ceremony highlighted the role of educators as the cornerstone of nation-building and international camaraderie.
The event, which commenced with a Quranic recitation, gathered a distinguished assembly of academics and guests. The chief guest was Vice Chancellor Meritorious Professor Dr. Muhammad Yousuf Khushk, alongside Guest Speaker Dr. Syed Hassan Ali Shah, Chairman of the Department of Education at Sukkur IBA, and representatives from Pak-Turk Maarif Schools.
Dr. Firdous Bugti, chairperson Department of Teacher Education extended a warm welcome to all guests, particularly acknowledging the esteemed Chief Guest, Vice Chancellor Meritorious Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yousuf Khushk, and Guest Speaker Dr. Syed Hassan Ali Shah, chairman of the Department of Education at Sukkur IBA, Prof. Dr. Naveed Ahmed Shaikh, Dean faculty of Education and all esteemed guests representatives from the Pak-Turk Maarif Schools, faculty members, staff, and students by reflecting on the contributions of Teachers and their role to strengthen the bonds of friendship between Pakistan and Turkey.
In a powerful keynote address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yousuf Khushk eloquently wove together the historical, spiritual, and symbolic threads that unite Pakistan and Turkey. He drew poignant parallels between the national anthems of both countries, describing them as sacred prayers for their lands that invoke "Faith, Respect, Honor, and country."
“Our power is our nation,” stated Dr. Khushk, reminding the audience of Turkey's steadfast solidarity with the poignant remark, “In the wake of war, Turkey was with us.”
He traced the spiritual lineage of the relationship back 300 years, noting that Sindh’s revered saint, Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai, acknowledged the great Turkish mystic Rumi as his murshid (spiritual guide). He further highlighted the subcontinent's support for the Khilafat Usmania movement and cited Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s inspiration from Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
The sentiment of unbreakable fraternity was echoed by the Turkish delegates. Mr. Mehmed Emin, Assistant Director of Pak-Turk Maarif Schools and Colleges, affirmed to the audience, “We may belong to two different boundaries, but we are one nation.” He outlined a shared vision for enhancing educational collaboration and intercultural learning opportunities for students.
Mr. Bin Yamin, Principal; Ms. Lareb, Faculty Member; and Mr. Ashir Khemtio, Operations Manager of Pak-Turk Maarif Schools and Colleges also shared their perspectives on promoting educational collaboration and intercultural learning opportunities for students.
Adding an artistic dimension to the program, Younus Emrey Institute lecturer Elan Ali Tipu served as a translator, providing a visual representation that reflected the rich cultural heritage of Turkey.
Dr. Syed Hassan Ali Shah in his talk shared profound insights into the contributions of teachers in shaping nations and highlighted their pivotal role in strengthening the bonds of friendship between Pakistan and Turkey. His remarks underscored the importance of educators in fostering mutual understanding and collaboration.
Dr. Nazar Hussain Phulpoto also contributed remarks during the event. Dr. Ali Raza Lashari, the Focal Person for Turkish Week, emphasized that the week-long series of events, including a two-day historical photography exhibition of Turkish mosque, serves as a living embodiment of the profound brotherly relations.
The ceremony culminated in symbolic gestures of unity: a cake-cutting ceremony honoring Pak-Turk friendship, the presentation of a shield to the guest speaker, and the gifting of traditional Ajrak souvenirs to the Turkish guests. Certificates of appreciation were also distributed to faculty and students, recognizing their efforts in making the event a resounding success.
The event was well-attended by professors and teachers from various departments, including Professor Dr. Samina Professor Rajper, Dr. Khalida Mahar, Syed Zahid Hussain Shah, Dr. Zahid Sahto, Ms. Shumaila, Ms. Wajeeha, and Ms. Bibi Fatima, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
The gathering served as a powerful reaffirmation of a partnership described not merely as diplomatic, but as familial, celebrating the educators who are entrusted with nurturing this timeless bond for generations to come.
Dr Sahib Oad
Media Studies
SALU Khairpur
