Beyond the Degree: SALU's Student Week 2026 Champions Innovation, Action, and the Entrepreneurial Spirit
Beyond the Degree: SALU's Student Week 2026 Champions Innovation, Action, and the Entrepreneurial Spirit
10-02-2026
Press Release
The second day of Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU), Khairpur Student Week 2026 transformed the campus into a dynamic hub of academic and innovative activity today, showcasing a diverse range of scholarly and creative pursuits from across its departments.
The day’s proceedings began with a significant academic milestone, the Open Defense Viva Voce Examination of Ph.D. scholar Mr. Atta-ur-Rehman in Commerce & Management Science, organized in the university’s video conference hall.
Parallelly, the Department of Zoology ignited scientific curiosity with the launch of a Science Model Competition, featuring creative student projects that highlighted the practical applications of biological sciences. This spirit of exhibition continued with the Physics Science Expo, where the Department of Physics displayed demonstrations and models exploring core and applied principles of the discipline.
Adding a literary dimension to the day, the Benazir Chair hosted the book launch of Mr. Ahmed Ali Sirohi, celebrating scholarly publishing and cultural contributions.
The morning’s events culminated in the inauguration of the Software Expo 2026 by the Institute of Computer Science, a platform for students to present cutting-edge software projects and technological solutions. Further enriching the day, the Institute of Chemistry and the Institute of Microbiology also launched dedicated poster and model exhibitions, emphasizing the multidisciplinary nature of the celebrations.
The vibrant expo floors drew distinguished visitors, including former Advisor to the Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Asad Ali Shah Jeelani, and Vice Chancellor Meritorious Professor Dr. Yousuf Khushk, who interacted closely with students at the Physics, Computer Science expos and other departments.
Speaking as the chief guest, Syed Asad Ali Shah Jeelani expressed his delight at witnessing the student projects. “This is a very good approach to learn. Learning happens by doing, and teaching is also learning. You have done excellent work,” he stated. Reflecting on the rapidly evolving technological landscape, he advised, “New tools like AI are changing the world very fast. Machines could surpass humans. ChatGPT is better than average people now. You need to get proficiency in these fields.”
He emphasized a shift from job-seeking to entrepreneurship and innovation. “Students in the USA and China are bringing new ideas and earning huge amounts. We have become job seekers, which cannot sustain. It is a world of entrepreneurship. Scientists invent, but entrepreneurs promote it like Elon Musk. You should be entrepreneurs,” he urged.
Encouraging practical application, he suggested, “Use existing projects, but apply them practically to resolve issues and benefit society. If you have a brilliant idea with the courage and will, you can do it.” He also stressed lifelong learning and critical thinking: “You need curiosity. There are many courses freely available; you have to work hard. You are the luckiest generation. Ask questions, challenge norms, document your work, and present it. If you have a good idea, your family, friends and institutions will support it.”
He commended the Vice Chancellor’s efforts to establish an incubation center, noting, “If a project is good, document it, get it recognized, and you can secure funds.”
Concluding the visit with a vote of thanks, Vice Chancellor Dr. Yousuf Khushk remarked, “It is our fortune that Syed Asad Ali Shah is here to witness your projects.” He highlighted SALU’s growing recognition, noting that in recent national competitions involving 300 universities, SALU projects were shortlisted among the top entries by the HEC in Islamabad.
“You are not here just for degrees, but to contribute to and change the world,” Dr. Khushk told the students. “I am happy to witness your work. When we ask questions, it is not to discourage but to encourage you. We own you as the SALU family.” He expressed hope that these projects would reach national and international levels, affirming that “learning is achieved through project-making.”
Earlier at the book launch, VC Dr. Khushk hailed Mr. Sirohi as a distinguished son of the soil. “Ahmed Ali Sirohi is one such student who fills us with pride,” he stated, reflecting on the author’s journey from a polite and talented SALU student to a recognized leader. He underscored the book’s core philosophy of resilience, sharing a poignant anecdote: “In our time, some had no chapel to wear and walked to school barefoot. Yet, where there is hope, there is fire.” Dr. Khushk emphasized that the work teaches vital lessons of “struggle, consistency, and how they can perform miracles,” urging students to be “relentless dreamers.”
Speaking later at the Institute of Chemistry, Dr. Khushk connected the week’s activities to a larger national vision. “We are celebrating this week to create awareness; it is you who will change this country,” he told students. He championed critical inquiry, stating, “We want the country to be strong when you are thinking critically and raise questions. In response, you will get new things.”
Using the evolution of the wheel and the speed of light as metaphors, he inspired innovative thinking. “What you are thinking can be possible, but you have to work consistently,” he advised. He reminded the gathering that education carries a responsibility beyond securing a job. “One dream is yours and your parents’; the other is ours and our country’s, and you have to fulfill it,” he asserted.
During his visit to the Poster and Models Exhibition by the Institute of Microbiology, Department of Zoology and others departmens , the Former Advisor and Vice Chancellor appreciated the students' work, noting that such platforms provide a “window to show their potential.”
Dr. Khushk acknowledged the faculty's efforts behind the week’s diverse activities, stating, “The credit for organizing the debate competitions, quiz contests, dramas, and other events goes to your dedicated faculty members.”
The visit was also attended by Dr. Asad Malik and Dr. Ali Nawaz from MUET, underscoring the collaborative academic spirit. The day’s events collectively reinforced Student Week 2026’s mission to provide integrated platforms for research dissemination, scientific creativity, literary appreciation, and technological innovation at SALU.
The event was attended by notable figures including Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Wahid Bux Jatoi, Deans Professor Dr. Ghulam Mustafa Mashori, Professor Dr Noor Ahmed Shaikh, Professor Dr Mushtaque Ali Jakhrani, Professor Dr Liaquat Ali Chandio, and faculty members: Professor Dr Khalida Mahar, Professor Dr Samina Rajpar, Professor Hidayatullah Shaikh, Professor Dr Farman Mangi, Professor Dr Riaz Ahmed Shaikh, Dr Mashooque Mahar, Dr Sham Lal, Dr Nazar Hussain Kalwar, Dr Jamshed, Professor Ibrahim Khokhar, Dr Javed Ahmed Ujjan, Dr Safdar Ujjan, Dr Fakhara Soomro, Dr Zaib Unisa Memon, Dr Zubeda Bhatti, Dr Khadim Hussain Memon, Dr Sajjad Ali Larik, Dr Sahib Oad, Hassan Shaikh, and Dr. Ali Raza Lashari.
Media Studies
SALU Khairpur
