Karachi, July 27, 2021 (PPI-OT):Founder President Shahjehan S. Karim, “was no ordinary individual. He was someone who had achieved more in one lifetime that many would hypothetically not achieve in two. His is a fascinating story of a civil servant turned social entrepreneur who excelled in his professional career and rose to the upper echelons of the bureaucracy in his country. His passion for social development, the well-being of every individual in society and particularly the younger generation, accompanied him throughout his civil service career in Pakistan,” Quote from the Preface of the book exploring the life and career of Late Mr. Shahjehan S. Karim.
The fourth Memorial Session in memory of IoBM’s Late Founder-President Mr. Shahjehan S. Karim was held on July 17, 2021. The venue was the Amphitheatre on the second floor of the purpose-built Shahjehan S. Karim Center of Excellence (SSKCE), inaugurated by the Late Founder-President in 2016. Mr. Talib Karim, President IoBM; Ms. Sabina Mohsin, Executive Director, Administration, Admissions and Finance; along with Rector, Deans, HoDs, faculty, management, and members of the Karim family were present on this occasion. Dr. Arshad Syed Karim joined via telephonic link. Also present on this occasion were IoBM Alumni Associations’ President, Mr. Farhan Ahmed, and Council Members, Mr. Salman Baig, and Mr. Aamir. Hafiz Humayun Baig recited the verses from the Holy Quran.
President IoBM shared that Late Shahjehan S. Karim (SSK) was habitual of writing a diary. He noted daily events and memories. An idea was shared by Dr. Shamim (the then Advisor to Late SSK) and Mr. Ejaz Wasay, to document the experiences of Late Mr. Shahjehan S. Karim. Dr. Shamim and Mr. Wasay held several interview sessions with Late Mr. Shahjehan S. Karim to note important and memorable events and incidents transpiring in his personal and professional life.
Mr. Talib Karim shared that a book has been drafted comprising Late Founder-President’s life and career experiences that will surely be an inspirational read, especially for those who were his close acquaintances in his personal and professional life. During this memorial session, Mr. Ejaz Wasay read some excerpts from this book. The memories and the events from Late Mr. Shahjehan S. Karim’s illustrious life were reflected upon by Mr. Talib Karim, Ms. Sabina Mohsin, and Dr. Arshad Karim. Mr. Talib Karim informed that the book will be published in September on the occasion of the Late Founder-President’s birthday.
Mr. Talib Karim also requested members of the IoBM Alumni Association to share their thoughts in memory of Late Mr. Shahjehan S. Karim. Mr. Farhan Ahmed said that the Late Founder-President lived a comprehensive and life full of purpose when he served as a bureaucrat. However, Late Mr. Shahjehan S. Karim wanted to do more, something that could give purpose and meaning to his life. He aspired to reinvent and restart something. At that time when the Late Founder-President established IoBM, we were too young to comprehend his vision. Today, we realize that it is not about money, it is how you want to be remembered. Mr. Farhan added that the Late Founder-President was a genuine leader for he created more leaders. He said that he wishes to live a life akin to how Late Mr. Shahjehan S. Karim lived so that he can leave behind a legacy.
During his speech, Mr. Salman Baig stood in respect of Late Mr. Shahjehan S. Karim. He reminisced about the time when he first met him over 24 years ago when Late Mr. Shahjehan S. Karim stood up for him. That left a lasting impression on Mr. Baig’s life about Late Founder-President’s charismatic personality. Mr. Baig said that it was his vision to create change that resulted in him achieving success in life. He said that akin to Late Mr. Shahjehan S. Karim’s vision, we all must aspire to give something back to the system.
Mr. Amir said that when he first came for the interview as a hopeful prospective student at IoBM over 24 years ago, he was skeptical over the place where he would continue with his studies as IoBM was relatively unknown at that time. However, after having a conversation with Late Founder-President, he was sure he had come to the right place. During the session, when Mr. Wasay read excerpts from the book, Ms. Sabina Mohsin shared memories and recollections from Late Mr. Shahjehan S. Karim’s life. She shared how his insight, wisdom, and caring nature positively impacted their lives. She added that Late Mr. Shahjehan S. Karim’s level of tolerance was indeed praiseworthy. He always treated everyone with tolerance and equality and showed positive energy at every step of his life.
Mr. Talib Karim shared that it was commendable to see Late Mr. Shahjehan S. Karim retire as Chief Secretary of Sindh and then establish IoBM from scratch. It is a remarkable feat. He said that they (Mr. Talib Karim and Ms. Sabina Mohsin) were fortunate to have Late Mr. Shahjehan S. Karim as their father and to have worked under his mentorship. He added that the Late Founder-President always considered IoBM students, faculty, and management as an extended part of his family and referred to them as the IoBM family. Following the memorial session, the attendees visited the final resting place of Late Mr. Shahjehan S. Karim and offered fateha and dua.
For more information, contact:
Institute of Business Management (IoBM)
Korangi Creek, Karachi, Pakistan
UAN: +92-21-111-002-004
Tel: +92-21-35090961-67
Fax: +92-21-35090968
Email: omer.iftikhar@iobm.edu.pk, mec@iobm.edu.pk
Website: https://www.iobm.edu.pk/