Lahore: At the 14th Convocation of The University of Lahore (UOL) held recently, Rector Prof Dr. Muhammad Ashraf delivered a keynote address urging the new graduates to apply their knowledge and research skills to meet industry needs and achieve societal impact. Celebrating the achievements of the graduates, Dr. Ashraf emphasized the critical role of practical application of knowledge in their future careers.

According to The University of Lahore, Dr. Ashraf, who is globally recognized for his contributions to plant science research, underscored the importance of aligning academic pursuits with real-world challenges. He highlighted his own academic credentials, noting 77,638 citations and 1,227 publications, as a testament to the impact that diligent research can have on both academia and industry.

During the convocation, Dr. Ashraf congratulated the 13,403 graduates, including 113 PhDs, celebrating their dedication to research and knowledge. He also acknowledged the significant achievements of 314 gold medalists, 292 silver medalists, and 266 bronze medalists, commending their outstanding academic performances.

“Beyond these honours, each and every one of our graduates has uniquely contributed to the fabric of our university community. Your passion, creativity, and resilience have enriched our campus and will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy,” Dr. Ashraf remarked during his speech.

He concluded his address by inspiring the graduates to look forward to a future filled with promise and potential. Dr. Ashraf encouraged them to cherish the memories and lessons learned during their time at UOL and to use them as a beacon as they navigate through future opportunities and challenges.