Lawrence College has produced many distinguished and outstanding Gallians who have excelled in their respective professions and fields of interest. One such Gallian is Lieutenant General Syed Aamer Raza who has excelled in the military profession and occupies a very distinguished and respectable position in the senior hierarchy. His contribution to national security and defence has been outstanding. In recognition of his achievements, Principal Lawrence College extended an invitation to Lieutenant General Aamer Raza to visit his alma mater and share his experiences with the students.
Lieutenant General Aamer Raza graciously accepted the invitation, and on 27th Sept, 2023, he, accompanied by his family and GOC 12 Division Major General Muhammad Irfan, visited Lawrence College. It was a momentous occasion as he stood before the eager young Gallians, sharing his journey from student life at Lawrence College to his current role in the military. He was also very nostalgic about his student days in Lawrence College. His speech was highly inspiring and filled with valuable insights, encouraging the students to strive for excellence and dedication in their chosen paths. He quoted extensively from the sayings of Quaid-e-Azam and gave an in-depth explanation that was relevant and very important for the students.
In his speech, Lieutenant General Aamer Raza, addressed several crucial topics, emphasizing the role of youth in addressing internal and external challenges faced by the country, including security and defence, political instability, economic concerns and disinformation campaigns on social media. He also talked about the deficiencies in our education system, which unfortunately doesn’t attach great importance to grooming and training of students.
He also touched upon the threats that Pakistan faces in its broader geopolitical context and the influence of social media in shaping public opinion. Lieutenant General Aamer Raza stressed the importance of developing specific personality traits among the students, which are essential for their personal growth and for becoming responsible citizens that included:
𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐮𝐭𝐲:
He highlighted the significance of feeling responsible towards one’s country and community, emphasizing that every citizen has a duty to contribute positively.
𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞:
He encouraged the students to face challenges with bravery and not shy away from difficult situations, as courage is vital for progress.
𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲:
Honesty is a fundamental value and the honourable guest emphasized that integrity and truthfulness are essential in both personal and professional life.
𝐋𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐲:
Stressing the importance of loyalty to one’s country and its values, he underlined that loyalty is a cornerstone of national unity and progress.
𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲:
Being brave doesn’t just mean physical courage but also the courage to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞:
He spoke about the necessity of self-control and discipline in achieving one’s goals and contributing positively to society.
𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞:
He advised the students to adopt a balanced approach to life, ensuring they prioritize not only their studies and career but also their physical and mental well-being. Engaging in healthy activities was encouraged.
In conclusion, Lieutenant General Aamer Raza’s speech was a clarion call to action for the youth, emphasizing that they are the future leaders of the nation. He urged them to invest in themselves by developing these essential qualities, as they play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Pakistan. His words served as both guidance and inspiration, reminding the students of their responsibilities and potential to make a positive impact on their country and society.
His talk was followed by an interactive session wherein many students asked very interesting and relevant questions. These questions were answered by the honourable guest in a very logical and convincing manner further elaborating on many important issues.
Lt. Gen. Aamer Raza also announced a generous donation of Rupees 5 million for the welfare of junior staff of the College.
In the end, Principal Lawrence College, Brig. Mujahid Alam (Retd) thanked the honourable guest for an excellent talk that was highly informative, insightful and relevant to the present circumstances.
He particularly expressed gratitude to Lieutenant General Aamer Raza for the generous contribution to the welfare fund for junior staff.
