Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) marked a historic milestone as it hosted the groundbreaking ceremony for its first green building, the “Yusuf H. Shirazi Complex.” Named in honor of the former Chairman of the Atlas Group and one of the university’s founding members, this visionary project promises to be a center for research, innovation, and intellectual exchange, poised to address the formidable challenges facing South Asia.
Designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification standards, the Yusuf H. Shirazi Complex is committed to a sustainable ethos. Its construction will prioritize efficient material usage, ensuring a prominent green footprint. Renewable energy sources will power the building, which will house nine distinct classrooms, each offering a unique and dynamic learning environment.
At the heart of this complex lies the promise of multidisciplinary collaboration, with high-impact centers joining forces with industry and government to tackle critical issues in areas such as water resources, energy, entrepreneurship, learning methodologies, gender studies, and technology advancements. Additionally, the facility will feature a cutting-edge Makers Lab, providing students with a state-of-the-art platform to unleash their creativity and build prototypes, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
The groundbreaking ceremony witnessed the presence of the esteemed Shirazi family, including Mr. Iftikhar H. Shirazi, Chairman of the Atlas Foundation; Mr. Aamir H. Shirazi, President of the Atlas Group; Mr. Saquib H. Shirazi, President/Chief Executive Officer of Atlas Honda Limited; and Mr. Ali H. Shirazi, President/Chief Executive Officer of Atlas Battery Limited.
The enduring partnership between LUMS and the Atlas Group extends back through history, with contributions to the National Management Foundation and generous scholarships for financially disadvantaged students. Reflecting on his father’s profound connection with LUMS, Mr. Iftikhar Shirazi shared, “It’s a historical moment for us today. Emotional as well, thinking of our dear father. He was a great father who gave a lot not only to us but to the country as well. He always used to say that what comes from society should go back to society. A Parha Likha Pakistan was always his dream.”
LUMS senior leadership, including the Founding Pro Chancellor, Syed Babar Ali; Pro Chancellor, Mr. Abdul Razak Dawood; Rector, Mr. Shahid Hussain; Acting Vice Chancellor and Provost, Dr. Tariq Jadoon; Bilquis Dawood Chair and Dean of the Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr. Ali Khan; Dean of the Shaikh Ahmad Hassan School of Law, Dr. Sadaf Aziz; Director Advancement, Ms. Nuzhat Kamran; Executive Director Strategic Initiatives, Mr. Mohammed Ali Khan; and faculty members, graced the event to acknowledge the Shirazi family’s generous patronage.
Syed Babar Ali expressed his gratitude, saying, “We cannot thank Yusuf Shirazi enough for what he contributed, and for his sons to keep it going and building on the good foundation.” Mr. Abdul Razak Dawood added, “Yusuf Shirazi was a great man, and here we are today, making a great building as a tribute to him.”
Mr. Shahid Hussain emphasized the dedication to excellence, stating, “We’re all very grateful to you for the funds, but also the interest that you are all taking in the development of the project. We have quite literally left no stone unturned in our efforts to make sure that the building is not only going to be designed well but also constructed well.”
The Yusuf H. Shirazi Complex stands as a beacon of hope, promising to pave the way for cutting-edge research and collaboration with industry and government. Together, they will provide innovative solutions to address the grand challenges facing the South Asian region. This visionary project embodies the spirit of sustainability, innovation, and philanthropy, ensuring a brighter future for LUMS and the communities it serves.
Fahad is an entrepreneur and a marketing enthusiast who loves to write on trending topics. He loves travelling & playing tennis is what he does in his leisure time. He tweets @fahad164.
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