The Textile Institute Entrepreneurial Society (TiES) was finally reformed and began performing its duties by inviting the first guest speaker for the fall 2011. Ms Faiza Mehmood, a professional therapist and a qualified counsellor and psychologist visited TIP on 7^th December, 2011 to deliver a valuable lecture on, “The Power of Positive Thinking and Attitude.”

The session was hosted by Asad Jafri of AMM2, a member of TiES. Ms Faiza delivered her lecture with the help of a PowerPoint presentation and a couple of intriguing videos. Key elements of her address included how one should stay focussed on his or her goals and motivate him or herself to achieve those goals. She laid emphasis on how every person should look at themselves in the mirror everyday and make believe that everything is possible if they just try hard enough to achieve it. A highlight point in her presentation was a quote by the renowned personality, Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan,

“Intezar karnay walay ko wo milta hai, jo mehnat karnay walay kay hissay mein say bach jata hai…”

Through this quote, she laid emphasis on the point that those who believe that patience is a virtue and waiting for rewards to reach them is a more viable approach in life will always receive less of a reward. Hence it is better to strive and remain assiduous and determined so that you reach the reward yourself.

The session concluded with a few words by our honourable president, Dr. Zubair Bandukda, a Q & A session and a brief shield distribution ceremony in which the guest speaker was presented with a memento by the president on behalf of the Textile Institute Entrepreneurial Society.

This was surely a first, but definitely not the last. The amazing efforts of Waqas Saad, compiled with the highly appreciated help from Hafsa Azhar, Schaheerah Tazeen and Taha Farooqui resulted in an excellent event which was deeply acknowledged by the President and the faculty alike.

Well Done TiES!

At this point when TIP is facing extreme crisis Dr Zubair Bandukda has stepped in again and joined TIP. Yet nobody knows, what his plans are but it seems like he is already in action. He’s been meeting every single student individually, to discuss and ask their opinions on how to make things better at TIP and also had a meeting with the alumni at city campus today.

A recent report by ‘The Express Tribune’ has all in it explaining the current situation. Textile Institute Brings Back Former President

TIP is a very unique institution and this can only be understood by students and faculty who over a period of time have grown to know it and love it as their second home. Although TIP can boast about the beautiful campus facilities, it is the spirit of ‘community’ which gives it the strength to weather all storms.

I have come back to TIP at a very critical juncture as it struggles to maintain its identity under severe financial constraints. However it is my belief that together we can all revive our institution back to its glory but for this I need your help and support. Through this blog, I appeal to all former and present students of TIP to come forward and give their suggestions as to how we can secure a sustainable future for TIP. You can email me on zbandukda@yahoo.com and it would be a pleasure to meet group of alumni to discuss this urgent matter at any convenient time and place.

Finally, as for the untimely termination of number of staff members few days before my joining, on my request the Chairman NTF has agreed to convene a TIP Board meeting soon after Eid holidays to be chaired by our Chancellor to review this matter.

Urooj Zia is a freelance researcher, journalist, and a human rights activist. She writes a popular Op-Ed column in Pakistan Today.

Sabeen Mahmud is the founder of PeaceNiche, an NGO with the mission to alleviate intellectual poverty in Pakistan.