Lahore: Renowned educationist Dr. Nazir Ahmed, the former principal of Government College University (GCU) – formerly known as Government College (GC) Lahore was remembered on his 41st death anniversary.
Dr. Syed Nazir Ahmed is regarded as one of the most distinguished principals (1959-1965) who led the institution by example and promoted a culture of scientific inquiry and literary indulgence at the then government college.
Dr. Syed Nazir Ahmed is credited with laying the foundation of modern Government College (GC) with academic innovations, administrative interventions and strengthening co-curricular culture and preserving the spirit of liberalism, service and humanism as it celebrated century of its establishment under him.
The foundation of a new auditorium (known as A S Bokhari Auditorium) was laid during Dr. Nazir tenure. He promoted scientific inquiry as he himself was a scientist with a doctorate and postdoctoral from the Imperial College London and University of Cambridge. New scientific journals were started during his era as principal.
He refounded a music society in 1962 – which was later named after him to acknowledge his patronage of fine arts in the college – and it has produced musicians par excellence over the years.
Dr. Nazir Ahmed started second shift to accommodate large number of students aspiring to study at the prestigious government college. His tenure is remembered as one of the most vibrant periods in the history of the institution.
As a student, Dr. Nazir Ahmed set the highest standards and was selected advanced studies in Britain where he completed doctoral and postdoctoral studies at Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge. His scientific research focused primarily on pests that damaged agricultural crops and on methods of preventing and controlling infestations.
His work was particularly significant for cotton cultivation. As agriculture formed the backbone of the region’s economy, his research contributed to improving the protection, growth and harvesting of cotton crops.
His leadership influenced generations of students and strengthened the academic standing of the institution. His commitment to education and research also inspired his family and descendants to value scholarship and public service.
Dr Nazir Ahmed’s life reflected perseverance, intellectual distinction and devotion to education. More than four decades after his death, he continues to be remembered as an eminent scholar and administrator who made lasting contributions to Government College Lahore and to scientific research in the subcontinent.