KARACHI: Monthly meeting of Hamdard Naunehal Assembly Karachi chapter comprised of national songs, speeches and Dua-i-Said was held at Bait-ul-Hikmah Auditorium in Madinat al-Hikmah titled, 'Decline of ethics and morality in educational institutes, who is responsible?' Dr. Asadullah Lark Dean Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities Hamdard University was invited as chief guest. Sadia Rashid President Hamdard Foundation Pakistan presided over meeting.

Sadia Rashid expounded on fundamental nature of ethics as bedrock upon which both spiritual and worldly accomplishments hinge. "As young people represent future of our country, instilling within them adequate ethical and moral principles is an imperative need of present moment. However, for this to be realised, concerted efforts of entire society, including parents and teachers, must be brought to bear. Cultivation of single generation, indeed, requires many years of tireless labour, arduous endeavour and unwavering perseverance. Formative education of young minds commences in domestic sphere, where-after they proceed to institutions of learning, wherein they acquire moral and ethical instructions from their teachers," she said.

She emphasised significant role of teachers in ethical and moral upbringing of students. Children use all of their cognitive abilities only when teachers and educational institutions create suitable and calm environment for them."

She added that adults must eschew use of indecent and unwholesome language and practices when teaching young to communicate in civil and morally upright fashion.

Dr. Asadullah Lark articulated that children should be introduced to high moral values at young age since habits formed in childhood tend to become deeply ingrained in their character as they grow older. To instill virtues such as truthfulness, honesty, courage, kindness, respect for elderly, good treatment of neighbors, respect for rights of friends and compassion for deserving, it is essential to cultivate these moral traits early on.

He argued that reading material, such as books and magazines, plays critical role in shaping child's personality. Thus, it is responsibility of parents to provide their children with access to good literature and create personal library for them. Furthermore, children should be made aware of purpose of their lives, as clear understanding of this concept can help them define their place in world.

"Given significant role of parents in shaping their children's personalities, they must take lead in instilling passion, hard work and curiosity in their offspring. By doing so, parents can help their children develop high ambitions for future and attain them, paving way for fulfilling and rewarding life," he concluded.

Young speakers from different schools also spoke. Later students of Hamdard Public School and other schools presented national songs, tableau and Dua-i-Said. Sadia Rashid and Dr. Lark distributed shields among students.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 16 2023

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.