Those Who Strive the Most in Life
Prof.Dr Riaz Hussain Qureshi
By Javed Imtiazi
Professor Dr. Riaz Hussain Qureshi
Hard work, dedication, and continuous effort are the qualities through which a person attains high ranks and golden achievements. Studying the lives and accomplishments of great individuals is not only full of lessons for us but also inspires courage and determination to move forward. The history of our nation is illuminated by the stories of countless hardworking and resolute personalities who, despite being raised in remote areas and unfavorable circumstances, brought prosperity and success to the country and the nation through their distinguished services and capabilities. Among such eminent figures is the renowned educationist and internationally acclaimed agricultural scientist, Professor Dr. Riaz Hussain Qureshi.
Professor Dr. Riaz Hussain Qureshi is the Vice Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. He was born in the small village of Panjorian, Tehsil Kharian, District Gujrat. From the beginning, he was hardworking and fond of study. This was the reason that he stood first in his school in the matriculation examination. After matriculation, he was admitted to the University of Agriculture, where he secured second position in the entire university in both B.Sc. and M.Sc. In 1969, he obtained his Ph.D. degree from the University of Wales, UK. He devoted forty years of his life to teaching and research, rendering invaluable services in the field of agriculture. He especially focused his research on the reclamation of saline soils, and in this regard, he was recognized at the global level as an outstanding scientist.
Through his tireless efforts and continuous struggle, the saline and barren lands of the country once again began to yield crops. It is worth mentioning that nearly 60 to 70 percent of the cultivable area, which was once considered uncultivable, was transformed into flourishing fields due to his dedicated research and hard work. Recognizing this great achievement, the Government of Pakistan awarded him the Presidential Medal for Excellence in Performance in 1997. Earlier, he had received the Borlaug Award (1994), the Sir William Roberts Shield (1992), the National Farm Guide Golden Star (1987), the Golden Star Award (2000), and the Agha Hasan Abidi Award for Best Scientist. He was declared one of the most distinguished and leading agricultural scientists in the country, for which he was also entitled to the Research Productivity Allowance.
Professor Dr. Riaz Hussain Qureshi also holds a unique position in national and international scientific associations and societies. He is the President of the Soil Science Society of Pakistan. For eight years, he also served as the Chief Editor of the Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Science.
At the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, he served in many key positions, rendering valuable services, and was finally appointed as the Vice Chancellor of the university in 2000. As soon as he assumed charge, he took the students and faculty into confidence, initiated fundamental reforms, and promoted a scientific culture in the university. He encouraged co-curricular activities among the students, enabling them to prove their abilities not only in academics and research but also in healthy extracurricular pursuits. Considering his outstanding services in the field of knowledge, research, education, and teaching, it would not be an exaggeration to call him the Sir Syed of the University.
Dear friends! This intelligent and talented child, who adhered to the golden command of the Father of the Nation — work, work, and work — and was born in a remote village, is today the head of one of Asia’s largest universities. He has inscribed his name in history through his God-gifted abilities, tireless hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
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This article was originally published in Taleem o Tarbiyat, October 2003.
