KARACHI: The Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVS) held its 24th Convocation at its campus in Clifton, Karachi, in which 100 Bachelors’ degrees were awarded to the passing out candidates.
The welcome address and the annual report was presented by IVS Executive Director, Samina Raees Khan while Oscar-winner Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy was the keynote speaker at the convocation.
Those awarded degrees included 17 students from Department of Architecture, 14 from Department of Interior Design, 26 from the Department of Communication Design, 20 from Department of Textile Design and 23 from Department of Fine Art.
On this occasion, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy said: “I would also like to extend my warm welcome to the parents of the proud graduating students and the worthy guests who have graced us with their presence this morning. Since the beginning, the convocation addresses at IVS have always shown a persistent focus on issues of substance and significance, with sputtering of advice to graduating students. All of these addresses or at least the ones I remember; in one way or another, are about the power of ideas and the central, essential, place they hold at the core of being an IVS graduate.”
She said those who believe that shortcuts and instant gratification may lead them to become successful in their future are sadly mistaken.
“These individuals may acquire some immediate gains but the journey ahead of them is going to be quite tedious as the loss of their reputation and their deviation from the right course would haunt them throughout. Only those who work hard, steadfastly and act honestly are bound to eventually come ahead despite many trials and tribulations in between. So never let integrity slip away from you even for a moment; always keep a strong grip on it.”
She said: “We are experiencing regional, national and international challenges that we must address together as a community of leaders and learners. The recent events and the hate-filled ideologies that we witness today should not cause pangs of anxiety. Our sense of humility should reinforce our efforts to be tolerant and shun racism, hatred, prejudice or bigotry.”
She said that the evolution of art and design profession over the past three decades has not been an entirely satisfactory one. It has become too much about economic advantage and not enough about public responsibility. As professionals, these core values need to reclaimed; and it is up to you to do that, to make the choices that will make a difference.
