“India and Afghanistan are loyal and trusted supporters to each other” – HE Dr. Farida Momand, Education Minister of Afghanistan
Higher Education Minister of Afghanistan, Her Excellency Dr. Farida Momand, visited Lovely Professional University today to grace the ‘Freshmen Induction and Awards of Scholarship’ program. Dr. Momand honoured 21 meritorious students in the fields of academics, research, sports, social , and cultural activities. Addressing the freshmen at LPU, she eulogized the continuous and unflinching support of India and Indian people, in diverse sectors, for the cause and development of Afghanistan. Her Excellency shared that she was especially at LPU to sign a memorandum of understanding to strengthen educational ties, co-operation, and new relations with Afghanistan under the Higher Education Development Project (HEDP). Dr Momand also informed the audience that she would be directing thirteen Afghan lecturers to pursue their Ph.Ds at LPU, in varied fields.
Interacting with Afghan students at LPU, Dr Momand said, “I want Afghanstudents at LPU to utilize the valuable experience gain here in the service of their beloved Afghanistan. They must use every single opportunity so that one day we can see Afghanistan standing on its own feet, proud and self-reliant.” Expressing her gratitude towards LPU, Dr Momand further said, “I am thankful to LPU for being a great host to Afghan students. I would like to thank LPU leadership and professors for providing great education services to Afghan and all other international students. We are looking forward to LPU’s continued support as we work to rebuild Afghanistan.”
HE Dr. Momand was accompanied by a high profile delegation including the Director General, Directorate of Higher Education Ms Nafisa Naseri, Adviser Higher Education Mr. Khesraw Omid Farooq, and Mr. Sediqullah Sahar from Embassy of Afghanistan in India. LPU Chancellor Mr. Ashok Mittal, Pro Chancellor Mrs. Rashmi Mittal and Vice Chancellor Dr. Ramesh Kanwar honoured the elite guests with Phulkari shawls and momentos. The visiting guests were thanked on behalf of the University for establishing long term partnership between LPU and Afghanistan in the education sector.
One of the awarded students Abdul Moqtader, who is pursuing M.Tech, Civil Engineering at LPU and got a CGPA of 10 in the last exam, was very happy on being honoured by the Education Minister of his own country, and that too, in a foreign land. He shared, “My joy knows no bound today. I am touched by the kind visit of ministers from my country and the honour that I received at their hands. I promise to utilize all my learning gained at my alma-mater ‘LPU’, for the brisk and vigorous development of my country. I and all other Afghan students studying at LPU are thankful to the University for making special efforts to understand, educate and develop us.”
