Continuing with its annual feature of essay competition, the Technology Times conducted the Essay Writing Contest-2015 on “How to make Pakistan science conscious”. A large number of universities, colleges and general public from across Pakistan participated in the activity. This Essay Writing Contest has grown into a very large activity as the participating number of students, colleges and universities is increasing continually each year. Technology Times had started the Essay Writing Contest in 2011 and gradually it expanded this feature to greater number of cities with the active support of its co-organizers. This year, the contest was conducted in 10 cities which included Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Quetta, Gilgit, Multan, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, Abbottabad and Jamshoro. As many as 41 national universities participated in the competition.


Prize distribution ceremony for the winners of the EssayCon-2015 was held on November 24, 2015 at the Qarshi Industries (Pvt) LTD Hattar. Co-organizers of this annual contest are Pakistan Academy of Sciences, Qarshi Industries, Pakistan Council for Science and Technology and Central Asian Cellular Forum.


The speakers who spoke during the event included Iqbal Ahmed Qarshi, CEO Qarshi Industries (Pvt) LTD; Prof. Dr. Zabta K. Shinwari, Secretary General of Pakistan Academy of Sciences; Editor and CEO Technology Times Sayyed Paras Ali, and Dr. Muzafar from Qarshi Industries.


Highlighting the mega benefits of adopting science and technology in national progress and development for human beings, they stressed the need for pooling up efforts as well as resources at both individual and collective levels to put Pakistan on road to progress in real terms. They were also of the view that young minds in educational institutions and budding scientists need to be encouraged so that they could be a contributing factor in popularizing science and technology in every nook and corner of the country.


In his opening remarks, Dr Zabta K Shinwari said in order to make Pakistan science conscious it is imperative that the scientists encourage new generation by acquainting them to the fascinations and rewards that the science is replete with. He stressed that any progressive country that wants to get an envious niche in the globe encourages the establishment of a supreme scientific organization, usually designated as the “Academy of Sciences” devoted to the promotion of science and its applications for the general welfare of humanity.


Dr Shinwari appreciated the essay contest and said that such activities can play a vital role in popularizing all the stakeholders. He revealed that a comprehensive plan has been prepared to engage all stakeholders especially youth for the promotion of science and technology. He also briefed the audience about the current activities of the Academy, its background and objectives. He emphasized that younger generation is the future custodian of Pakistan, and, thus, the Academy has decided to encourage and motivate young scientists to promote SandT with the guidance and support of senior scientists.


Dr Zabta also congratulated the Technology Times and its whole team for organizing the event and their efforts towards popularize science in the society.


While addressing the audience, Iqbal Ahmed Qarshi, CEO Qarshi Industries (Pvt) LTD, welcomed the audience. He emphasized on loyalty as a key to success in practical life. He discussed about the core values of the Qarshi Industries which is loyalty, integrity, and ownership.


About the production facilities of their industrial units, he said that they emphasize heavily on indigenous research and have achieved various international certifications. As an organization, it is run on modern management principles which have enabled the company to successfully compete with leading global FMCGs.


In his remarks, Sayyed Paras Ali, Editor and CEO Technology Times, highlighted the importance of science culture for popularization of science in the country. He said that popularization of science is the key to establishing science culture in the society. The difference between developed and developing nations is the adaptation of science and technology always lead to new heights of national progress and prosperity. He encouraged the students to keep participating in such events of essay writing.


He also suggested that there is a dire need to bridge the gap between scientists community and media persons saying it would help a lot in the latters capacity building and understanding of this relevant sector.


Sayyed Paras said that Technology Times has created a network of academic institution, amateur societies, NGOs and public and private institutions, which have joined our hands to promote science education and awareness in the country.


He further said they are targeting to create awareness of SandT in Pakistan. We believe that knowledge (and particularly scientific and technological knowledge), had become the primary force propelling both national economic well-being and global economics. And this can be achieved through awareness of masses.


At the conclusion of the ceremony, prizes were distributed among the winners of the EssayCon-2015. According to the results, Muhammad Salman Khan from Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, got the first position, Zainab Khan from the same university secured the second position, Sara Ehsan from Riphah University was declared third while the fourth position was secured by Zumar Noor from IBA, Sukkur.


Later, prizes and certificates were awarded to the essay contest winners. According to the decision, taken by the jury comprising senior experts, Muhammad Salman Khan from Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, was declared winner of the contest and given Rs. 10,000 cash award, second position went to Zainab Khan of the same university and was given Rs. 7,000 cash award, Sara Ehsan of Ripha International University secured the third position and was given Rs. 5,000 cash award, Zumar Noor of IBA, Sukkur, grabbed fourth position while Kanza Javed of Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, was secured the fifth position.


On the occasion, the winners in their speeches expressed their gratitude to the organizers for holding the contest. They said that they have got encouraged by winning the awards and made their resolve to further expand their base of knowledge in their respective areas of studies in future.


Later, a general discussion was also arranged on the occasion where the participants raised related issues and gave their inputs to further refine Technology Times annual feature of essay contest. All the participants suggested to continue with this annual feature saying it would encourage the youth towards science and technology across the country.


At the end of the event, Prof. Dr. Zabta Khan Shinwari, Secretary General, PAS, thanked all the participants of the event.


Later, the students also visited the Qarshi Industries production units and witnessed various stages of operations.


The seminar was declared a success as far as the feedback of students and resource persons are considered. The students felt very pride to be the part of that EssayCon-2015. Seminar closed on the refreshment hosted by Qarshi Industries.

By Web Team

Technology Times Web team handles all matters relevant to website posting and management.