“International Human Rights Day” was celebrated on December 13, 2015 at Institution of Engineers Karachi Center (IEP-KC) on 4th Floor Council Hall, IEP Building Karachi. The event was based on United Nations (UN) theme for the year 2015 - "Our Rights Our Freedoms. Always" It was jointly organized by Women Engineers Committee and the Think Tank Committee; around 25 members from both committees ensured their presence.
The program began with the recitation of Holy Quran by Engr. Iqbal Ahmed Khan followed by National Anthem. Engr. Nooruddin Ahmed, Chairman-Think Tank Committee gave a brief overview of the topic and formally invited the Guest Speaker Mr. Hadi Rizvi to present his keynote lecture.
Mr. Hadi Rizvi, a renowned poet, writer and activist emphasized that the human rights are mentioned in all scriptures-all faiths may have different names but their mission is the same; to reform humanity. He recited one of his poems titled ‘SPACE’. The poem is composed in a rhythmic pattern in the style of a Masnavi and is an inspiration by the writings of Tao, a Chinese, Rumi, a Persian, and Rajneesh, an Indian. The audience thoroughly enjoyed his poetry as well as his reading style.
International Human Rights Day - IEP KC
This was followed by a question and answer session. Importance of giving space in all relationships was discussed. Engr. Khalid Munir pointed out that the rights of engineers, especially those working for private consultancies and are underpaid, must be protected through establishing a help desk at IEP-KC. Everyone praised the efforts made by the Convener Women Engineers Committee Engr. Asfia Aleem and her team in organizing regular events to highlight various issues and their possible solutions.
In the end a certificate was presented to the Guest Speaker Mr. Hadi Rizvi, who also presented his book to the President IEP, Engr. Syed Jamshed Rizvi.
Note from Mr. Hadi Rizvi: The two attachments one is for my book of verse “SPACE” and the other attachment is all about the struggle and achievement of Father of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. The Ode to the Quaid was written in 1990. It is also held in the Quaid's Academy in Karachi. The title of my book is 'Space'; meaning the space we need to give to others in our life. The book was printed in 2010 and launched in the PAF Museum. The cover was designed by my youngest daughter and basically is a pictorial depiction of the poem. The main poem contains 350 verses and is followed by the second part under the main heading of 'Significant Others’-Carries 15 shorter poems also on humanity or the lack of it.