An atmosphere of reverence and respect enveloped the gathering as speakers honored the life and legacy of the Late Founder President, Mr. Shahjehan Syed Karim, whose vision brought IoBM to life.
The Institute of Business Management (IoBM) commemorated the seventh memorial of its Late Founder President, Mr. Shahjehan Syed Karim, on July 20, 2024. The Late Founder President, who passed away on July 17, 2017, was honored through a heartfelt memorial ceremony held at the IoBM campus. Present at the occasion were Mr. Talib S. Karim, President of IoBM; Ms. Sabina Mohsin, VP of the Foundation for Higher Education (FHE) and Chief Advisor, IoBM; Dr. Muhammad Kashif, Dean CBM; Dr. Muhammad Abbas, Dean CCSIS; and Dr. Nadiya Ayub, Dean CESD, along with Heads of Departments, Faculty, Management, and Staff. Ms. Juveria Baig, HoD of Placement & International Cooperation moderated the event. Hafiz Humayun Baig recited verses from the Holy Quran.
Two distinguished IoBM alumni shared their memories and reflections on the life and career of the Late Founder President. Mr. Imran Haleem Sheikh, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at BankIslami Pakistan Limited, and Mr. Taha Saleem, Additional Secretary of the Energy Department, Government of Sindh, provided heartfelt tributes. Mr. Imran Haleem Sheikh and Mr. Taha Saleem graduated from IoBM in 2005 and 2011, respectively.
While speaking on the occasion, Mr. Talib S. Karim reflected on his experiences with the Late Founder President, characterizing him as both relaxed and remarkably confident in his vision. He emphasized how the Late President's calm personality and steadfast belief in his mission provided a steadying influence during the Institution's formative years. Mr. Talib Karim recounted how the Late Founder President faced numerous obstacles while establishing IoBM and overcame them with a blend of resilience and optimism. “His vision for IoBM has remained intact over the years, and we continue to honor his legacy by pursuing the dreams he set in motion," Mr. Talib Karim stated. He elaborated on how the Late Founder President's forward-thinking approach and dedication to excellence laid a strong foundation for the Institute's continued success.
During her heartfelt reflection, Ms. Sabina Mohsin shared that the Late Founder President never sought credit and always acknowledged everyone involved in the process. This humility was a hallmark of his leadership style. She recounted how she introduced Mr. Taha Saleem to the Late President, adding that she saw the Late Founder President as a role model and that Taha saw a role model in him as well. This reciprocal admiration was a testament to the Late President's ability to inspire and be inspired by the next generation of leaders. Ms. Sabina Mohsin added that she cherishes the Late Founder President's focus on education, which had a profound impact on her own life and career.
Mr. Imran Haleem expressed his gratitude to IoBM and the Late President, paying his deepest respects to the entire management, HoDs, faculty, and staff of IoBM, whom he considered the Late President’s family. He specifically mentioned Mr. Jehangir Siddiqui, one of the members of the Board of Directors of IoBM, whom the Late Founder President regarded as a visionary and entrepreneur. During his speech, Mr. Taha Saleem said he was privileged to have known the Late President and how he touched many lives during his time. He added that the Late President’s life as a civil servant inspired him to pursue a similar path. He added that the Late Shahjehan S. Karim used to inquire about him about his job and provided advice that helped him succeed.
The seventh memorial of IoBM's Late Founder President Shahjehan Syed Karim was not just an occasion to remember a remarkable individual but also a reaffirmation of IoBM’s commitment to upholding his values and vision. The event reinforced the enduring legacy of a leader who continues to inspire generations of academicians and students in Pakistan and abroad.