150TH ANNIVERSARY OF FORMAN CHRISTIAN COLLEGE. MAY 14, 2014 (2014-04)

Forman Christian College (FCC), now in its 150th year, might be old in age and traditions, but it is young in ideas and innovation. Founded as the first English-medium school in the Punjab shortly after its annexation in December 1849, the pioneering fathers of the College, Dr Charles W Forman and Dr John Newton-two dedicated American Presbyterian Missionaries-upgraded the High School by adding a college section in 1864. Initially housed in the imposing Rang Mahal, the college moved to the Mall in 1889 where its campus was inaugurated by the Viceroy and Governor General of India, Lord Lansdowne. A pioneer in the residential college system, the college moved to a purpose-built campus in 1940 on the Lahore canal, where it still stands.

Over the last hundred and fifty years, FCC has led the way in modern education. The College was the first to admit women. on an equal footing in 1902, established a Graduates Association in 1896, opened the first Biology Department in 1898, started the Technical Chemistry department in 1919, and initiated Geography classes in 1924.

FCC has also made its mark in the world through its illustrious alumni. Not only was the first Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Sir Abdul Rashid, an FCC graduate-he administered the oath of office to Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah on 15 August 1947-the present Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Tassadaq HussainJillani, is also a Formanite. FCC also has the honour of being the college of choice for President Farooq Ahmed Khan Leghari, President Pervez Musharraf, Indian Prime Minister Gulzarilal Nanda, Indian Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral, Pakistani Punjab Chief Minister Pervez Elahi, and the current Indian Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal. Several literary figures have also attended FCC, including Eqbal Ahmed, Krishen Chandar and Jamila Hashmi. FCC graduates have also served the country in the armed forces, bureaucracy, and in the fields of medicine, engineering and education. Future leaders, opinion makers, literary figures and others are still studying at Forman today.

FCC's history is not only tied to education, but also critical to service in the region. Since its inception the importance of service has been central to the life and mission of the college. The college motto, 'By Love Serve One Another,' exemplifies this higher calling. Dr JCR Ewing-the first non-British national to have received the title of Knight Commander of the Indian Empire-was the chairman of the Kangra Valley Earthquake Commission in 1905. FC College converted two of its hostels into a field hospital during the Second World War and then again in 1947 which later developed into the famed United Christian Hospital. In recent times, Formanites have volunteered for relief work after the 2005 earthquake and the rehabilitation work after the 2010 floods. Enthused with the spirit of service, scores of Formanites have, and still continue to, serve their communities in unknown yet significant ways.

Currently FCC is divided in two sections, the university and the college (Intermediate). The university provides 4-year Baccalaureate Honours degrees (BS/BA) in 21 majors. There are also nine postgraduate programmes. All university level programs are co-educational. The college section has an all-male student body and runs programs according to the requirements of the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE), Lahore.

Today FCC provides an environment where students can flourish. A model of interfaith harmony and equal opportunity, FCC has students from all backgrounds and regions of Pakistan. Need-based financial aid is given regardless of religion, ethnicity, domicile or gender. Female students make up 34% of the university body. Students interested in extra-curricular activities can choose from over thirty student societies where they can develop their leadership skills and spirit of service. Facilities for more than twenty sports provide further extra-curricular activities. Seven hostels cater for male and female students who live outside Lahore. In academics, students can choose their major, opt for a minor, and set their own timetables, FCC's programmes teach students how to think, solve problems, communicate effectively and be lifelong learners.

To commemorate the great achievements of FCC, in its 150th year, Pakistan Post is issuing a stamp which depicts Sinclair Hall, constructed to mark the centenary of FCC and completed in 1971. Named after a devoted principal, Dr EJ Sinclair, who served FCC for over fifty years as a faculty member and from 1962-1968 as Principal, the building was designed by architect Nasreddin Murat Khan who also designed the Minar-e-Pakistan. One of the most recognisable buildings on campus, the depiction is by watercolour artist Anjum Zaheer. As FCC celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2014, it is proud of the legacy it has inherited and aware of the responsibility this places on it as educators of the youth of Pakistan, and indeed the region.