By Zulqarnain
Lahore, May 4 — Gothic spires, majestic arches, and a silent tower standing as witness to more than a century of excellence—the Government College University (GCU) Lahore became the heartbeat of nostalgia, reverence, and pride two days ago as it hosted a soul-stirring screening of the much-anticipated documentary “A Tale of Timeless Tower.”
The venue, Salam Hall, itself a towering symbol of GCU’s academic and architectural grandeur, was draped in elegance and history. The event—organized under the banner of the newly elected Old Ravians Union (ORU) led by President Athar Ismail—turned into a grand celebration of institutional legacy and vision for the future.
A Gathering of Great Minds
Distinguished guests from academia, bureaucracy, civil society, and business gathered in the Hall of Halls, welcomed warmly by the ORU team. Among the guests were Dr Amjad Saqib, Chairman Akhuwat Foundation; Dr Umer Chaudhary, Vice Chancellor GCU; Dr Ali Muhammad Shah, VC Punjab University; Dr Khalid Masood Gondal, VC Fatima Jinnah Medical University; deans and scholars like Dr Babar Aziz, Dr Sanjrani, Dr Fouzia Ghani, Dr Saima Iram, Dr Haleema Afridi, and Dr Ibrahim. Former senior bureaucrats, including Zafar Khan Lak (Ex-IG Police), Khalid Mehmood (Ex-PCB Chairman), Muhammad Khan Ranjha (Secretary Archives), and Arshad Aulakh (Ex-Adviser to PM), also graced the occasion.
Notable Old Ravians from legal, media, and business circles, including Tahir Maqsood Cheema, Safdar Tarar, Usman Warraich, Amir Hayat Pano, Zeeshan Pervaiz, and Muaaz Bin added prestige to the evening.
As the audience settled, the soft strains of the violin played by Ustad Ghulam Ali filled the hall—evoking memories and setting a poignant tone.
Opening Ceremony: A Tribute Begins
The program commenced with Tilawat, followed by the national anthem. Host Ms. Rida Hasan welcomed the audience before President ORU Athar Ismail took the stage for his opening address.
“This is not just a screening,” he said, “It is a revival. A celebration of our identity. Of who we were, who we are, and who we must become.” He praised the visionary filmmaker Waqar Ahmed Wains, calling his work “a mirror held up to our past and a torch lighting our path forward.”
The audience then viewed a short two-minute behind-the-scenes reel of Wains’ journey—applauding the personal passion and dedication behind the lens.
The Documentary: A Soulful Tapestry of Legacy
When the lights dimmed and the screen lit up, A Tale of Timeless Tower transported the audience into a time capsule. The camera moved through familiar stone corridors, sunlit terraces, timeworn classrooms, libraries, stairways, and echoing halls. Voices of alumni whispered through dramatic society performances, tea-sipping canteen chats, cricket field roars, and late-night study sessions.
“This is more than a film,” said producer Waqar Ahmed Wains, taking the stage. “It is a heartfelt homage—a labor of love that seeks to reawaken the values, unity, and vision that make GCU not just an institution, but a living legacy.”
He emphasized the values behind the motto “Courage to Know,” stating, “In today’s fractured world, GCU offers unity in diversity, peace in thought, and strength in character. Our youth must dream big, stay rooted, and lead with dignity.”
Wains further proposed establishing a state-of-the-art Media Studio and Creative Center at GCU—a hub for storytelling, AI learning, and national and global outreach through creative projects. “It is time GCU becomes a knowledge hub of innovation and narrative leadership,” he said, receiving loud applause.
Voices of Validation
Dr Umer Chaudhary, the newly appointed VC of GCU, took to the podium next. “What we saw today is not just art—it is truth captured in frames. This film will be shown in our future orientations and international representations,” he promised, praising the documentary’s music, script, and cinematography.
Governor of Punjab, the Chancellor of GCU, concluded the ceremony with heartfelt remarks: “I am proud of our youth, our institutions, and such creative endeavors. This documentary is a national asset.” He expressed his interest in supporting such initiatives in the future.
The Creative Force Behind the Lens
Waqar Ahmed Wains, the producer, is no ordinary filmmaker. An Old Ravian himself, Wains has studied at George Washington University, and represented Pakistan at UN Geneva, UNESCO, British Parliament, and attended programs at Oxford University, LSE, University of London, and many more. He was assisted by Rizwan Mehmood, whose cinematographic brilliance brought each frame to life; Ali Mustafa and Joshua on music composition; and Shameer, whose resonant voiceover narrated the story with evocative emotion.
An Evening to Remember
As the film ended, applause echoed through the vaulted ceilings. Souvenirs were distributed, followed by a dinner cum high-tea, where laughter, reflections, and memories filled the air. Attendees recorded video testimonials praising the event, and the historic Salam Hall turned into a living album of selfies, group photos, and shared smiles.
The screening of A Tale of Timeless Tower did more than rekindle memories. It sparked conversations, inspired visions, and reaffirmed what it truly means to be a Ravian.
A Tale of Timeless Tower
A Cinematic Tribute to GCU’s Living Legacy Echoes Through the Grand Halls of Salam Tower
The past met the present in a magnificent embrace as the grand Salam Hall of Government College University (GCU) Lahore, nestled within its iconic Gothic architecture, played host to an extraordinary event—a screening of the much-anticipated documentary “A Tale of Timeless Tower.” Two days ago, this monumental gathering brought together academia, alumni, and admirers to relive the ethos of an institution that has shaped generations.
The event was hosted under the banner of the Old Ravians Union (ORU), with its newly elected President Athar Ismail and his dynamic cabinet warmly receiving a galaxy of distinguished guests, including Dr. Amjad Saqib (Chairman, Akhuwat Foundation), Dr. Umer Saeed Chaudhary (Vice Chancellor, GCU), Dr. Ali Muhammad Shah (VC, Punjab University), and Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal (VC, Fatima Jinnah Medical University).
The stately Salam Hall, resplendent in its historic grandeur, echoed not only with applause but with shared memories, as Ravians old and new gathered under one roof. The elite audience also included a stellar mix of deans, chairpersons, senior bureaucrats, businessmen, lawyers, and cultural icons. Names like Dr. Babar Aziz, Dr. Fouzia Ghani, Dr. Saima Iram, Khalid Mehmood (ex-PCB Chairman), Zafar Khan Lak (Ex-IG Police), and Arshad Aulakh (Former PM’s Adviser) graced the occasion, alongside Amir Hayat Pano, Zeeshan Pervaiz, Hasan Ali, and countless celebrated Ravians.
A Prelude of Elegance
The program commenced with a soulful Tilawat-e-Kalam Pak, followed by the national anthem. To add a touch of enchantment, the audience was serenaded by violinist Ghulam Ali, whose melodies stirred emotion and nostalgia. The host, Ms. Rida Hasan, steered the evening with elegance and grace.
A Visionary Welcome
In his opening remarks, ORU President Athar Ismail aptly said, “This is not just a documentary screening—it is a celebration of GCU’s legacy.” He paid heartfelt tribute to the film’s creator, Waqar Ahmed Wains, for capturing the very soul of GCU, its values, culture, and golden memories.
Following a rapturous applause, a short two-minute prelude showcasing Waqar Wains’ journey was screened. The applause crescendoed as the filmmaker took to the stage.
The Soul Behind the Lens
With calm conviction and poetic eloquence, Waqar Ahmed Wains, the documentary’s producer and an eminent Old Ravian, shared the passion behind his labor of love.
“This film is not just about buildings and corridors—it’s about identity, memory, and purpose,” he said. “‘A Tale of Timeless Tower’ is a heartfelt tribute to the spirit of GCU. Its motto, ‘Courage to Know,’ is not a mere slogan—it’s a calling.”
Wains emphasized how the documentary revives and reawakens the timeless traditions that continue to shape lives. With themes ranging from unity in diversity to embracing technological futures, he painted GCU as a symbol of peace, inclusivity, and academic vibrancy.
He also shared an inspiring suggestion:
“GCU deserves a state-of-the-art Media Studio and Creative Center. A hub for digital storytelling, podcasting, and innovation. A think tank for the thinkers of tomorrow.”
A Cinematic Journey Through Time
Then came the moment everyone was waiting for. As the lights dimmed and the documentary began, all eyes locked on the screen. Over the next 25 minutes, time seemed to dissolve.
The film swept viewers through GCU’s majestic tower, echoing staircases, nostalgic corridors, sun-kissed terraces, classrooms filled with wisdom, the laughter of canteen gatherings, echoes of debates in the Dramatic Society, and the silent strength of its libraries.
The cinematography, helmed by Rizwan Mehmood, was stunning—each frame a painting. The background score, crafted by Ali Mustafa and Joshua, heightened every emotion. The script, narrated with authenticity by Shameer, resonated deeply with all who watched.
Tears, laughter, and applause blended into a heartfelt tribute to the place that has been home to so many brilliant minds.
A Standing Ovation from Leadership
Dr. Umer Chaudhary, newly appointed Vice Chancellor of GCU, stepped up to the stage, visibly moved.
“This documentary is a true depiction of GCU’s spirit. We’ll proudly screen it in future university events. Every frame, every note, every word was perfect.”
He extended gratitude to the Governor of Punjab, Chancellor of GCU, who honored the event with his presence.
The Governor, in his keynote remarks, congratulated the creative team and called the documentary “a work of cultural significance.” He warmly stated that he would be pleased to attend future such events.
Honoring the Creators
The ceremony concluded with souvenirs presented to the documentary team:
Waqar Ahmed Wains, the visionary producer with media education from George Washington University and global representation credentials at the UN, UNESCO, and UK Parliament.
Rizwan Mehmood, for exceptional cinematography.
Ali Mustafa & Joshua, for mesmerizing music.
Shameer, for his compelling voiceover narration.
Reflections & Reminiscence
Following the screening, guests enjoyed a lavish high tea and dinner, where the atmosphere was electric with emotion, laughter, and reflections. Attendees recorded glowing reviews on camera, posed for group photos, and shared heartfelt testimonials.
Capturing the Legacy
The event’s story was not just written in words, but also captured through stunning visuals. Pictures of alumni reuniting, students marveling, and GCU’s timeless tower watching over its proud sons and daughters will grace the feature layout—each image a testament to the power of memory and art.
Long Live the Tower, Long Live GCU
This event was not just about a film. It was about remembering who we are. As Waqar Wains said so poignantly:
“Let ‘Courage to Know’ guide your steps. Keep your roots strong, your vision high, and your dreams alive.”
And as the sun set behind the tower’s silhouette, one thing was certain—GCU is not just a university. It’s a legend. And legends never fade.
Students here come from every province, every culture, every background—but they unite under one tower, one shared pride: GCU. It is the harmony that strengthens our identity as a nation.
