About the NAMS

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Music is a purist form of art. Moreover it is the most essential part of all the cultures on this earth. It's expression by human being and by instruments has been continued since the dawn of human evolution. This medium of expression is also found here and that is Nazir Ahmad Music Society.

The society was founded somewhere in 1930's but with the name of "Culture Club". later it was revived in 1950's  named as "Music Society" by Dr. Nazir Ahmed the former principal and professor of zoology. After his death in late 1980's, it was named as "Nazir Ahmad Music Society".

Objectives of NAMS

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The main objective of this training is to polish these students and to make them little bit professional in this field of music along with their academics. Often they are provided an opportunity to perform in many functions/programme of GC University. Experience of these performances builds their confidence to perform at any forum and platform. So, the moment these student leave GC University, they have with them, an option of career.

Working of NAMS

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It gives membership to the students having aptitude towards vocal and instrumental music. They are given training in their field of interest whatever is available here. They are taught grammar of notes, about rhythm and its practical application. Mostly this society emphasizes on practical and practice to these students to attain skill and proficiency during their stay with us in the session. The audio-visual recordings are also a medium of instruction and understanding to these students. We are already having guitar classes and soon will start violin classes.  The main objective of this training is to polish these students and to make them little bit professional in this field of music along with their academics. Often they are provided an opportunity to perform in many functions/programmes of GC University and outside. Experience of these performances builds their confidence to perform at any forum and platform. So, the moment these students leave GCU, they have with them, an option of career.

NAMS Prominent Artists in Chronological Order

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Classical, Light, Pop Singers, Instrumentalists and Composers

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NAZIR AHMAD MUSIC SOCIETY (NAMS)

Achievements

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1. This society has been holding a regular weekly concert since 1981 in the music room.

2. The main purpose of this concert is to train the students and to make them aware of the deficiencies in performance.

3. This weekly programme is also meant for the education of audience to listen to music.

4. The weekly programme is not only a cultural pillar of GCU but by this, we are trying to protect our music heritage.

5. This society has also been performing for the noble causes whether these are for hospitals, national or international organizations. (Nobel Laureates) This exhaustic training, weekly performance, programmes for others and workshops with the American, British and German artists enabled this society by the grace of God to produce artists in the filed of classical, light, pop and instrumental music who are performing at national and international level presently.

6. Performance before President of Pakistan and Governor Punjab at Governor House, Lahore. Also performed at Al-hamrah Art Council Lahore, Civil Service Academy and National Institute of  Public Administration.

7. The society also conducted workshops and programmes will be American Consulate and British Council Lahore.

News and Events

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GCU pays tribute to music maestro Tariq Farani

The GCU University Lahore on Tuesday paid a glowing tribute to the music maestro, Tariq Suleman Khan Farani for his 40 years invaluable services for the art, music and GC University Lahore. Renowned musicians and globally famed singers Ustad Hamid Ali Khan, Ustad Shuakat Ali, Shafqat Amanat Ali, Jawad Ahamd, Musarrat Abbass, Zaheer Abbass, Imran Jafferi and Ghulam Ali addressed the tribute ceremony held at Bukhari Auditorium in the honor of Tariq Farani In-charge Nazir Ahmad Music Society (NAMS) GC University Lahore Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khaleeq-ur-Rahman awarded “GCU Award”, ”Certificate of Appreciation” and cash award of Rs 50,000 to the artist, saying that Mr. Farani had selflessly devoted his life to music and the University.    

Speaking on the occasion, classical singer Ustad Hamid Ali Khan said that the NAMS is the biggest teaching center of music and art in Pakistan as it produced galaxy of stars for Pakistan like Shafqat Amanat Ali, Ali Zafar, Waris Baig, Jawad Ahmad, adding that his two sons had been trained in music at the GCU.

Eminent Old Ravian Shafqat Amanat Ali declared the legendary Tariq Farani as his mentor who showed the world renowned singers light and helped them to climb the ladder of stardom. “I will always be indebted to Farani sahib,” Shafqat said.

He also shared few light moments that he spent with Mr. Tariq Farani and cherished the time he spent in music society especially the dinners he had late night in GCU. Prof. Farani inculcated the moral ethics, values and real sense of Ravians’ spirit in his students and its’ been a privilege to be part of NAMS as Farani sahib guided his students in every sphere of life, he added.

Noted Old Ravian Jawad Ahmad proclaimed Mr. Farani as the craftsman who crafted and shaped up various lives and turned ordinary individuals into diamonds. He said that he performed first time ever live in NAMS. It was there he found a star in himself, he added.

(25-01-2012)

GCU NAMS WINS GOLD MEADALS in All Pakistan Music Conference

NAMS won many prestigious prizes in All Pakistan Music conference that was held on 29th October 2011. Hassan Maqsood (Folk Item), Umair Akber    (Faiz Ahmad Faiz Ghazal) and Imran Fida (Ghazal) won gold medals in their respective categories. It is pertinent to mention here that NAMS is still holding the position of winning “Syed Wajeed Ali Trophy” from the last 4 consecutive years. In “All Pakistan Music conference” ravian SaadFarooq won the Best Vocal Award that is (RooshanAraa Begum Award). Before that; this award was in the hands of Rustam Fatah Ali Khan and Zahid Farani.

(02-12-2011)

AMERICAN DELEGATION VISITS NAMS

An American delegation visited at NAMS and had a nice conversation about music with the incharge of NAMS Tariq Saleem Khan Farani. After that they wished for music performance by all the members or students of NAMS.

The members of NAMS performed singing by using musical instruments like harmonium, tabla, flute etc and cast a spell on the audience. Their performance enthralled by the listeners. Americans musicians also played their jazz music tons. This inspired the students of NAMS. At the end students of NAMS sung the Kalam of Meyan Muhammad Bakhash (mystic poet) with American musicians Jamm section. After this Kalam all the members of NAMS sang Dhamal.

(02-12-2011)

GC UNIVERSITY LAHORE HOLDS SEMINAR ON IQBAL’S PHILOSOPHY AND CONTEMPORARY PAKISTAN

GC University Lahore organized a one-day seminar on “Iqbal’s Philosophy and Cotemporary Pakistan,” (Fiqr-e-Iqbal and Aaj Ka Pakistan) to enlighten the youth about the visionary thoughts of the great national poet.  GCU Vice Chancellor Prof. (Meritorious) Dr. Muhammad Khaleeq-ur-Rahman chaired the seminar while PML-N Member National Assembly Ahsan Iqbal was the Key Speaker. Opening the seminar, the members of Nazir Ahmed Music Society (NAMS) presented several poems of Allama Muhammad Iqbal which were composed Tariq Farani, while GCU Debating Society orators presented an oratorical rendition of Iqbal’s verses.

Addressing the seminar, Ahsan Iqbal pointed that Allama Muhammad Iqbal made four invaluable contributions for the Pakistan movement. He emancipated the South Asian Muslims from the slavish mentality and revived their faith in their collective strength. Secondly, he advised them to take up untiring struggle in every walk of life and preserve their self-esteem at all costs. Thirdly, he asserted that a separate homeland for the Muslims of South Asia was indispensable. Last but not the least, Allama Iqbal persuaded the Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to lead the movement for the independence of South Asian Muslims at a time when Quaid-i-Azam had settled down in Britain due to disillusionment, Ahsan Iqbal said.  

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof. (Meritorious) Dr. Muhammad Khaleeq-ur-Rahman said that Iqbal’s concept of Khudi guides us to regain our lost glory. “His philosophy tells how to set right the affairs of politics, economy and education in line with the injunctions of Islam,” he added.  The Vice Chancellor asserted that it was knowledge and creativity rather than wealth and weapons that afforded superiority to any nation in the current age. Therefore, we must strive for academic excellence in the light of Iqbal’s vision.

Vice Chancellor Prof. (Meritorious) Dr. Muhammad Khaleeq-ur-Rahman

gives away shield to Ahsan Iqbal Member National Assembly PML-N.

Prof. Dr. Saadat Saeed said that the eradication of economic exploitation was the corner stone of Iqbal’s political thought. He had predicted the fall of capitalism and communism since both these regimes are contravenes to the principles of natural justice. Prof. Dr. Khursheed Rizvi; Distinguished Professor GCU, opined that Iqbal was to the Muslims what Sheakhsphere was to the English. “No other thinker or poet in the Muslim tradition has ever come close the pedestal where destiny has placed Iqbal,” he added. GCU Urdu Department Chairperson Dr. Shafiq Aajmi also addressed the seminar.

Later, the Vice Chancellor gave away shields to the guest speakers.

(24-11-2011)

FAIZ AHMAD FAIZ REMEMBERED AS RENAISSANCE TRAIL BLAZER

Nazir Ahmed Music Society (NAMS) in collaboration with Majlis-e-Iqbal and GCU Debating Society arranged an evening at its Bokhari Auditorium to pay a rich tribute to a distinguished Old Ravian and poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz in connection with his centennial birth anniversary celebrations. The Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Khaleeq-ur Rehman was the chief guest of the ceremony. Faiz’ grandson, Dr Ali Madeeh Hashmi was also present. Prof Dr Saadat Saeed, Dr Ali Madeeh Hashmi, Tariq Farani threw light on the literary, socialist and melodious aspects of Faiz’ work. The Debating Society’s public-speakers presented an oratorical rendition of Faiz’s verses in the tradition of the legendary Zulfiqar Bokhari and Zia Moeud Deen to the audience that was highly acclaimed.

The Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Khaleeq-ur-Rehman said that Fiaz was the poet of humanity, love and resistance against oppression. He said Allama Iqbal and Faiz Ahmad Faiz are the trailblazers who led the nation in direction of Muslims renaissance. “The supremacy of human values and intellect is the essence of their thought which has the potential to revive the tradition of excellence historically attributed to Muslim scientists and thinkers like Imam Ghazali, Al Bairuni, Abne Haithum and Al-Razi,” he added.

Later, the Vice Chancellor presented shields to the guest speakers.

(28-07-2011)

GCU VICE CHANCELLOR honors 26 best orators, singers

Prof. Dr. Ikram-ul-Haq (SI) Vice Chancellor GC University Lahore has hosted a special reception in the honor of 26 best debaters, singers and instrumentalists of the University for their extraordinary performance during the academic year 2010-11.

Speaking on the occasion, Siddique Awan Co-Advisor GCU Debating Society said that the Society has performed exceptionally well this year and is all set to break its own record of winning 148 oratory awards in one academic year. He said that although declamation has historically been GCU’s strong point, in recent years, the Debating Society has made its mark in extemporary public speaking.

GCU Music Society In-charge Tariq Farani said music is a purist form of art. Moreover it is the most essential part of all the cultures on this earth. Its expression by human being and by instruments has been continued since the dawn of human evolution. He said that GCU NAMS has been playing its role to polish these students and to make them little bit professionals in this field of music along with their academics. He proudly told the Vice Chancellor that GCU NAMS has secured top positions in all the music competitions.

Talking to the students, Prof. Dr. Ikram-ul-Haq (SI) Vice Chancellor GCU congratulated the students on their extraordinary performances in the national competitions. He said that the co-curricular activities especially debates play a very vital role in the grooming of students. He said such debates taught students how disagree with others while paying respect to their faiths and ideas. GCU always promotes the culture of tolerance and intellect through debates, seminars and publications. Being the bastion of liberal education in Pakistan, GCU has nurtured some of the most prominent luminaries of the world, the vice chancellor said.

(14-06-2011)

NAMS ANNUAL CONCERT OF HERITAGE 2011: FROM CLASSICAL TO POP

The live music performances in Urdu, Punjabi, Balochi, English and Pushto languages by talented Ravians on Friday rocked the “Annual Concert of Heritage 2011” held at the Bukhari Auditorium of the University under the auspices of its Nazir Ahmed Music Society. The four-hour concert proved to be a rich blend of Pop, Rock, Folk, Ghazal, Classical and Semi-Classical, and reflected on sub-continent’s rich musical heritage.

The musical evening opened with the pop performance of Qasim Adil, a student of intermediate, which was followed by Stephen Ashiq’s great Tabla performance. The Auditorium was resounded with shouts, shrieks and claps when Wali Khan with his Pushto performance enthralled the audience. The performances by Imran Fida on the Rahet Fateh Ali Khan’s songs forced the audience to stand on their seats. The performance of Hasan Maqsood President NAMS on Punjabi folk song “chala” also met a huge reception from the crowd. Saad Farooq paid tribute to an eminent Old Ravian Allama Muhammad Iqbal as he read his kalam “tu abhi rahguzar main hai”. The poetry of Faiz Ahmed Faiz was also read as GCU students paid tribute to their torch bearer. The singing performance of Mateen Akmal was also met with loud applause. Faisal Malik, Hamza Shahbaz, Asad Ali, Sheryar Abid, Sumiya Khan, Komail Abbass, Saba Shafqat, Osama Babar, Umair Ali Akbar and Mohsin Abbass also performed at the concert.

GCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr Ikram-ul-Haq (SI) also attended the concert for a very short span of time on the special request of the members of GCU Music Society. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Ikram said that every person poses a unique set of abilities, some are good at research, some are good in sports, some are good actors, others are good in debates; GCU provides all kinds of opportunities to its students to exhibit and polish their talent. He said that education is as important for musicians and sportsmen as for anybody else. He said that sportsmen and artists are true ambassadors of a country, so they must be highly educated. 

Dr. Shafique Ajmi Advisor NAMS said that the main objective of the annual concert is to polish the qualities of students in the arena of Music along with their academics. “Experience of these performances builds their confidence to perform at any forum and platform,” he said. The In-charge NAMS Tariq Salman Khan Farani, an ace musicologist and acclaimed flute-player, said music is a purist form of art. “Moreover, it is the most essential part of all the cultures on this earth. It’s expression by human being and by instruments has been continued since the dawn of human evolution,” he added.

(02-05-2011)

NAMS GCU annual Heritage Concert heritage 2011

GC University Nazir Ahmed Music Society (GCU NAMS) is going to hold the “Annual Concert of Heritage 2011” tomorrow evening (Friday) at the historical Bokhari Auditorium. Ravians and GCU faculty members would perform at the concert being organized after the gap of two years. The concert would be a rich blend of Pop, Rock, Flock, Ghazal, Classical and Semi-Classical. President NAMS said it would reflect on sub-continent’s rich musical heritage featuring both traditional and more contemporary pieces. “The GCU NAMS has decided to dedicate the concert to eminent Old Ravian poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz as the world’s literati are celebrating 2011 as Faiz Ahmed Faiz year. The NAMS singers would also present special items to pay tribute to great philosopher-poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib and King of Pop Michael Jackson.

The GCU Music Society has a long history of annual concerts. It was founded somewhere in 1930s but with the name of "Culture Club". Later it was revived in 1950's named as "Music Society" by Dr. Nazir Ahmed, the former principal and professor of zoology. After his death in late 1980's, it was named as "Nazir Ahmed Music Society". The Government College Lahore has a century-long history of producing great musicians including Khuwaja Khursheed Anwar, Balraj Sahni, Tariq Farani, Ustad Sharaft Ali Khan, Waris Baig, Rustam Fateh Ali Khan, Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan, Jawad Ahmad, Hadiqa Kiyani and Ali Zafar.

(28-04-2011)

NAMS wins All Pakistan CHANDBAGH Music TEAM TROPHY

The GCU Nazir Ahmed Music Society (NAMS) has lifted the team trophy at the 10th All Pakistan Music Festival, held at the Chand Bagh School, beating the singers from the 72 prime educational intuitions of Pakistan. The GCU won the trophy for the sixth year. Imran Fida was declared the Best Singer while Mohsin Abbas was declared the Best Instrumentalist of the festival.   

(01-02-2011)

A TRIBUTE TO MADAM NOOR JAHAN

On December 30, 2010 NAMS arranged a musical evening entitled A Tribute to Madam Noor Jahan on the 10th anniversary of the legend’s death in which members of the Music society sang the songs sung by legendary singer, Madam Noor Jahan. Hina Amir Khan was having the charge of Stage Secretary in that concert. She paid tribute to the legend by bringing her contributions to light to the field of Music. The names of the members are given with respect to the songs sung the concert.

Har lehza hai momin ki naii aan naii shan                       Samia Khan

Raat paili hai terey sur mai aanchal ki tarha                   Saba Shafqat

Tum zindagi ko gham ka fasana bana ga ye                   Rabia Shafiq

Gaaye gee dunya geet meray                                     Sohail Abbas

Nigah-I-jhor sahi dekeye tu kam se kam                       Mohsin Abbas

Main ne har kanta teri raah ka palko se chuna               Imran Fida

Neyat-I-shauq bar na jae kahin                                  Hasan Maqsood

Ay rah-I-haq k shahido

Muje kuch yun nazar aane laga hai                              Saad Farooq

In the end, Stage Secretary thanked all the members of the Music Society and audience.

(27-01-2011)

NAMS WINS ALLAM IQBAL COMPETITION AT IRANIAN CONSULATE LAHORE

Iranian consulate Lahore arranged a programme to pay homage to one of the great poets of Asia, Allama Muhammad Iqbal. In that programme, people were not only introduced to Kalam-I-Iqbal but a competition regarding Kalam-I-Iqbal was also organized in which students from different colleges and universities of Lahore took part. Government College University was also a part of this competition.

Babar Nadeem, lecturer at Persian department, along with two students represented Government College University in reciting Maqalat-I-Iqbal while members of Music society mesmerized the audience when they presented Kalam-I-Iqbal in their spellbinding voices and carried away a shield and some cash prizes. Following are the names of the members of the Music Society with respect to the extracts of Kalam-I-Iqbal, which they sang at the programme.

Auron ka hai payam aur mera payam aur hai       Saba Shafqat

Darya main moti hain mauj bebaq                      Nazia Hassan

Kol aank zameen dek falaq dek fiza dek              Imran Fida, Umair Ali

                                                                  Usama Babar

Nazia Hassan claimed second position and cash prize of two thousand rupees in the competition with her well-sung extract from Kalam-I-Iqbal. An awesome performance that was token performance, was given by Imran Fida, Umair Ali Akbar and Usama Babar; got great accolade from audience, and brought a cash prize of two thousand rupees to its presenters. Tariq Farani made composition of Token performance; besides, Imran Fida was having the charge of harmonium and Stephen had that of Thabla.

Iqbal Salah-ud-din, head of the Iranian consulate and Dr. Atiya were the chief guests while Dr. Islam and Dr. Nighat were the judges of the competition.

(27-01-2011)

NAMS organizes a musical evening with Kalam-e-Iqbal

Nazir Ahmed Music Society organized a special evening to pay tribute with the poetry to Allama Muhammad Iqbal. The Advisor Nazir Ahmed Music Society opened the function by highlighting the various aspects of the Iqbal’s poetry. He said that Iqbal’s poetry is still relevant in the nineteenth century. Later, Muhammad Saad Farooq sang the Iqbal’s poem written during his stay in London, “Tu Abhi Rahguzar Mein Hai, Qaid-E-Makaam Se Guzar”. Imran Fida, a student of BA (Hons), performed on Iqabl’s poem “Auron Ka Payam Aur, Mera Payam Aur Hai” (my style is different from others). Rabbia Rafiq sang “Terey ishq ki inteha chahta hon, Meri saadgi dekh, kya chahta hon” in her low but very melodious sound.  Hassan Maqsood highlighted the Iqbal’s message by singing “Aik Hoon Muslim Haram Ki Pasbani Ke Liye.” With their last very triumphant group performance on Iqbal’s poem “Adam is received by the sprit of Earth”, the GCU Music Society made the event memorable forever. The musicians and singer of music society raised the roof “Khool Ankh Zameen Dakh Falak Dakh Fiza Dakh (Open eyes look above), Mushriq sa ubharte hue sooraj ko zara dekh (See the Sun rising from the East). Hassan Maqsood sang each verse as a solo and then everyone joined in on the chorus. Overall, it was an awesome performance.

GCU Majlis-e-Iqbal Adviser lauded the efforts of the students for organizing a wonderful evening to pay tribute to Iqbal. Program Officer and a large number of students were present on the occasion.

(29-11-2010)

office bearers of NAMS for the session 2010-2011

The following Students have been appointed as office bearers of the society for the session 2010 - 2011.

(26-11-2010)

GCU NAMS WINS SYED WAJID ALI MUSIC TROPHY 2010

The GC University Lahore Nazir Ahmad Music Society (GCU NAMS) clean swept the All Pakistan Music Conference (APMC) with overall six distinctions and lifted and lifted the prestigious Syed Wajid Ali Trophy. All the competitors were seemed to be at uphill task and performed magnificently. They were also given a lot of appreciation by the multitude of audience. Following items were performed by the society members are Imran Fida, Vocal Semi-Classical(1^st)(Gold Medal),,M. Saad Farooq, Vocal Classical(2^nd), Hassan Maqsood, Vocal Folk(3^rd), Mohsin Abbas, Vocal Classical(3^rd), Umair Ali Akbar, Vocal Ghazal(2^nd) and Stephen Aashiq, Instrumental Tabla(1^st)(Gold Medal).

The GCU NAMS has secured the 40 years old running team trophy by winning it for the third consecutive time. It has been winning this trophy many times twice, but could not secure it by winning three consecutive times. This has happened for the first time in the history of All Pakistan Music Conference and the University.

Imran Fida secured first position in Semi-Classical Singing Contest. He enthralled the audience with the Kalam of Baba Ghulam Fareed “Sawanal Moor Moharrahan”.  Saad Farooq resounded the conference with the famous “Raag Kedar -Ye Naveli Naar, Ban Than Nikasi...” It was first sung by Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan. Mohsin Abbas sang the Raag Shamwanti. Umair Ali Akbar sang the famous Ghazal of Mehdi Hassan “Shoola Tha, Jal Bhujan Hon”. Hassan Masqsood enthralled the audience with traditional Punjabi Folk Song “Challa”.

GCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khalid Aftab has congratulated the university students on their outstanding performance at the music conference.

(01-11-2010)   

NAMS WINS National Songs Competition

Kumail Abbas and Umair Ali Akber have secured 2^nd position and got team trophy in the National Songs Competition organized by University of Central Punjab with the collaboration of Jang News Group held on 5th August 2010. Rustam Fateh Ali Khan, Rafaqat Ali Khan Abrar ul Haq were the judges of the competition. The judges appreciated the performance of the NAMS in the field of music.

(18-08-2010)

SAAD WINS NATIONAL SONG COMPETITION ORGANIZES BY MINISTRY OF HUMAN RIGHTS.

Ministry of Human Rights organized a National Song Competition at Alhamra Art Council Lahore. Federal Minister for human rights Syed Mumtaz Alam Gillani was the chief guest. Muhammad Saad Farooq a student of B.SC Biotechnology, GC University Lahore secured the second position and won the three thousand cash. The ministers of the four provinces for Human Rights were present on the occasion.

(26-05-2010)

NAMS pays Tribute to Mirza Ghalib on 212^th Birth anniversary 

Nazir Ahmed Music Society (NAMS) paid a glowing tribute to Mirza Asadullah Beg Khan, popularly known as Ghalib, in connection with his 212th birth anniversary.  The Society held special music session at which students raised the roof with Ghazals and poems of the great poet. The faculty members and students of Urdu and Persian were present on the occasion.  Dr Saadat Saaed highlighted the various aspects of the Ghalib’s poetry. The faculty members and students of Urdu and Persian were present on the occasion.

(21-1-2010)