Thousands gathered at Habib University in Karachi to attend the 10th Yohsin Lecture, delivered by Dr. Nergis Mavalvala, Dean of the School of Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The renowned physicist, known for her leadership in the Nobel Prize-winning LIGO collaboration, spoke to a packed auditorium on Friday about “The Joy of Discovery: Curiosity, Science, and the Pivotal Role of Universities.” The event attracted students, faculty, alumni, academics, industry leaders, and members of the scientific community, with attendance estimated between 4,000 and 5,000 people. Long queues formed as attendees filled every available space across the campus to hear Dr. Mavalvala in person.
Her lecture marked the conclusion of a two-day visit to Habib University, which became a landmark occasion in Karachi’s intellectual calendar. Dr. Mavalvala explored the fundamental question of why humans pursue knowledge, especially that which lacks immediate practical application. She reflected on humanity’s persistent curiosity, noting that even pre-human cultures gazed at the sky, captivated by its mysteries. She emphasized that a century from now, what will endure is the new window into the universe that such curiosity has opened.
Challenging the notion that curiosity must justify itself beforehand, she highlighted that many of humanity’s most transformative discoveries originated from questions without obvious benefits. She asserted that universities have a responsibility beyond professional training: to nurture wonder, creativity, perseverance, and intellectual freedom. Expressing gratitude to Habib University’s leadership and benefactors, she praised their vision and generosity, sharing her admiration for the students and alumni she met during her visit.
Habib University President Wasif Rizvi underscored the significance of Dr. Mavalvala’s visit and the overwhelming public response. He highlighted the role of philanthropy in making world-class education accessible in Pakistan, noting that the students present exemplify what such generosity can achieve. Rizvi also drew a parallel between detecting faint signals in physics and the challenge of fundraising for the university.
During her stay, Dr. Mavalvala engaged deeply with the university community. She toured the campus, participated in discussions with faculty on fostering curiosity in education, and met with science and humanities students from leading Karachi schools. She also connected with alumni and joined sessions with the Entrepreneurs’ Organisation and Pakistan’s broader scientific community, reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing local scientific and academic excellence. Conversations with university leaders also focused on sustaining a liberal arts environment that encourages curiosity, joy in learning, and mentorship.
Following the lecture, an extended question-and-answer session addressed topics such as research opportunities and investment in science within Pakistan. Dr. Mavalvala emphasized that every individual is naturally research-minded at birth, but access to opportunities determines who can pursue research in adulthood. She stressed that investment in research and science yields the highest returns for any government.
The 10th Yohsin Lecture was among the most attended in the series’ history. Rooted in Habib University’s founding philosophy of Yohsin, which emphasizes thoughtful self-cultivation, the lecture series aims to connect Pakistan with some of the world’s leading intellectuals. Previous speakers have included Noam Chomsky, Ashis Nandy, Reza Aslan, Azra Raza, and Thomas Blom Hansen. Dr. Mavalvala’s lecture continued this tradition, illustrating how universities can educate students while also creating intellectual opportunities for the broader community.
After the lecture, attendees gathered on the university’s Central Street for a reception, continuing discussions sparked by the evening’s event and deepening engagement with the ideas presented.
Leave an opinion