Join us for a stimulating Seat 1C Book Session at Aitchison Lahore. This video captures a captivating talk and interaction with Seat 1C author Zafar Masud as he shares insights from his work.
The Seat 1C Book Session at Aitchison Lahore session highlights the importance of critical thinking, creativity, and the role of literature and culture in society. Zafar Masud also touches upon the impact of technology and the significance of making a positive impact on people’s lives.
Watch as students and faculty engage in thoughtful dialogue and explore the unique perspectives presented during this special event.
Zafar Masud Shares a Blueprint for a Purpose-Driven Life at Seat 1C Book Session at Aitchison Lahore
In the hallowed halls of Aitchison College, Lahore, a truly exceptional event unfolded, transcending the typical book-reading session to become a profound discourse on life, legacy, and the pursuit of meaning. Author and intellectual Zafar Masud, the man behind the critically acclaimed book “Seat 1C,” graced the stage not merely as a writer but as a survivor, a thinker, and a messenger of hope. His address, a captivating blend of personal narrative, philosophical musings, and actionable wisdom, left an indelible mark on the bright, curious minds gathered before him, providing them with a unique blueprint for a purpose-driven existence.
At the Seat 1C Book Session at Aitchison Lahore event, Masud began by expressing his heartfelt gratitude to the organizing committee, the principal, and particularly his nephew, Hadi Mubashir Kazmi, whose efforts made the event possible. A self-proclaimed “Lahori” who grew up admiring Aitchison,
Masud conveyed a palpable sense of excitement at the opportunity to share his unique story. He spoke of the importance of such engagements, a form of intellectual replication he hopes to see across the country, as they foster an environment of critical inquiry and intellectual exchange. This session was more than a promotional tour; it was a mission to connect with the very future of the nation, the young minds whose potential holds the key to its progress.
At the heart of the event Seat 1C Book Session at Aitchison Lahore was “Seat 1C,” a book that, as Masud quickly clarified, is not a sensationalist account of a plane crash. Instead, it is a testament to the transformative power of experience, a chronicle of the “learnings from the crash post-crash.” The book, already in its 31st reading session and counting, has been met with a global appetite for its message, leading to its translation into Urdu, Spanish, and a potential Chinese edition.
Masud also revealed a fascinating project: condensing the book’s 200 pages into a 30-page “sketch note” version, using graphics and brief notations to distill the essence of his message for a new, visually-oriented generation. This innovative approach underscores Masud’s commitment to ensuring his message reaches the widest possible audience, adapting his medium without compromising his substance.
Masud’s talk at Seat 1C Book Session at Aitchison Lahore was a call to action for the mind, centered on the profound importance of critical thinking and creativity. He confessed to not being a “great student” in the traditional sense, but attributed his success to the strong value system and encouragement for critical thinking instilled in him by his family. He urged the students to “challenge everything, question everything,” and to embark on their own journeys of discovery, seeking answers and engaging in dialogue with others.
He spoke of his own lineage, a family of poets, authors, and philosophers, which nurtured his appreciation for literature and culture. This, he lamented, is a quality often missing in modern society, and he commended Aitchison College for upholding its tradition of fostering these vital disciplines.
He addressed the impatience of the digital age and the shrinking attention spans it has created, asserting that the act of reading is a discipline that must be actively encouraged. For Masud, a book is not just a fleeting piece of content; it is a “permanent contribution in this transitory world.” Books, he argued, possess a “longer shelf life” and are a vehicle for a person’s lasting creativity. He eloquently described how a book, lying on a shelf, can attract attention and inspire curiosity, leading to a structured, immersive experience that is unconstrained by time or space. This is how ideas take root and flourish.
The core of his message at the Seat 1C Book Session at Aitchison Lahore event revolved around the concept of “30 seconds before death,” a universal moment he believes everyone will one day face. It is during this final, lucid period that one must confront the totality of their life, a personal reckoning where material possessions, social status, and worldly titles hold no weight.
Masud, having experienced this moment firsthand, revealed that his only concern was the nature of his interactions with people. “Was there anything I did wrong? Did I hurt anyone?” he asked, articulating the singular human desire to be remembered for the good we did, not the wealth we amassed. It is a moment, he stressed, of standing in one’s own “witness box,” accountable only to oneself for how one’s life was lived.
He delved into the two major learnings that emerged from this experience: “no regret syndrome” and “survivor’s guilt.” Survivor’s guilt, often seen as a negative, was reframed by Masud as a powerful motivator. He argued that the privileges, wealth, and positions we hold are, in a sense, proof of our “survival in an uneven, unjust world.” This recognition should create a degree of guilt that compels us to enact positive change.
It is a powerful force for good, a catalyst for social and global betterment. The “no regret syndrome,” on the other hand, is a proactive stance. Masud’s readiness to face his creator at the moment of the crash was not due to a flawless life, but a life lived without the burden of regret for opportunities missed or wrongs unrighted. This mindset, he posits, should be the “hallmark in making decisions in our lives to be a better human being.”
The conversation shifted to the crucial link between literature and economy. Masud challenged the notion that these are “desperate disciplines,” arguing instead that literature “cuts across all disciplines.” Whether one becomes an engineer, a banker, or a scientist, literature remains a constant, vital factor. He explained that by humanizing economic theory, literature allows us to see how complex forces shape the lives of ordinary people. He championed a more holistic and inclusive curriculum, arguing that “well-rounded professionals with backgrounds in disciplines of humanities particularly literature and art” are better equipped to find creative solutions to problems, engage in difficult conversations about societal inequities, and become agents of revolutionary thought.
See also: Literature and Economy — Role of Commercial Organizations
In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, Masud delivered a powerful message at the Seat 1C Book Session at Aitchison Lahore about the nexus of technology and humanity. He urged the students never to “lose sight on the ball as far as technology is concerned,” and recommended two seminal books: “The Sovereign Individual” and “Homo Deus.”
He spoke of a future where individuals, empowered by technology, could wield more power than sovereigns, and where genetic tinkering might grant them “god-like powers.” This is a future with immense potential but also great peril. Masud’s message was a clarion call to the younger generation: you will gain this power, and it is incumbent upon you to channel it “for the greater good of your community and society.”
He concluded the Seat 1C Book Session at Aitchison Lahore with a poignant and unforgettable plea to the audience. He shared that in those 30 seconds, no money, no position mattered. His survival was due to the “goodness of people,” and his strength to write and speak was derived from his interactions with loved ones. He emphasized that one’s legacy is not measured in material wealth but in the impact one leaves on others. It is this impact, he said, that will be remembered long after a person is gone.
Masud ended his discourse with a beautiful couplet from the renowned poet Jon Elia, a family elder, encapsulating the essence of his talk: that life is meant to be challenged and will only flourish through facing difficulties. The message was clear: in the face of suffering and trauma, find the strength to channel it towards something meaningful, something that will echo for generations to come.
Masud’s Seat 1C Book Session at Aitchison Lahore was a masterclass in living with intention. It was a journey from a near-death experience to a life-affirming philosophy, from personal tragedy to a universal message of hope and purpose. He provided a new lens through which to view our daily lives, urging us to embrace critical thinking, value our culture, harness technology for good, and, above all, to build a legacy based on the positive impact we leave on the lives of others. The students of Aitchison College were not just attendees; they were the recipients of a powerful, enduring lesson that will hopefully guide them as they navigate their own paths and shape the future of their nation.
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The Enduring Legacy of Aitchison College: A Pillar of Holistic Education and Leadership
Aitchison College, an institution of national significance, traces its origins back to the Wards’ School established in Ambala, British India, in 1868. This foundational school was designed to educate the sons of rulers and elite families from across the Punjab region. The college was officially named Aitchison College on November 13, 1886, in honor of Sir Charles Umpherston Aitchison, the then Lieutenant Governor of Punjab. The historic Main Building, a magnificent example of colonial architecture, was designed by the renowned architect Bhai Ram Singh, and today, the college’s extensive archives, including student records dating back to its founding, serve as a testament to its rich and storied past.
Aitchison is widely recognized for its holistic approach to education, which extends far beyond the confines of the classroom. The college’s motto, “Perseverance commands success,” is a guiding principle that informs its commitment to developing a student’s mind, body, and character. With a sprawling 200-acre campus, the college offers an unparalleled range of facilities, including extensive playing fields for cricket, football, and hockey, as well as a well-equipped equestrian center.
In addition to a rigorous academic curriculum that includes both Cambridge and local Pakistani board options, students are encouraged to engage in a wide array of clubs and societies, from robotics and debate to music and art. This emphasis on extracurricular activities and sports is designed to instill qualities such as teamwork, discipline, and leadership, preparing students for success both academically and in life. The college’s mission is to produce “gentlemen in every sense of this weighty word,” with a focus on moral values, courtesy, and self-discipline.
Over its long and distinguished history, Aitchison College has produced a remarkable list of alumni who have excelled in diverse fields, from politics and sports to business and the arts. This esteemed group of “old boys” includes former prime ministers, chief justices, military leaders, and successful entrepreneurs. For instance, former Prime Minister Imran Khan, a cricketing legend, and former Chief Justice of Pakistan, Umar Ata Bandial, are both notable alumni.
The college’s core purpose is to help boys become leaders, instilling in them the qualities of knowledge, reflection, adaptability, and determination. This is achieved through a robust academic program and an environment that fosters critical thinking and a sense of responsibility. The college’s dedicated university counseling department plays a crucial role in guiding students to top universities worldwide, with Aitchisonians regularly gaining admission to prestigious institutions such as the Ivy League and Russell Group universities.