Inspirational student receives award for war relief effort

A Glasgow Caledonian University student who donated ambulances to help refugees in war zones has received the Association for Events Management Education (AEME) Most Inspirational Student Award.

International Tourism and Events postgraduate student Umran Ali Javaid delivered more than 40 second-hand ambulances to conflict zones in Burma, Syria, Iraq, Gaza, Yemen and also took baby ventilators to a hospital in Afghanistan.

He has also delivered ambulances to Ukraine to help civilians and subsequently received a BBC Scotland’s People award for his relief efforts.

Now Umran has been crowned with the Most Inspirational Student Award by a judging panel at the AEME Annual General Meeting (AGM) after being nominated for his amazing dedication to helping people in need in war zones.

Daniel Baxter, Associate Dean International in the Glasgow School for Business and Society (GSBS), said: “Umran has been an incredible inspiration during his time of study. He is a remarkable person, who is the epitome of the ‘common good’.

“We have been so lucky to be part of his journey through his studies, and as an ambassador for the University.

“Umran is dedicated to supporting others and we look forward to supporting him in the next stage of his journey into the events and tourism industry. We have no doubt that he will continue to inspire others.”

Dr Nick Davies, Programme Lead for BA International Tourism and Events Management and Lecturer in Tourism and Events in the Department of Fashion, Marketing, Tourism and Events, has huge admiration for Umran.

Dr Davies said: “I can honestly say that he is the most inspirational student I have worked with in my academic career.

“He looks out for his classmates, cares about humanity and developing a better world and this epitomises his outlook on life.

“Umran has studied with us on both the undergraduate and postgraduate International Tourism and Events Management courses, and his rationale was to learn how to run events to scale up the amazing work he has been doing delivering ambulances to those people who are in critical need across numerous places of conflict.

“I am not understating things by saying that I don’t think I have met many, or actually any people in my life with the kindness Umran has shown, and he fully deserves this award.”

Umran was extremely humbled by the award and thanked everyone at the University for their support over the years.

Umran said: “Even though the ambulances I have delivered save innocent lives, I don’t think I make much of a difference as one ambulance only helps a few hundred civilians in war but tens of thousands need help. That said, I am very humbled and honoured to get this award, it means a lot.

“I have learned so much from GCU that I will be able to connect my two passions of bringing people together for events and delivering ambulances on a larger scale in the future.

“I am very thankful to those who nominated me at AEME and also to the incredible lecturers, staff and students at GCU for always being supportive.  It’s one of the best universities where no matter our background we can follow our dreams and make a difference locally and internationally.”