“It is an honor to establish a legacy in the name of an artist whose craft is deeply connected to my roots—especially at an institution that truly values our heritage.” — Ashraf Habibullah
These were the heartfelt words of Mr. Ashraf Habibullah, Founder and President of Computers and Structures Inc., as he announced the establishment of the Muhammad Rafi Scholarship Grant at Habib University on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
The announcement came following Mee Raqsam, a mesmerizing musical theatre performance honoring Mr. Habibullah’s contributions to the establishment of Amtul Hafiz Habibullah Endowed Scholarship Fund for Women in STEM at Habib University. A lifelong admirer of Muhammad Rafi’s timeless music, Mr. Habibullah sees this scholarship as a way to ensure that the legendary singer’s legacy continues to inspire generations to come. The grant aligns with Habib University’s commitment to preserving and proliferating South Asian musical heritage through The Center for South Asian Music at Habib University, which serves as a hub for cultural preservation and academic exploration. Additionally, the university offers a minor in music, further nurturing interdisciplinary engagement with the arts.
Muhammad Rafi (1924–1980), one of the most revered vocalists in South Asian history, was known for his extraordinary range, emotive depth, and versatility. From soulful ghazals to high-energy qawwalis, and patriotic anthems to romantic ballads, his voice defined an era and continues to resonate with many. His ability to infuse emotion into every note made him a legend whose music transcended borders and cultures.
Named after this iconic artist, the Muhammad Rafi Scholarship Grant seeks to support students who appreciate the transformative power of music and its impact across disciplines. Whether in engineering, the arts, or other fields, the recipients of this grant will be encouraged to embrace the joy, creativity, and innovation that music inspires.
“Habib University is a natural choice to honor a legend whose voice is still alive and thriving in the hearts of hundreds of millions of his admirers across the globe!” — Ashraf Habibullah
Wasif A. Rizvi, President of Habib University, hailed the scholarship as a remarkable testament to the convergence of art and engineering. “It resonates so wonderfully with the idea of a holistic inheritance—that one of the world’s leading structural engineers is behind establishing a legacy in the name of one of South Asia’s most renowned artists. Anyone who has spent ten minutes in Ashraf Sahab’s company can see his profound connection to culture, values, and his appreciation for various forms of art and artists. It is our honor to be the institution that hosts this legacy, and we look forward to supporting future artists through this extraordinary contribution.”
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Habibullah shared his deep personal connection to Rafi’s music and the values it embodies. “I grew up singing his songs, and I think in a way, his songs have not only been a source of joy and inspiration but have subconsciously defined my value system! The messages in his songs—promoting peace, love, and generosity—are even more relevant today than they were decades ago when he sang them.“
The Muhammad Rafi Scholarship Grant not only honors the genius of one of the most celebrated voices in South Asian history but also reinforces the importance of interdisciplinary inspiration. Through this initiative, Habibullah continues his lifelong mission of bridging the worlds of art and science—ensuring that Rafi’s melodies, much like the structures he designs, endure for generations to come.
“Habib University is the only university in Pakistan that caters to engineering along with music, theater, and dance! I believe technology and art belong together—technology makes things work, and art makes things beautiful! Habib University is therefore a natural choice to honor a legend whose voice is still alive and thriving in the hearts of hundreds of millions of his admirers across the globe!“ — Ashraf Habibullah
