- Book launch ceremony brings together senior journalists, communication teachers and researchers at UOG
GUJRAT: A grand ceremony was held here at Hafiz Hayat Campus of the University of Gujrat on Tuesday to mark the release of ‘Handbook of Research on Deconstructing Culture and Communication in the Global South, authored by Dr Muhammad Yousuf, a senior academic at the varsity’s Centre for Media & Communication Studies (CMCS).
Senior journalists and communication teachers and researchers Prof Dr Bushra Hameedur Rehman, Imtiaz Alam, Prof Dr Hasan Raza Shirazi, Ahmed Waleed, Dr Naveed Iqbal Chaudhry, Director Media Sheikh Abdul Rashid and others were among the guests of honour.
Dean Faculty of Social Sciences Prof Dr Faisal Mehmood Mirza presided over the ceremony.
The speakers lauded the efforts of Dr Muhammad Yousuf in highlighting the role played by the Global South in creating knowledge in comparison to the Global North in the 400-page research book edited and compiled by him.
Speaking on the occasion, senior journalist Imtiaz Alam said that critical thinking always produces quality academic research. “Reconstruction of knowledge is not possible without parting with the rotten culture and traditions. Raising questions about the prevailing norms and ideas is likely to help make the world much better,” Imtiaz Alam said.
Prof Dr Bushra Hameed ur Rahman said that the handbook was a valuable reference source for both the teachers and students. Prof. Dr Hasan Raza Shirazi said: “Facts are created on social media platforms which help develop public opinion. However, one must take into account local prevalent trends and attitudes for the sake of qualitative research and better problem-solving.”
Ahmad Waleed said that modern media is the carrier of the communication revolution.
“The element of research analysis in various segments is placed on the back burner in Pakistan. In modern times, media has become a regular industry.
Dr Naveed Iqbal Chaudhry stressed the need for indigenous research analysis of social problems for better results.
Dr Muhammad Yousuf said that new knowledge has always emerged in the Global North. Given the cultural diversity and problems of the Global South, local solutions are possible through the research process.
Prof. Dr Faisal Mehmood Mirza lauded the meticulous efforts of Dr Muhammad Yousuf in compiling the scholarly work, saying academic research is necessary for the solution of local problems of today.
Sheikh Abdul Rashid expressed his gratitude to the guests and other participants. He said that book has an important place in human civilization.
“Integrating research with social problem-solving can always yield better results,” Sheikh Rashid said.
Senior academic Razai Mustafa moderated the ceremony. A large number of students along with teachers attended the ceremony.
