Varsities need to be focal points for tech advancement

Lahore (Friday, February 23, 2024): Media is primarily responsible for keeping the populace abreast of global advancement in science and technology, according to Prof. Dr. Hasan Amir Shah, former Vice-Chancellor GC University Lahore during a seminar on Higher Education Institutions and Role of Media at University of Home Economics.

The seminar was organized under the umbrella of the Department of Media and Communication Studies. Prof. Shah underscored the importance of media coverage for research initiatives undertaken in public varsities, emphasizing that media houses possess significant influence that should be leveraged to promote educational endeavors.

Prof. Dr. Faleeha Zahra Kazmi, VC UHE, emphasized the transformative power of media and cautioned against negative narratives that could tarnish the university’s reputation.

She stressed universities’ pivotal role in shaping societal norms and preserving national identity through cultural and linguistic heritage. Dr. Kazmi urged students to critically engage with media content and advocated for increased visibility of educational programs in media broadcasts.

Senior columnist Prof. Naeem Masood echoed the sentiment of collaboration between educators and media practitioners, emphasizing the role of teachers as beacons of inspiration for students.

He called upon the media to fulfill its social responsibility by prioritizing educational content alongside other news items. Dr. Rao Shahid, the senior journalist, lamented the media’s inclination towards sensationalism at the expense of educational coverage, attributing this trend to the pursuit of ratings.