Tag: Habib University

Karachi, January 10, 2023 (PPI-OT):Habib University emphasizes teaching and learning and continuously strives for improving the methods aimed at enhancing student-centricity which should inculcate diversity and inclusivity. Habib University remains the only institution of higher learning in Pakistan that undertakes a community-building approach in teaching where not only faculty members develop a sense of belonging to each other but students are also taught to consider each other the source of knowledge.

Taking this vision forward, Habib University’s Center for Pedagogical Excellence on January 05, 2023, organized R3 Faculty Talks, where we celebrated teaching and enlightening moments so that the larger community could learn from the experiences of faculty who have been part of Habib University for a long time, the challenges they faced and overcame, the cherishing moments they shared with students, and while teaching, how they were inspired by the questions students had regarding fields of study.

Dr. Anzar Khaliq, Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning while opening the floor for R3 Faculty Talks, whose motto was based on Redefining, Rethinking, and Reimagining the educational landscape of Pakistan by reorienting the traditional pedagogical development, said, “Habib University is exceptional in its nature. We are questioning the very nature of knowledge exchange.”

He continued by saying, “individuals who are teaching at Habib University are changing the lives of students in an unimaginable way.” At Habib University, the Center for Pedagogical Excellence is established to advance pedagogy towards evidence and research-based teaching while ensuring student success, especially in accordance with the 21st-century digital age.

Dr. Waqar Saleem, Associate Professor, Computer Science while taking the floor quoted one of the leading characters from the masterpiece Matrix movie, Morpheus, “there is a difference between knowing the path and walking the path,” and linked it with the very growth that everyone goes through once they become part of Habib University.

Professor Inamullah Nadeem while highlighting the indispensability of Urdu as a language said, “Urdu literature dates back to 300 years and we need to rethink the way we teach the current generation regarding its worth and how it remains the symbol of traditions which have changed now.” He further talked about that how poetry and moseequi has always been central to Urdu. “I always try to conclude my lectures with Ghazals of Ghalib or Iqbal.”

Since this world is marked by interventions of Information and Communication Technologies, Professor Inam also undertook the very importance of such advancements in igniting students’ interest towards Urdu as a vast field of knowing about people and cultures.

“Listening impacts more as compared to reading and this is the reason that we now have digital books, and even I record lectures so that my students would find it convenient to listen even while they are home because communication modalities have changed and visuals motivate students to learn.”

Professor Marcelo Lima, Lecturer, Comparative Humanities started his talk by introducing the very essence of the course that he teaches, Military Regimes in South Asia and South America, which is rooted more in historical context.

By reiterating that how history helps us interpret certain events, he explained the misconceptions that people usually have regarding why these two regions which are very distinct from each other are taught by drawing parallels between the two.

“When people talk about history, they think it is useless because it only deals with past,” stated Professor Marcelo. Second major misconception that he outlined was that how people consider that History is boring because it is only about memorizing facts.

“But the major one comes which is associated with my course, what is the point of learning South American History in a country like Pakistan?” said Professor Marcelo while pointing out how people are unable to learn the similarities between the two regions.

And this is where he went on to elaborating that how these two regions’ past has been marred by authoritarian rule. The more we read about the authoritarian rule the more we come to realize how fragile democracies are.

The individual talks by the faculty were then followed by a panel discussion where the esteemed faculty members exchanged some light-hearted conversations regarding their pedagogical experience at Habib University and shared some piece of advice with the new faculty members. “For me, teaching is a way of passing on your excitement and at Habib University we (faculty) have regular workshops where we keep on learning from each other,” said Dr. Waqar Saleem.

Professor Marcelo continued the conversation by saying, “We (teachers) often come in a class by assuming that students have prior knowledge of a particular subject, but this is not correct, and we as mentors need to be open to this very fact.”

The R3 Faculty Talks was concluded with the closing remarks of Dr. Aamir Hasan, Vice President, and Academic Affairs at Habib University. “There is a lot of pressure in being the successful teacher in classrooms, and to address all such variances we have produced the framework of teaching that we call CPAC – Content, Pedagogy, Assessment, and Community-building.”

He continued by saying, “Community-building plays a pivotal role in pedagogy, and the constant interaction among the community members enhances the shared learning goal.”

“But where do we go from here?” Dr. Aamir Hasan at the end of the talks pioneered the vision to convert these talks into an annual conference to celebrate and research.

The session was applauded and revered by the Habib University community and galvanized Habib University’s noble vision of intellectual growth, accessibility, and sustainability.

For more information, contact:
Habib University
Karachi, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-34301051-55
Email: marketing@habib.edu.pk
Website: www.habib.edu.pk

Karachi, January 09, 2023 (PPI-OT):Habib University is launching a conversational series, ‘Habib Talks’, which will serve as a platform to not only discuss the developmental, humanitarian, economic, and political crises, etc., affecting the world and their implications for Pakistan but also to advocate for the resolution of such crises. Habib Talks is a project that seeks to create an intellectual community of inquisitive and change-driven individuals whose thoughts would be available to all young people in Pakistani society.

We hope to have enlightening discussions with notable academics, thinkers, businesspeople, intellectuals, influencers, educators, development professionals, and other motivating individuals through Habib Talks. These discussions will cover a range of demographics, with students as the primary audience.

This platform will also be tackling the intellectual challenge of undergraduate education in order to solidify Habib University as the sole higher education institution in Pakistan delivering a context-driven undergraduate liberal arts and sciences programme.

The intellectual mission of Habib goes beyond simply developing human capital for the sake of the economy of the country. But we want to shape the next generation into the pioneers, visionaries, and compassionate thinkers who will free our country from inequity and intellectual deprivation.

Due to the financial crisis, Pakistan is struggling and is ensnared in the grasp and claws of debt. It is important for a citizen to be critically involved in society in a period of shifting socio-economic conditions, rising political unrest, and division since civil society seems to be a backbone for any nation to prosper in terms of informed involvement. In these times, what an engaged citizen can offer to the nation and its rebuilding?

To better understand this, Habib University cordially invites you to attend the first Habib Talks session, “Engaged Citizens in Times of Economic Challenges,” where Dr. Aqdas Afzal will speak with Mr. Zafar Masud, President and CEO, The Bank of Punjab and Chairman of the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL).

For more information, contact:
Habib University
Karachi, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-34301051-55
Email: marketing@habib.edu.pk
Website: www.habib.edu.pk

Karachi, January 06, 2023 (PPI-OT):Habib University’s educational model is founded on ensuring students’ success and enabling them to overcome widespread political, economic, and sociocultural challenges through programs that meet global criteria. The Graduate School Curation Program is a framework for conducting undergraduate research in Pakistan in line with the University’s mission to champion student success while fostering creative thinkers and leaders who positively impact society.

Through a 2.5-year undergraduate research and learning journey, the Graduate School Curation Program prepares exceptional students to pursue big ideas and become leaders in their fields of scholarship and discovery.

“The Graduate School Curation program supports intellectual curiosity, wide-ranging inquiry and engagement with the community,” says Anum Asi, Director Graduate School Curation Program and Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication and Design. “And it does so while fostering equity – most undergraduate research opportunities are ad hoc, landed by chance or through prior relationships.

Many students who go on to graduate study or scholarships have family members who have done the same before. This program aims to streamline the process and thereby open the world of engaging scholarship to many more students who will go on to become leaders in their fields.”

“The Graduate School Curation Program supports intellectual curiosity, wide-ranging inquiry and engagement with the community.”

SHAPING STUDENTS INTO INNOVATIVE COLLABORATORS

Students accepted into the GSCP pursue their intellectual interests in and beyond their primary major. They are enrolled in specialized seminars through which they learn how to develop, execute, and present their own research and improve their writing skills.

They receive funding to pursue questions and topics that they are excited by, benefitting from close engagement with Habib University’s world-class faculty and with a diverse cohort of academically exceptional and motivated peers who become life-long collaborators.

Mohammad Moeini-Feizabadi, Director Academic, Graduate School Curation Program and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Social Development and Policy shared, “The Graduate School Curation Program is the first structured and curated undergraduate research program in Pakistan where students are engaged in research which is locally contextualized.

Through research and publications, they can smoothly transition to the top global institutions for postgraduate studies.” He further emphasized, “The common myth is that research should be conducted at the graduate level, but we reached the conclusion that our students have the capacity to conduct research as undergraduates.”

“The Graduate School Curation Program has equipped me with 21st century research and analytical skills.”

THE REMARKABLE JOURNEY OF GSCP SCHOLARS

“The Graduate School Curation Program has equipped me with 21st century research and analytical skills,” said Samana Batul, a student of Comparative Humanities, Class of 2024. Samana worked with Muzammil Patel, Dean’s Fellow and Lecturer in the Comparative Humanities Department at Habib University, on a project investigating Sufi reformation in North-western British India during the late 19th century.

She highlighted, “I can now navigate critically through literature review and identify authentic sources. And my communication skills have improved because of the interactive sessions that we have during this transformative journey of 2.5 years.”

Bisma Barkat Ali, a Social Development and Policy student, 2024, said, “The GSCP gives you a very clear idea of the skills and resources you need for higher education. Besides gaining research experience, you also gain a firm grasp about how to plan your graduate school journey which can otherwise be a very confusing maze for students.”

Bisma shared that the GSCP enabled her to conduct exciting research in Comparative Humanities with a professor she may not have been able to work with otherwise as a Social Development and Policy major. She is now planning to pursue further education in Heritage Studies.

“The program cultivates and develops conscious, global citizens through courses, service, potential research abroad opportunities and interdisciplinary engagement with their GSCP cohort.”

SUMMER TEHQIQ RESEARCH PROGRAM AT A GLANCE

The Summer Tehqiq Research Program (STRP) is a key component of the Graduate School Curation Program journey. Co-run with the Office of Research at Habib University, the STRP is a 10-week initiative during which students enrolled in the Graduate School Curation Program become Mohaqiqs (research scholars), working on both faculty-led and independent research projects. Some students with excellent research skills or profiles who are not a part of the GSCP can also apply to become a part of the faculty-led Summer Tehqiq projects.

During summer 2022, students worked with faculty mentors on wide-ranging projects that included topics such as women’s inclusion in the financial sector, gender-sensitive messaging in curricular materials and cost and energy-efficient water-metering infrastructure. “Habib University continues to be an institution of first choice for students and this is possible because of innovation and sustainability in Habib University’s educational model which prioritizes student-centricity.”

Habib University continues to be an institution of first choice for students and this is possible because of innovation and sustainability in Habib University’s educational model which prioritizes student-centricity. The Graduate School Curation Program cultivates and develops conscious, global citizens through courses, service, potential research abroad opportunities, and interdisciplinary engagement with their GSCP cohort. The next round of applications for the GSCP Class of 2025 is now open and the deadline is January 06, 2023.

For more information, contact:
Habib University
Karachi, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-34301051-55
Email: marketing@habib.edu.pk
Website: www.habib.edu.pk

Karachi, December 28, 2022 (PPI-OT):As we grow nearer to our twenties, the sudden realization of reality and our future hits us right in the face. We are no longer the young carefree students back in school, with exams being the only thing we feared.

Joining Habib University as a Social Development and Policy student my fears started growing regarding my career path and whether I would be able to compete in the “real” world with this degree and the skills or experience it provides me.

The moment I entered this university, I was greeted with an accepting environment with one of the most qualified teachers from whom I was eager to learn. While studying Social Development and Policy, my doubts and fears slowly started vanishing because I was pleasantly surprised with not only the skills, information, and experiences in the Social Science department but also the opportunity to delve deeper into other subjects outside my comfort zone.

Transcending Traditional Academic Boundaries

As my interest peaked in coding, I decided to audit a ‘coding class’, which is primarily for a Computer Science degree. It helped me gain valuable knowledge and skills that I can now add to my portfolio. Not only this, but I also learned many designing software through the Communication and Design classes and workshops which strengthened the use and value I can bring to an organization.

Something I will never fail to mention when talking about my holistic experience at Habib University is the fieldwork and analysis that they teach Social Development and Policy students. Despite the difficulties and sleepless nights, it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

I understand our society and economy much better than I did before, and it helps me become a better citizen of my country.

Challenging Your Comfort Zone to Accomplish Something New

The dreadful readings at Habib University! I used to hate doing the immense amount of readings that were assigned to us from the first day. It was something that I was not used to, and I thought it was impossible to finish them.

However, just after a few weeks, my reading got faster, my writing skills improved, and I had so much information and so many opinions that I would wait for a chance to author essays and do research. I can never thank Habib University enough for polishing my reading and writing skills, even though it is something I hated, it ended up becoming something I loved.

The Institution Which Makes You Realize Your Dreams

I recently attended the Graduate School Curation Program which helped me realize that my dreams can be a reality. I was given the chance through this program to improve my research abilities under the guidance of our esteemed faculty.

Because of the community-building activities I took part in throughout this program, I was also able to forge lifelong friendships. I now believe that I will succeed in life after graduation because of the ongoing intellectual assistance that Habib University offers.

Habib University’s academically rich environment motivated me to become an even better student and explore various skills. This university gives me the opportunity and flexibility to figure out what I want to do even if it is something outside the degree I am studying, which is something I do not see in other universities.

All in all, being here has been one of the best decisions I have made, and you should also look forward to what is in store for you by applying for the Admissions Fall 2023 https://eapplication.habib.edu.pk and visiting https://habib.edu.pk/admissions for more details.

And not only this, Habib University provides a generous amount of scholarships to the high merit students, visit https://habib.edu.pk/admissions/student-finance/ for information.

For more information, contact:
Habib University
Karachi, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-34301051-55
Email: marketing@habib.edu.pk
Website: www.habib.edu.pk

Karachi, December 20, 2022 (PPI-OT):The 10th Mahomedali Habib Distinguished Lecture on Pakistan was hosted by the Institute for South Asia Studies at UC Berkeley as part of the Berkeley Pakistan Initiative on December 02, 2022. The lecture, titled, “Sindh, Graphic Pluralism and Sufism: Script and Culture” was delivered by Dr. Matthew A. Cook, Professor of South Asian and Post-Colonial Studies at North Carolina Central University.

The lecture series is named to pay tribute to the inimitable generosity of Mahomedali Habib, the one who laid the foundation for House of Habib. His devotion to reorient philanthropy in Pakistan towards the noble cause of education resulted in the historic establishment of Pakistan’s first community owned and Liberal Arts and Sciences Institution, Habib University.

Dr. Matthew has held several academic positions as he currently teaches in North Carolina Central University, and he has also been affiliated with Michigan State University, Duke University, New York University, and several others. Moreover, his core areas of teaching and research are South Asian Cultures and History, Languages and Literature, Linguistic Anthropology and Social Inequality.

This work of Matthew A. Cook was initially part of his dissertation. In the first place, he wanted to work on the Sindhi writing system. However, he later changed his mind and added a few things to it. This presentation focused on the 1856 British declaration on the Sindhi writing script.

Before this, Sindhis used to write their language in distinctive styles. This presentation derived its material from different walks of life such as linguistics, history, and anthropology to question how language underwrote the colonial experience.

He argued that developing an Arabic-style script by the Imperialists for the Sindhis developed a core importance for Sufism in Sindhi society and culture. The presentation was divided into two parts. The first part was about the history and anthropology of the Sindhi script and the second part was deductive which dealt with the interpretation of the first part.

He abruptly began by saying that the origin of the Sindhi script had nothing to do with the Mohenjo-Daro and so goes for the language. In 1846 the newly established Karachi Free School Debate wrote a letter to the Board of Education Bombay asking them to establish a vernacular educational curriculum. However, they claimed that they had not enough qualified people to perform that job.

Later, Captain Hebert of Karachi Free School Debate wrote to George Stack the Deputy Collector of Hyderabad about the problem of Script. Stack was one of the earliest writers who had written about the grammar of colonial languages.

Their discussion followed with Sindhi as the national language and Khudabadi script as the best suitable script for the Sindhi language, however, if it was not possible, Gujarati script was better. Stack further added that the script which he was suggesting was used only by the merchants. Lastly, he organized a chart in which he outlined the scripts which were being used to write the Sindhi language.

Francis Burton another Briton deliberatively disagreed with the ideas of Stacks. Burton came out supporting the Naskh i.e., Arabic script. He presented his compelling arguments regarding the usage of the Naskh script. Major Stocks claimed that Stacks was supporting the “Hindu” script, however, Burton was supporting the “Muslim” script.

Sindh’s Secretary sent the documents or the critique of Burton on Stacks to Stacks and did not circulate it. Stack closed the file without answering it. Thus, the file went to other officers for further debate. When the documents for language were sent to the governor of Bombay, he suggested that the language of the people should be used, and that was Sindhi.

Stacks came back and he immediately appointed the officer again. However, he soon died. But Burton never came back. Ella states, “This English-Sindhi dictionary was the reason for the death of Major Stacks.” Language killed him. His extensive work on language took his life.

There followed the Script debate.

Cook claimed that being the best script, Khudabadi was not chosen as the official script because of the shift of interest of the Company from Lohanas to Amils. These both are groups of the Sindhi Hindu community.

Sindh was the death trap for the East India Company. They destroyed Hyderabad. They auctioned the material goods of Sindhi rulers. They wanted Sindh to sustain and pay as it was their basic motive.

There was a problem with the Khudabadi script. It was not spoken by a bunch of people but by merchants and the region of Khudabadi only. On the contrary, the Government had to facilitate its officers. As the officers already knew Persian and it was nearer to Naskh script.

Later he spoke on the next part of the discussion, the interpretation. He told about the importance of Burton’s arguments by giving its two characteristics.

Naskh

Sufism

He further added, about the Sindhi culture and its historical importance which was rooted in the socio-economic conditions of that time. He talked about the different tribes and castes which had dwelled on the land. Most notably he talked about the Sindhi Baloch, Sindhi Pathans, and Lower-caste Hindus. Burton’s chart mentioned the different dialects. Burton’s written documents show the hate for Hindus and the colonial interpretation of the South Asian region.

Finally, he related the idea of Fractal Recursively with the works of Burton. Through the colonial Fractal Recursively and a racial touch, the Sufism from mid-nineteenth century flourished in Sindh. Even the “Shah Jo Risalo” was originally written in Naskh script.

For more information, contact:
Habib University
Karachi, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-34301051-55
Email: marketing@habib.edu.pk
Website: www.habib.edu.pk

Karachi, December 13, 2022 (PPI-OT):

Be ready to be Challenged Intellectually

Thirteen-year-old me would have never imagined that pursuing Computer Science as a major, in a couple of years, would be the reality, but here I am penning down my thoughts about Computer Science at Habib University and, how it has helped me become a better person. Computer Science makes perfect sense aligning with the interests I have for the future.

Right off the bat, let us get one thing clear, Computer Science is by no means an easy-to-do degree. Choosing Computer Science solely because you think it is an easy degree to choose or if you are not interested in it, can be dangerous. Computer Science at Habib University is as challenging as they come, and Habib University’s curricula ensure one is intellectually challenged no matter what course or major one chooses.

Computer Science at Habib University offers diversity in academics it provides. I have never been one to stick with a particular interest for long, and the variety that Computer Science at Habib University delivers in the shape of the electives it offers, allows me to choose what I want.

Interdisciplinary? Studying Computer Science with the blend of Social Development

Along with a Computer Science major, students usually go for a minor; while most choose a minor in mathematics, I find a minor in Social Development and Policy (SDP) exciting and this is where Habib University’s educational approach based on interdisciplinary comes from which few people are aware of. So, in simple terms, being a Computer Science student does not mean that you will be confined to your field, but you will be exposed to the scientific inquiry of other disciplines as well, which I found fascinating!

This interest stems from taking a Computer Science/SDP elective course, Social Network Analysis, which taught us the nitty-gritty of the world of networks. The dense yet exciting theory, accompanied by the importance of analysis, cemented my interest in quantitative research and its related theory.

The diverse faculty at the Computer Science department at Habib University, are the mentors who guide us throughout our semesters. The collaborative and healthy environment these instructors foster is why Computer Science majors are comfortable with their degrees.

Pursuing my Major and Passion, All at Once!

Now comes a part that is dear to me; football, which has always been a big part of my life, one that has taught me lessons beyond count and brought me joy numerous times. One thing I am particularly grateful for is that although Computer Science is challenging to manage, it has still not taken away football from me. And playing football at Habib University is always a joy because this institution lays special emphasis on sports activities and genuinely caters for students’ physical as well as mental well-being.

Habib University provides an environment to grow into a better person. Coupled with the fact that I am pursuing a major I love and am interested in and participating in the extracurricular I want, I could not be happier. My journey as a Computer Science student at Habib University has been incredible! And honestly, there could not be an any better place to pursue your Computer Science degree other than Habib University.

For more information, contact:
Habib University
Karachi, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-34301051-55
Email: marketing@habib.edu.pk
Website: www.habib.edu.pk