Seminar on importance of social media in nation-building held

Islamabad: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) here on Friday held a seminar on importance of social media, with special reference to e-magazine and its impact on reformation of society.

Speakers including eminent writers and columnists, spoke about role of social and online-media promoting linkage and connectivity among the people in pursuing the task of nation-building

The seminar was presided over by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shahid Siddiqui. Stating that media has emerged today as most strong social institution, he said the media and educational institutions should work together for reformation of the society.

The VC also spoke about the University’s recent efforts to develop it as hub of academic, social, literary and research-based activities, and linking the same with the society and the community’s overall welfare.  Such activities, he said help to bring together Faculties, students and the members of the civil society to construct positive thinking and serve the cause of education.  

Dr Shahid Siddiqui further said there is need to adopt discursive approach for moulding the mind of the people on positive lines. In this connection, he said the role of civil society and the media is highly important for educating the people for a better future.

Speakers deliberated upon the new media’s trends and its impact on the society. They underlined the importance of social media, in term of projecting positive thinking, writing and ideas.

Referring to important role of website ‘Humsub’ and ‘Rozan’, they said both of these set a new trends, disseminating knowledge-based articles and columns among the general public. The Humsub’s website’s chief Chief Editor Wajhat Masood and Editor Adnan Khan Kakar and Rozan’s chief editor Qasim Yaqub who also addressed the event shared with the participants their personal experience on the e-magazine’s working and its impact on development of a healthy society.

The speakers included prominent writer Khurshid Nadeem who highlighted the new trends and developments, introduced by the social media and their influence on society. They were of the view that en-magazine could be an effective tool promoting moral values and healthy traditions.

The seminar was part of series of activities undertaken by the University with special reference to the media’s contribution in the reconstruction of society and addressing socio-economic issues of the society. The seminar was organised by the University’s Department of Mass Communication. Guests were also given university's shields.