Education is the key to self reliance and progress. It has a strong correlation with social and economic development of a region. In current times, when the focus is on the 'knowledge economy’, the role of education becomes all the more important in the development of human capital. Education can reduce poverty and social injustice by providing the underprivileged resources and opportunities for upward social mobility and social inclusion. But in Pakistan, the education budget is surprisingly low & the availability of quality institutes imparting world class academic facilities is rare. Among the few universities that are making remarkable contribution in the field of higher education in

Pakistan,UOG(University of Gujrat )is a shining example.

We, at Zest, had a brief talk with the man behind the phenomenal success of UOG -Professor Doctor Mohammad Nizamuddin, a world renowned sociologist, an authentic demographer, a liberal, moderate and progressive intellectual and the Vice Chancellor, University of Gujrat. Within a short span of four and a half years, he has built a beautiful university in the heart of central Punjab, with a state of the art architecture, couched in scenic landscape, equipped with the latest and ultra-modern equipments, purpose-built laboratories, a round-the-clock internet access, an ever enriching library, with all

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possible facilities to shape the careers of our youth. Here are the details of this intriguing meeting:-

ZEST: What are your experiences as the Vice Chancellor of a budding University for four and a half years?Professor Dr. Nizam-ud-Din: By the grace of God Almighty and with the cooperation of my colleagues I have succeeded in my mission of shaping a quality seat of learning, academic and research on modern lines, which can cater to the national agenda of harnessing talent and intelligence towards socio-cultural growth and national development. We are introducing new paradigms into knowledge industry by Academia

Industrial and Academia socio cultural, linkages and by linkages with other international level foreign Universities. I must appreciate the cooperation of the federal government and the government of the Punjab who have bolstered up my efforts with material and moral support. The people of Gujrat and their representatives have been cooperative and helpful in this august mission. I thank all the stake holders for their unstinted support in shaping a new vision of Academia for the nation.

ZEST: Does the UOG have any edge over other national Universities?Professor Dr. Nizam-ud-Din: UOG is a brand new University but we can take pride in comparing it with other well

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established old Universities. We have developed more than forty programs. In more than 13 subjects, M Phil is in progress. We are teaching basic sciences, social sciences, language,s engineering, Art and Design, Culture and Arts, computer sciences, Business management, Law and to top it all, medical education is also being imparted. Soon we are starting PhD programs in this university. We have signed MOUs with foreign universities of repute. We have introduced scholarship programs. All this has been possible with the continued support of our provincial and federal governments. ZEST: Are you satisfied with the present educational system prevailing in the country?Professor Dr Nizam-ud-Din: No sane person can be satisfied with the present state of affairs prevailing in our educational system. I honestly believe that we do need to restructure our educational paradigm and redefine its parameters. Today we are face to face with structural problems. Our structures have been inherited from a model of a colonial state which can ossify if we do not create flexibility to match it up with vital, cataclysmic changes shaping the new world. I am confident that the people of Pakistan have the will and the initiative to reevaluate all values, cultural paradigms and efficiently move on to the road of creativity, development and progress.

ZEST: What are your views about women empowerment?

Professor Dr Nizam-ud-Din: Gender is socially defined and constructed. Natural differences in sex should never become a hindrance in the intellectual, moral and spiritual development of persons. I feel that because of feudal culture prevalent in our social order, women at large have remained deprived of the fruits of knowledge. In UOG more than 70 % students are females. We equip them with the latest technologies, sciences and knowledge, so that they are empowered and play their rightful role in the national growth and development.

ZEST: What are your views about our youth?Professor Dr Nizam-ud-Din: I believe that youth is our true capital. They are our future. I cherish this mission of shaping youth into an organized force which is at the vortex of change. They must be provided with the best possible education. They ought to be inculcated with the best possible traits of leadership. Their minds should be groomed with qualities of research, innovation, creativity and intelligence. They should be equipped with the latest skills, technologies so that they are able to shoulder the task of nation building and social development. All my efforts are directed towards this goal. I have equipped UOG with a Students Services Centre to divert and channelize all material resources towards this end. I pin my hopes for a new vibrant Pakistan on our youth.

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