The event featured a keynote address by Mr. Eric Chinje, Former Manager, External Affairs and Communications, World Bank, alongside notable speakers, including Prof. C. Kaseem, Principal of the University College of Arts and Social Sciences; Dr. T. Satish Kumar, Head of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication; and Mrs. Vidya Bhandarkar, patron of the department’s newly established Digital Media Centre. The gathering saw enthusiastic participation from journalism students across the city.
Mr. Chinje paid homage to his late friend and colleague, Mr. Sarwat Hussain, highlighting his intellect, creativity, and humility that shaped his contributions to journalism and policy-making. He praised Osmania University for nurturing such talent and lauded Mrs. Vidya Bhandarkar for carrying forward Mr. Hussain’s legacy. He emphasized the growing role of technology in journalism, urging students to embrace digital inclusion and emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to address global challenges in climate change, finance, and governance.
Mrs. Vidya Bhandarkar expressed gratitude to Dr. Narender K, former Head of the Department, for his guidance in her patronage. She announced a donation of ₹20 lakh worth of equipment to the new Digital Media Centre, aimed at enhancing students’ practical skills in modern journalism. Additionally, she instituted Gold Medals for students securing the highest marks in the M.A. Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC) postgraduate course, further strengthening academic excellence in the department.
The event served as a tribute to Sarwat Hussain’s legacy, inspiring future journalists to uphold integrity, critical thinking, and responsible media practices in an era of rapid digital transformation.