Art Exhibition at Sindh University highlights students’ creativity, focus on research, innovation

An impressive art exhibition was organized at the Benazir Art Gallery of the Institute of Art & Design (IAD), University of Sindh, Jamshoro on Friday. The event brought prominent visitors together, including Sindh University Vice-Chancellor Professor (Meritorious) Dr. Muhammad Siddique Kalhoro and Deputy Commissioner Jamshoro Riaz Hussain Wassan. Both dignitaries showed keen interest in the diverse collection of paintings and photographs created by the talented students of the institute.

The Director of the IAD Professor Saeed Ahmed Mangi provided an insightful briefing to the guests, explaining the creative processes behind the works on display. The event underscored the university’s commitment to nurturing artistic talent while also promoting research and innovation.

Speaking on the occasion, Sindh University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Muhammad Siddique Kalhoro in his remarks commended the creativity and hard work of the IAD students. He revealed that 10 additional scholarship slots for the Institute of Art & Design had been secured from the Sindh government endowment funds.

"We are committed to supporting our students and their growth," he stated and announced the installation of new air-conditioners and a sound system in the Benazir Art Gallery had been approved, which will enhance the gallery's infrastructure for future events.

He shared the university’s progress in sustainability, publicizing a solar project approved by the Sindh government. "With the solarization of the campus expected to be completed within a year, the University will significantly reduce its reliance on HESCO, leading to substantial cost savings," he explained.

Dr. Kalhoro praised the youthful energy and dedication of Deputy Commissioner Riaz Hussain Wassan and described him as more of an academic than a civil servant. "He is a valuable asset to both the district and the university," he remarked.

Deputy Commissioner Jamshoro Riaz Hussain Wassan expressed his passion for education and said that he had decided to teach at the University of Sindh as teaching was a noble profession that brought into line with the values.

He further said that whenever he had meetings with industrialists he always emphasized the importance of fostering industry-academia linkages in order to enhance business opportunities and reduce poverty.

"Degrees should not merely be a pathway to jobs," Mr. Wassan remarked and said that students should aim for deeper knowledge and a broader understanding of the world around them.

He highlighted the shifting aspirations of today’s youth, pointing out that while previous generations were limited to traditional career paths like engineering and medicine, students now prioritize government jobs, particularly in CSS and PCS. However, he encouraged the students to explore emerging fields like cyberspace and technology.

"We need to shift this mindset and see our students contributing on global platforms such as space and technology," the DC said.

He also touched upon Pakistan’s standing in global research, pointing out that the country lags behind in Asia, with countries like Iran taking the lead.

He stressed the need for genuine research at the Universities in Sindh that addresses the challenges faced by common people of the province and the country.

"Only through research, can we solve real-world problems," he said and added that the developed world excelled because of its focus on research and innovation. “We need more space scientists, researchers, and innovators—not just civil servants," he maintained.

The Deputy Commissioner also made a significant announcement, pledging to donate 1,000 trees to the University for a campus-wide Plantation Drive. "Tree plantation is crucial for the environment and the well-being of our communities," he noted.

He urged teachers to encourage students to write research papers on local issues, particularly those affecting Jamshoro and to propose practical solutions. He expressed his commitment to collaborating with Sindh University on seminars and joint research projects focused on public welfare.

"Pakistan’s youth are the future of the nation," he said and added that there will be no external force descending to solve the public problems. “It’s up to us—and especially our youth—to create meaningful change," he said.

The event concluded with the distribution of certificates to the students whose works were featured in the exhibition, followed by a tree-planting ceremony near the IAD parking area. Vice-Chancellor Dr. Muhammad Siddique Kalhoro, Deputy Commissioner Riaz Hussain Wassan, Registrar Dr. Mushtaque Ali Jariko and other distinguished guests, including Prof. Dr. Hamadullah Kakepoto, Prof. Dr. Arfana Begum Mallah and Professor Saeed Ahmed Mangi participated in the planting.

Prof. Naimatullah Khilji, Amar Sindhu, Hisamuddin Mirani and Jan-e-Alam Solangi and the faculty members of IAD were also present at the event.