The social scientists have termed research oriented education coupled with good behaviour 'inevitable' for the development, success and initiation of change in the societies. They stressed quality proven through social indicators as a panacea for national progress anywhere in the world including Pakistan.
They expresses these views while addressing the concluding ceremony of the 2-week training workshop titled "Social Research Methods" held at the Area Study Centre of the University of Sindh Jamshoro which was presided over by the vice chancellor Professor Dr Fateh Muhammad Burfat. Among others, the director of higher education commission (HEC) Islamabad Muhammad Raza Chohan, University of Malaysia Perlis professors Dr Huzili Hussein, Dr Zuraidah Muhammad Zain, director Area Study Centre Dr Hamadullah Kakepoto also spoke on the occasion.
In his presidential remarks, the SU vice chancellor and social scientist Professor Dr Fateh Muhammad Burfat said there were a number of problems and challenges in the country like Pakistan, but if everybody played his/her duty with honesty and diligence, the problems could be overcome.
He said that he had the honour of producing 25 PhDs and a number of M. Phil scholars who were contributing towards the good of the country adding that the research based higher studies were the only solution to the problems facing with the developing world. "The change in society would be possible only after we get rid of the social problems through knowledge based research, I believe", he said.
He cited an example of a blind scholar Sabir Michael who had done PhD under his supervision at Karachi University and later served in the United Nations in New York. "If a blind person like Dr Sabir can do PhD why not you?" Dr Burfat inquired. HEC director Muhammad Raza Chohan said that the quality education was the only source to move forward and ensure the re-structure of society, adding that the scholars will need to gain proficiency in the cutting-edge research trends to be able to effect positive change in society. Social scientist and professor of University of Malaysia Perlis Dr Zurairah Muhammad Zain underlined the need for facilitative public role and behaviour through kind conduct on the part of researchers. "Knowledge is not what people need alone; they need to be treated nicely to utilise research practically", she insisted.