Graduate Resource Center
Session title: IVLP Reflections: Connecting Cultures, Building Bridges
Date: Jan 11, 2024 at 10:40 AM Asia/Karachi
Venue: Seminar Hall 132 - Academic Block
Participants
Diverse participants including the faculty members, graduate and post graduate students from different institute and departments attend the session.
- Dr. Asif Ali - T.I. (Vice Chancellor)
- Dr. M. Hammad Nadeem Tahir (Director IPBB)
- Dr. Junaid Ali Khan (Principal Officer ORIC)
- Muhammad Asaf Khan (Resource Person)
- Shoaib-Ur-Rehman (In-charge, GRC)
Introduction
The Graduate Resource Center organized a session on “IVLP Reflections: Connecting Cultures, Building Bridges” on 11 January 2024 at Seminar Hall 132-Academic block. The session hosted by Ms. Saira Fatima commenced with a soulful recitation by Mr. Hamza Hasnain. The permission to being the session was graciously granted by honorable Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Asif Ali - T.I. The purpose of this report is to reflect on the key discussions, insights, and outcomes of the session.
Speaker and Title
Dr. Muhammad Asaf Khan, currently serving as Associate Professor at the Institute of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, MNSUAM, was the distinguished speaker for the session. He recently visited United States of America. GRC platform invited him to present his experience about his recent visit to U.S just to broaden the exposure of our students. His expertise added depth to the discussions on connecting cultures and building bridges.
Agenda and Objective
The primary objective of the session was to explore the effective ways of promote cross cultural connections, understanding the importance of building bridges between communities and identifying actionable strategies to promote the global production.
Overview
Dr. Asaf Khan commenced his IVLP journey with a visit to the nation's capital, Washington DC, a city steeped in history and cultural significance. The subsequent destinations—Bozeman, Montana; Phoenix, Arizona; and Tulsa, Oklahoma—represented a diverse cross-section of American life, each offering unique perspectives on culture, innovation, and community engagement.
Key insights from each state:
Washington, DC
- Asaf Khan highlighted the enriching experience of visiting the Washington, DC. He meets with diverse stakeholders to gather input on trade issues and discuss the President's trade policy positions.
- The discussion revolved around the trade agreements, trade policy, farmer service agency, industry challenges and funds required to conduct a project.
Bozeman, Montana
- Asaf Khan visited different places there i.e. livestock farms, agricultural farms, Montana state university and the museum of the Rockies.
Phoenix, Arizona
- The visit to Phoenix, Arizona, brought attention to the dynamic aspects of the American Southwest. Dr. Asaf Khan discussed the intersection of diverse cultures, economic development, and the role of education in promoting cross-cultural understanding.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Tulsa presented a rich cultural landscape, with a focus on arts, entrepreneurship, and community resilience. Tulsa is oil capital state.
Conclusion
Dr. Asaf Khan also highlighted different aspects that he noticed during his visit. These aspects included, large farm Holding across the US, Community culture, Co-Op stores, bakers etc. Well educated, trained, active, aware farmer/Farmer unions. Agriculture related project is jointly funded by Fed/State Govt., Farmer unions, Private Companies etc. GMO varieties all around. Expensive Labour at farm and the Integrated Universities, Agriculture Extension and Farmer Unions.
Recommendation
Dr. Asaf Khan concluded by recommending continued collaboration between institutions, fostering cultural exchange programs, and establishing channels for ongoing dialogue. He proposed the development of initiatives that leverage the strengths of each visited state to create a more interconnected global community.
Concluding remarks by Vice Chancellor, MNSUAM
The session concluded with closing remarks from the worthy Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Asif Ali - T.I. He appreciated the presentation of Dr. M Asaf Khan. The V.C. recommended continued collaboration between institutions, promoting cultural exchange programs, and establishing channels for ongoing dialogue.
