New digital media centre strengthens journalism education at Osmania University

The Sarwat Hussain Digital Media Centre at Osmania University is equipped with Rs. 20 lakh worth of donated digital production equipment, honouring alumnus Sarwat Hussain and strengthening journalism education.

Hyderabad: The Sarwat Hussain Digital Media Centre at the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Arts college on OU campus, has been equipped with state-of-the-art digital media production facilities, including two high-end cameras and a customised Apple Studio computer system.

The equipment, valued at nearly Rs. 20 lakh, has been donated by Vidya Bhandarker in memory of her late husband, Sarwat Hussain, an alumnus of the department.

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Hussain pursued his Bachelor of Communication and Journalism (BCJ) and Master of Communication and Journalism (MCJ) at the department between 1987 and 1989. He began his professional career at ICRISAT before joining the World Bank in 1992. Over the next 25 years, he rose through the ranks in the World Bank’s communications department and retired in 2017 from its headquarters in Washington, D.C.

During his visits to India, Hussain regularly visited the department and contributed to its library by donating books, including the World Development Report and The Economist Style Guide.

Bhandarker said the two years Hussain spent at the department played a crucial role in shaping his professional journey. “It was the BCJ and MCJ degrees that gave him the wings to fly for the next 25 years,” she said.

Explaining the decision to donate the equipment, she said alumni in the United States have a strong tradition of giving back to their alma mater. “We felt this culture of giving back should also be replicated by Osmania University graduates,” she added.