GC University Lahore has successfully concluded its annual “Creative Practice as Research Symposium”, an event that has become a cornerstone for academic and civic engagement since its inception in 2023. Spearheaded by Assistant Professor Sameer Ahmed, the symposium serves as the showcase for the university’s “Practice as Research” course in English Literature, where students utilise memoir, poetry, and performance to investigate and intervene in pressing real-world issues.
Bridging Academia and Community
The event, which bridges the gap between the university and the public, is intended to draw industry leaders, area experts, and NGO representatives. By presenting capstone projects to this panel of stakeholders, students move their academic research into the realm of practical community application.
Lahore in Four Acts
Addressing the environmental degradation of the city through sprawling housing societies, a student collective presented “Lahore in Four Acts.” Through performance and live commentary, Masroor Ahmed, Farhan Aslam, Saqib Awar, Soofia Ahmed, Roshanay Pasha and others explored the complexities of rapid urbanisation, deforestation, and land-grabbing.
Narrative Therapy for New Mothers
In a move to improve public health outcomes, Taha Furqan, Huzaifa Awan, and Amna Sana collaborated with local maternity clinics to launch a narrative therapy initiative. Their work provides a structured creative outlet for new mothers, specifically designed to address the challenges of postpartum depression.
Redefining Disability Perception
Finally, the symposium featured a project by Ayesha Tahir, Khadija Nadeem, and Usama Abdullah that sought to redefine the perception of disability. By designing bespoke air cuffs, the team aimed to transform auditory aids from symbols of stigma into instruments of personal aesthetic choice, effectively working to bolster user confidence and social integration.
