Professor Saeed Masood Usmani’s latest work, FM Radio, the State and Cultural Transformation, turns the pages back to 1965—a time when the dissemination of news depended largely on radio and newspapers. FM radio, he reminds us, was a solitary voice meant for private listening, one that eased loneliness rather than amplifying it. Even in 1971, access to the latest news remained possible only through these channels. Radio, in one form or another, is still with us today. Its relevance was neither diminished yesterday nor has it faded in the age of the mobile phone. FM radio continues to enjoy the same popularity among the public as it once did.
These views were expressed by senior journalist and chief guest of the ceremony, Dr. Tauseef Ahmed Khan, while addressing the book launch of Dr. Saeed Masood Usmani’s FM Radio, the State and Cultural Transformation—an analytical study of the popularity of FM radio broadcasts and listenership in Karachi—held yesterday at the Karachi Press Club.
The event commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran by former Joint Secretary of the Karachi Press Club, Muhammad Munsif. Speaking on the occasion, the author Dr. Saeed Masood Usmani recalled that after completing his engineering education and meeting Professor Dr. Tauseef Ahmed Khan, the latter recognised his academic curiosity and encouraged him to pursue further studies, remarking that he possessed considerable potential and should undertake a PhD. Despite initial hesitation, he devoted himself fully to education and completed his doctorate. He expressed his gratitude to Dr. Tauseef Ahmed Khan, Dr. Irfan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Dr. Saifullah Khan and Aziz Sanghar, whose support made this journey possible.
Dr. Irfan noted that witnessing Saeed Usmani’s love for learning at this stage of life was deeply heartening and served as a reminder that there is no age limit to acquiring knowledge. One should continue learning regardless of years. He added that a distinctive feature of this research was its discussion of the transgender community—a subject often overlooked. Radio, he said, has played and will continue to play an important role in our lives, and this research also brings critical social issues into focus.
Renowned scholar Dr. Jafar Ahmed expressed his pleasure at seeing such a comprehensive book written on a complex subject, observing that it would prove highly useful and informative for new PhD scholars, opening fresh intellectual pathways for them. He suggested that the book should also be published in English. Munazza Siddiqui remarked that radio is a medium that enhances the beauty of language, allowing people to hear and learn its sweetness. She added that during the era of FM radio, public thinking and awareness were more refined, and that FM radio played a significant role in taking information to rural areas as well.
Presiding over the ceremony, eminent intellectual Mahmood Laiq congratulated Dr. Saeed Usmani on producing such a valuable, informative and research-driven book. Elaborating on the importance and utility of radio, he noted that its advent not only ushered in economic change but also guided public opinion. Reflecting in detail on various phases of the author’s life, he observed that Usmani had shown an inclination towards social work from an early age, with his parents accompanying him throughout this journey.
The proceedings were conducted with notable finesse by Farwa Hasan. A large number of journalists, academics and literary figures attended the event, including Professor Anees Zaidi, noted social and literary figure Hasan Imam Siddiqui, Dr. Saifullah Khan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Aziz Sanghar, Suhail Sangi, KUJ President Tahir Hasan, Wasi Qureshi, Athar Javed Sufi, Professor Burjis Zahra, Nasir Ahmed, London-based newscaster and renowned naat reciter Syed Muhammad Iqbal, Farooq Arshi, Advocate Haroonullah Khan, Advocate Khalil Qureshi, Fareeha Aqib, Hina Aslam, Raziya Sultana, Athar Iqbal, Chughtai, Javed Waraich, Rehan Mahmood Khan, Asif Ahmed Khan, Muhammad Adnan Khan, Rustam Ali, Abdul Basit, Muhammad Aamir Siddiqui and many others.
Dr. Saeed Usmani signed copies of the purchased books, while at the conclusion of the ceremony, speakers were presented with complimentary copies. The event ended with a group photograph.
(Rehan Mahmood Khan)
Member, Karachi Press Club
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