The Durban University of Technology will host a public lecture by Dr Rajesh Tandon, UNESCO Co-Chair on Community-Based Research and Social Responsibility in Higher Education.

The internationally acclaimed leader and practitioner of participatory research and development will address the DUT Community on Tuesday evening (17H45), 30 May 2017 at the Hotel School conference centre. Dr Tandon is the founder of the Society for Participatory research in Asia (PRIA), a voluntary organisation providing support to grassroots initiatives in South Asia and continues to be its Chief Functionary since 1982. He was appointed as UNESCO Co-Chair on Community-based Research and Social Responsibility in Higher Education for two terms (2012-2016 and 2016-2020)

In his lecture, Dr Tandon will talk about “University-Civil Society Relations: Partnership of Respect?” The pioneer of participatory research will use his vast experience in engaging the DUT Community on this subject. Dr Tandon has given a new meaning to academic research by redefining the relationship between the researcher and the researched. His extensive research background has seen him champion the cause of building organisations and capacities of the marginalised through their knowledge, learning and empowerment. He has contributed to the emergence of several local, national and international groups and initiatives to promote an authentic and participatory development of societies.

Dr Tandon has been honoured for his excellent work, by the likes of the Government of India and the University of Victoria. The lecture will consist of open discussions and the participants will be allowed to engage with each other on the topic of the lecture.

All those interested to attend the lecture by Dr Tandon are urged to make sure they send their names by no later than Friday, 26 March 2017. Names must be emailed to KristenaD@dut.ac.za

Pictured: Dr Rajesh Tandon. (Picture taken from: http://www.rgukt.ac.in/convocation2016.html )

Noxolo Memela