At the outset I would like to express the deep sense of gratitude and honour I feel at being invited to speak at the annual Professor Bashiruddin Memorial Lecture organised by Dr BR Ambedkar Open University. Bashir saab had a deep impact on this university. And he had a deeper and longer association with the Department of Communication and Journalism of Osmania University, where I was recruited during his tenure and served the department for nearly 28 years. He shaped the future of the department in a substantive way, and in the process shaped us as professionals in remarkable ways. I am indeed grateful to be here amongst you today to celebrate his memory.