Perspective | A Way to the Future

The article is a reflection inspired by the Perspective article “From a Simple Conversation to an EU-Funded Project”, written by Professor Mohammed Asaduzzaman of Islamic University, Bangladesh, and Dr Nasrin Jihan Jinia of Turku University of Applied Sciences, Finland.

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Nobody can see or realize the bricks used for the foundation of a building. Users are often satisfied with the facilities, and outsiders admire the architectural design and beauty. However, very few have the time to explore the unseen foundation—the measure of the time, energy, and effort required to lay the most basic part of construction.

Thanks to Professor Mohammed Assaduzzaman and Nasrin Jihan Jinia for unveiling these realities and bringing to light the unseen foundation of the RESHAPE Building structure. From the posts of Professor Asad and Jinia, we can imagine a tiny dot—an initial spark of inspiration or a single idea. From this humble beginning, a complex and beautiful image gradually emerges as the dot expands into lines, shapes, and colors. This process symbolizes how a simple thought or wish can grow into something vast and intricate through creativity and effort.

As the drawing unfolds, it forms an endless pathway—an adventure stretching into the future. This path represents the journey of exploration, discovery, and innovation that begins with a single step or idea. It’s a never-ending voyage where each new insight opens doors to new horizons, inspiring continuous growth and learning. Ultimately, this process illustrates that from a tiny dot—an initial idea or wish—great things can arise. With imagination and effort, a limitless universe of opportunities unfolds, guiding us on an infinite journey into the future. It’s a testament to the power of creativity to transform simple beginnings into extraordinary worlds.

Enormous thanks are also due to the other members of the founding team who were involved in laying the foundation of RESHAPE – Katja Heikkinen, Tuuli Lahti, Eeva Timonen-Kallio and others. Their efforts enabled us to share a warm and welcoming atmosphere in Turku, Gävle, and Laurea during the recent RESHAPE visit, fueled by hope, aspiration, dreams, and a commitment to creating synergy for reshaping our future toward the desired goal.

Author:

• Aka Firowz Ahmad, PhD, Professor of Public Administration & Syndicate Member, University of Dhaka , Bangladesh / Academic Advisor  & Syndicate Member, Stamford University Bangladesh.
  Email:  akafirowzahmad@gmail.com