Unveiling the Soul of Our Era: Patkai’s Captivating Jubilee Lecture on Forests, Culture, and AI

Contemporary Issues Explored at Patkai Christian College’s Golden Jubilee Lecture

Patkai Christian College (Autonomous) celebrated its Golden Jubilee Lecture on August 10, exploring pivotal contemporary issues shaping the world through three interconnected themes: human interaction with forests, multiculturalism in Northeast India, and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI).

Naga anthropologist and Patkai alumnus Dolly Kikon presented her documentary, “Abundance: Living with a Forest (2024).” The film delves into foraging, forest life, and jhum cultivation in Nagaland, practices on which 60% of the state’s population depends. Kikon emphasized that foraging ties traditional knowledge to the forest and raised concerns about rapid development—such as monocropping, mining, and infrastructure—that threaten this connection. She urged the creation of stronger communities that embrace unique heritage and ancestral wisdom.

Associate Professor Sanjay Barbora from the University of California, Santa Cruz, addressed “Multiculturalism, Values, and Solidarity: Education and Coming-of-Age in Northeast India.” He explored how educational institutions nurture values in a multicultural context and challenged the notion that migration harms cultural diversity, asserting that learning new languages and cultures fosters prosperity. Barbora highlighted the vital role of institutions in fostering inclusivity and noted that while revolutionary ideas are difficult to implement, they are crucial for challenging the status quo.

The lecture on AI titled “AI in Action: From Canvas to Commerce to Cosmos,” presented by Data Science Engineer Hamish D’Souza from Pier Sight Space, traced the historical evolution of AI from its origins in the 1940s to its modern applications. D’Souza emphasized using AI as a tool rather than a master and addressed various concerns about its growing influence.

The event offered attendees profound insights into the intricate relationships between humans, nature, culture, and technology, urging a balanced approach to development and inclusivity.

Original Story https://www.morungexpress.com/from-forest-to-culture-to-ai-patkais-jubilee-lecture-explores-the-contemporary-zeitgeist
Category : Nagaland
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