SIVASAGAR, Sept 12 - Anjali Dutta Memorial lecture, organised by Sivasagar Press Club in association with Sivasagar Commerce College was delivered by noted psychologist and theatre personality Dr Jayanta Das and noted novelist Manikuntala Bhattacharjya in Sivasagar Commerce College auditorium today.
Speaking on �Trends in Contemporary Society and Future of the Youths�, Dr Jayanta Das said that there is no scope for subjects like mental health in our school curriculum despite WHO�s recommendations. The tendency to look down upon the youths is self destructing for our society. Society is perennially in flux and change is the normal rule and adaptation is key to homo sapiens� onward march to modern era. Humans have faced a kind of a crises to cope with the rapidity of the change. There was a revolution 70,000 years ago in cognitive sphere in humans and about 12, 000 years ago, the agriculture revolution took place and since the industrial revolution 500 years ago the pace of change is getting quicker. According to an estimate, 86 countries are above India in the Happiness Index and the change in behaviour is a matter of concern for us all. The computation power of computers far exceeds that of human brain which itself is composed of hundred billion neurons and trillions of interconnections. The futuristic scientists predict that exponential growth of technology will control our social and private lives. Artificial intelligence, the 4th industrial revolution and nanotechnology will control modes of production as well as value systems, he added. We must act concertedly to develop the mental health of each child and social capital, we must change our thoughts based on scientific education. There must be structural change in institutional educations, Dr Das said.
Delivering her speech, Manikuntala Bhattacharjya said that there are writers in Assamese because there are readers. She added that when the library of ancient Nalanda University was burnt down by marauders, it took six long months for the fire to decimate the books. There were readers who read those books. She said that today�s youths are not unruly but are energetic and talented. Hima Das, the latest sensation represents the extra energy the young generation possesses, she said.
Dr Saumerjyoti Mahanta, Principal, Sivasagar Commerce College presided over the meeting while Inamul Hazarika, secretary, Sivasagar Press Club spoke on the objectives.
Abhijit Baruah, DDC Sivasagar, inaugurated the meeting and Anup Dutta, s/o late Anjali Dutta and brother of former Minister Anjan Dutta, spoke as the guest of honour.
Abdul Zelil, IS, Sivasagar schools urged the students and teachers present to imbibe the morals of the speech from the distinguished guests. He said that there has been 10 per cent increase in pass percentage in the HSLC examinations and also improvements in non-scholastic areas in the district during the last year.
