Photo Courtesy: Fazl Ali College (FAC)
Mokokchung, March 11 (MExN): The Department of English, Fazl Ali College (FAC), Mokokchung organised Lit Colloquium V, the fifth instalment of its academic talk series, featuring a panel discussion on “From Chromosomes to Choice: Understanding Gender Today.”
The programme, held at the college conference hall at 12 pm on March 10, was organised as part of the department’s observance of International Women’s Day to encourage dialogue on how gender is understood and debated in contemporary society.
The session was chaired by Imkongtula, a sixth-semester student of the Department of English, who introduced the background of the Lit Colloquium series and the theme of the discussion. The panel discussion was moderated by Maonginla, Assistant Professor in the Department of English.
The panel featured Dr Watimongla Pongener, Associate Professor (Retd.) and former Head of the Department of English, FAC; S Imkongtiba Longkumer, Assistant Professor in the Department of Zoology, FAC; and Akangtemsu Yaden, Youth Director of MTBA Youth Ministry.
Speaking from a literary perspective, Dr Pongener highlighted the evolving representation of gender in literature. Referring to feminist thinkers such as Virginia Woolf and Simone de Beauvoir, she said contemporary literary discourse increasingly challenges traditional gender roles and explores gender as shaped by social, cultural and personal contexts. She also referred to concepts such as intersectionality and the growing representation of diverse identities, including LGBTQ+ voices, in modern literary works.
Presenting a scientific perspective, Longkumer discussed the biological foundations of sex, explaining the role of chromosomes in determining biological sex and outlining the genetic mechanisms associated with male and female biological characteristics. He also reflected on ongoing debates surrounding gender identity in wider society.
Akangtemsu Yaden offered a theological perspective based on biblical teachings, stating that humanity is created by God as male and female as part of divine design. He said the Bible emphasises the unity of the mind and body and described identity as something received rather than invented. He added that Christians are called to respond to contemporary debates with truth, humility and compassion.
The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session in which students and faculty members engaged with the panelists.
