Participants pose for a photo during the launch of ‘Campus Talks’ at Nagaland University, Kohima Campus on November 13.
Kohima, November 15 (MExN): Nagaland University’s Kohima Campus at Meriema has launched a new initiative, ‘Campus Talks’, to promote intellectual exchange and provide students with opportunities to learn beyond the classroom.
Envisioned as a monthly programme to be organised on a rotational basis across university hostels, the platform seeks to bring experienced individuals and experts from diverse fields to interact with students and broaden their understanding of contemporary issues.
The inaugural session was held on October 30 at Shilloi Women’s Hostel, with Pro Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University’s Kohima Campus, Prof N Venuh, as the inaugural speaker. The session witnessed the participation of over 130 people.
Prof Lungsang Zeliang, Dean of Humanities and Education and Academic Advisor to Campus Talks, outlined the vision behind the initiative, describing it as a platform for meaningful discussions among teachers, students and scholars.
She said the university had approved the initiative following a series of discussions and expressed hope that it would expand into larger engagements, bring experts from outside the campus and broaden students’ understanding of multidisciplinary issues.
Zeliang also highlighted the initiative as a means of giving back to society, with speakers sharing their knowledge without any honorarium.
Addressing the inaugural session, Venuh encouraged students to remain inquisitive and develop a deeper understanding of events and issues around them.
Drawing on his experiences as a human rights activist, he spoke on various subjects, including Naga history and political concerns, colonialism, contemporary world affairs and the importance of understanding one's rights.
He also discussed the growing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), observing that while it was a useful tool, people should not become controlled by or overly dependent on it.
The second session was held on November 13 at Pauna Men's Hostel, with Prof Sujata Dash, Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology, Nagaland University, Kohima Campus, as the speaker. It was attended by over 80 participants.
Speaking on the topic, “AI for Everyone: Transforming Ideas into Innovation and Opportunities for the Future,” Dash discussed the growing relevance of Artificial Intelligence and its potential to transform ideas into practical applications and future opportunities.
The discussion also highlighted the need to understand and adapt to emerging technologies while maintaining human judgement and control over their use.
The session was followed by an interactive exchange, allowing students to raise questions and engage directly with the speaker.
Miller, Convenor of Campus Talks, said the initiative aimed to bring eminent individuals from different fields to the university to engage with students on contemporary and social concerns.
He emphasised the importance of extending academic learning beyond the classroom through critical thinking, intellectual exchange and meaningful conversations.
