352/2023-2024

Aizawl, 8th February 2024: The Departments of English, Mizo, Philosophy, and Education of Pachhunga University College (PUC) jointly organized an 'International Seminar on Social Media and Tribal Culture: Impact and Intersections' to discuss the influence of social media on tribal traditions. Pu C. Lalsawivunga, Art & Culture Minister graced the occasion held at PUC Seminar Hall as the Chief Guest.

In his address, the Art & Culture Minister Pu C. Lalsawivunga spoke about how the social media platforms are impacting on daily life and highlighted how they can be used effectively. He also suggested how the same platform of social media can be utilised effectively in the preservation of tribal culture in a developing world.

As he appreciated the achievements of the PUC to become the college among the top tier colleges in the whole India, he gave credits to everyone who is instrumental in this momentous achievement - the teachers, students and the staff. He lauded the PUC for its efforts in utilizing social media platforms like YouTube to promote and preserve tribal cultures, citing examples such as the Chhawkhlei Cultural Club's music videos. He also stressed the importance of preserving traditional cultures amidst the influence of globalized social media.

Pu C. Lalsawivunga also shared his appreciation for the efforts of the PUC in organizing various national and international seminars in different fields of study, contributing to intellectual discourse and knowledge exchange. He emphasized the significance of such events in fostering intellectual growth and collaboration among scholars and researchers.

On this occasion, he praised PUC for organizing the seminar on such a relevant and pressing topic on acknowledging its role in facilitating discussions and generating awareness. He also think that seminar on the impact of social media on tribal culture and society is a welcome development. He concluded his addressed wishing the seminar a grand success.

The programe was chaired by Dr. Henry Lalmawizuala, Convener & Head, Department of English, PUC, where Prof. H. Lalthanzara, Principal, PUC, addressed the participants. Prof. Margaret L Pachuau, Head, Department of English & Culture Studies, MZU gave the keynote address. Dr. Lalrintluangi, Co-Convener & Associate Professor, Department of Education, PUC, presented a report on the seminar proceedings.

The seminar will be witnessing participation of scholars and researchers from various institutions, including Oxford University, UK, Mauritius, Mumbai, and other parts of India, along with 36 local participants from Mizoram, who will be presenting papers on diverse aspects related to the seminar theme. The seminar will continue tomorrow.

Pachhunga University College has been actively organizing international seminars and conferences, with six such events to be organised in the current academic year alone, this is the second event of such kind. The college has gained recognition for its academic excellence, with an A+ accreditation and ranking 34th among colleges in India according to the NIRF 2023 rankings. With a sprawling campus spanning 122 hectares, the college offers 23 undergraduate departments, 5 postgraduate departments, and 2 Ph.D. programs. It currently has around 3,000 students, including 42 from other states and 3 international students, along with 60 Ph.D. scholars. The college boasts a faculty of 118 and a staff of 80.