Aizawl: Mizoram minister Lalnilawma on Thursday said the northeast’s cultural diversity and community strength could contribute significantly to the country’s development.He was speaking at the inauguration of a two-day national seminar, “Youth and Culture in Northeast India: Intersections and Perspectives”, jointly organised by Govt Aizawl North College and Christ University, Bengaluru.Lalnilawma said young people were reshaping cultural practices through music, fashion, literature, social media and civic engagement. He urged participants to examine how tradition could be preserved while adapting to technological, social and economic changes.He highlighted the potential of social media and artificial intelligence to support education, creativity, research and development, but cautioned against their misuse, including misinformation and digitally manipulated content. He stressed the need to equip young people to use such technologies responsibly and critically.The minister said the seminar’s success should be measured not only by academic output but also by its impact on young people’s attitudes, behaviour and understanding of their cultural heritage.Prof Kandarpa Das, vice-chancellor of Girijananda Chowdhury University, Assam, said young people should be viewed as active participants in shaping society. He called for greater attention to cultural identity, social inclusion, gender equality and youth mental health.In her keynote address, author, columnist and translator Mitra Phukan described culture as a living tradition that must evolve while retaining its historical roots. She highlighted the role of digital media, music, literature, fashion, tourism and creative industries in promoting the region’s diversity.The seminar will examine youth identity, tradition, globalisation, digital media, civic engagement and the socio-economic and psychological challenges facing young people in the northeast.
