Mangaluru, Jan 8: The Philosophical English Academy of St Joseph’s Institute of Philosophy (SJIP), in collaboration with the Chair in Christianity, (CIC), organized an inspiring and thought-provoking lecture on “Being Human in a Digital Age: Mind, Morality, and Public Life” on Thursday, January 8, at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore. Dr P. V. Bhandary, D.P.M., D.N.B., a renowned psychiatrist, delivered the keynote address, offering deep insights into the psychological, moral, and social challenges faced by individuals in the digital era. The session was moderated by Rev. Dr Sunil D’Souza, Head of the Chair in Christianity, Mangalore University.

The event commenced with a prayer, invoking divine guidance and blessings, followed by the recitation of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution. This was followed by the presentation of a video. Austin Vas, the student coordinator of the academy, then extended a warm welcome to the guests and the gathering.

Dr. P. V. Bhandary conducted an insightful and thought-provoking session on Being Human in a Digital Age, focusing on mind, morality, and public life. He sensitized the audience to the growing influence of digital technology on modern human life, especially its impact on the human mind. He explained how continuous digital exposure affects brain plasticity and leads to constant stimulation, gradually reducing the capacity for deep focus and reflection.

Highlighting the changing priorities in the digital era, Dr. P. V. Bhandary spoke about the idea that “data is the new oil” and warned against the rise of various digital addictions. He drew attention to issues such as nomophobia, the fear of being without a mobile phone, and the fear of missing out. He observed that people today often tend to believe what becomes viral rather than what is valid, posing serious challenges to moral judgement and responsible public life.

Dr. P. V. Bhandary stressed the importance of consciously shaping the self by cultivating attention and inner discipline. He encouraged practices such as prayer, silence, and deep listening as means to regain balance in a fast-paced digital world. Emphasizing the value of authentic human relationships, he called for strengthening real social connections over superficial digital friendships, reminding the audience of the need to remain truly human in an increasingly digital age.

The session concluded with an engaging interaction, during which participants actively raised questions and shared reflections with the speaker. Rev. Dr Sunil D’Souza, the moderator, offered the concluding remarks, succinctly highlighting the key insights of the discussion. The event witnessed the active presence of Rev. Dr Rajesh Rosario, Rector of the Seminary; Rev. Dr Ivan D’Souza, Director of SJIP; along with staff and students of St Joseph’s Institutes of Philosophy and Theology, and brothers, sisters, and lay participants from nearby institutions.

Joyal Crasta a student of philosophy, delivered the vote of thanks then the programme ended with the singing of the Seminary anthem. The event was smoothly compered by Denson D’Silva, a student of philosophy.

A distinctive feature of the Academy’s activities leading up to this session was the presentation of research papers by philosophy students on contemporary philosophical and societal concerns. These monthly presentations included:

Team Ethos: A Philosophical Analysis on Gender Performance in the Feminism of Judith Butler;

Team Logos: Nature, Women, and Resistance: Ecofeminist Philosophical Insights from Vandana Shiva’s Staying Alive;

 Team Kairos: A Feministic View of Abjection in Religion, Culture and Society According to Julia Kristeva;

Team Pathos: Re-reading Simone de Beauvoir’s Writings on Gender Equality;

Team Mythos: The Invention of Women: Reimagining Gender through the Yoruba Perspective.

This initiative highlights SJIP’s emphasis on integrating academic inquiry with real-world relevance. By encouraging students to critically engage with philosophical thought and contemporary issues, the Academy nurtures intellectual depth, social awareness, and leadership qualities essential for today’s changing world.