Godrej Lit Live! recently kicked off its inaugural session titled ‘For The Love of The Word’. This event took place in Mumbai and drew a substantial audience eager to engage with its theme. Nadir Godrej opened the session with a poetic tribute to Anil Dharker, the founder of the Mumbai Lit Fest.
Key Discussion Themes
- Truth
- Trust
- Testimony
Exploring Truth in Different Contexts
The panel discussion centered around three significant themes. Nobel laureate Venki Ramakrishnan led the conversation on truth. He noted that science often starts from a vague idea, evolving towards consensus over time. “Truth is provisional until new evidence emerges,” he stated, emphasizing the nature of scientific inquiry.
Christian Stoecker, a course director from Hamburg University, added that the concept of truth is often undermined by those who challenge its very existence. Sri Lankan author Shehan Karunatilaka humorously remarked on the paradox of truth in his previous career in advertising, questioning the authenticity of various narratives, especially regarding public health discussions.
The Role of Trust
The next focal point was trust. Karunatilaka illustrated how personal connections shape perceptions of truth, especially in critical situations like a pandemic. He referred to the youth-led Aragalaya uprising in Sri Lanka in 2022, explaining how their shared beliefs propelled action.
Stoecker echoed this by highlighting the existence of conspiracy theories that erode trust. He stressed the importance of identifying evidence while building a foundation of trust within society, despite conflicting narratives.
The Changing Nature of Testimony
The final topic addressed the evolving concept of testimony and evidence. Karunatilaka questioned the validity of photographic evidence in today’s context, citing the famous Napalm Girl photo from the Vietnam War. Stoecker remarked on the nature of modern information being curated for engagement rather than truth. He noted that while misinformation has been prevalent, AI has significantly reduced the costs associated with spreading disinformation.
Ramakrishnan concluded the discussion by reinforcing the idea that while truth in science may be complex, it is singular. He differentiated it from the diverse interpretations seen in the humanities.
Conclusion
Anish Gawande, the session moderator, effectively bridged the conversation’s threads, leaving the audience with thoughts on the intricate relationship between truth, trust, and testimony. This inaugural session laid a promising foundation for Godrej Lit Live!, encouraging further exploration of language, literature, and the intricacies of communication in the modern world.
