Huddle on Campus faces the psychological challenges of the Internet era

Khaja Bandanawaz University Vice-Chancellor Ali Raza Moosvi delivered the Presidential Address during The Hindu Huddle on Campus at Kalaburagi on Tuesday. | Photo credit: ARUN KULKARNI

Hindu Huddle on Campus, the precursor to The Hindu Huddle – the Hindu Group’s flagship thought leadership conclave – scheduled for June 5 and 6 in Bengaluru, was held at the Anatomy Lecture Hall on the Khaja Bandanawaz University campus here on Tuesday.

Organized by the university in association with The Hindu, this interactive event brought together professionals, academics and students to address the growing psychological challenges of the Internet era.

In the presidential address, University Vice-Chancellor Ali Raza Moosvi, who was the chief guest, emphasized the vital need for platforms that enable young minds to stop, listen and actively discuss modern dilemmas.

Referring to The Argumentative Indian, authored by Nobel laureate in economics Amartya Sen, Professor Moosvi emphasized that the spirit of argumentation is inherent in every Indian.

“We believe that we have something to share with others, but in the last decade or so, this spirit has been ‘suffocated’ for various reasons,” noted Prof. Moosvi and emphasized the cultural necessity of intellectual exchange.

He clarified the institution’s motivation behind holding the event, saying that the reason for the university to participate in the meeting is not to gain publicity, but to help ensure that the spirit of the conversation remains alive.

He stressed that democratic dialogue must overcome ideological differences and stressed that people who disagree should at least talk to each other.

“We inherently have the spirit of argument and debate. It is part of our heritage, culture and history. We grew up debating. We thrived on constantly talking to each other. If that spirit dies, a part of India dies too and that should not be allowed,” he said.

Head of Events at The Hindu Group Vikram Murali elaborated on the structural plan and vision of the initiative, explaining that the Huddle on Campus series serves as a vital precursor to The Hindu Huddle, the publication’s acclaimed thought leadership flagship.

Mr. Murali noted that the campus edition is specially created to engage young minds through powerful discussions on multifaceted issues shaping society, education, politics, technology and mental health.

The Hindu Rishikesh Special Correspondent Bahadur Desai earlier spoke about the vital role that discussion and public discourse play in shaping human civilization and the collective thinking of mankind.

To underscore the historical and philosophical importance of conducting an open dialogue between minds, he drew extensively on the teachings of profound philosophers from around the world, including Aristotle, Gautama Buddha, and Basavanna.

Assistant Dean, Students Welfare, Geetanjali Jeevangi spoke about the process of selecting panelists for the discussion.

“In response to this remarkable opportunity, 27 enthusiastic and talented students from all faculties of the university applied to participate with unique perspectives and thought-provoking ideas. To ensure it was fair, meaningful and based on merit, the selection committee carefully evaluated each candidate on various parameters, including clarity of thought, articulation, confidence and depth of understanding, and selected six exceptional students,” she said.

Pro-Vice Chancellor Syed Ashfaq Ahmed, Registrar Mir Vilayat Ali, Dean Academics Zama Moosvi, Dean Student Welfare Anup Desai, Assistant Dean Student Welfare NM Maroof, IQAC Director and Controller of Examinations Abdul Baseer, Operations Manager The Hindu Group and others were present.

Published – 26 May 2026 19:59 IST