New Lecture Series at UB Enhances Awareness of Current Events in India.

UB Strengthens Ties with India Through Innovative Research and Educational Initiatives

Joyojeet Pal, a scholar at the University of Michigan, will deliver the first annual Motil Lal and Kamla Rustgi Lecture on India. The topic of the speech is “Technopopulism and the Assault on Indian Democracy” at 4 p.m. on October 17 in the Screening Room, 112 Center for the Arts on North Campus. This event is free and open to everyone.

The inaugural speaker, Pal, is an associate professor of information at the University of Michigan, his research centers on the intersection of technology with democracy and labor, particularly examining the influence of social media in Indian politics and the dynamics of misinformation networks online. He is also a PhD holder in City and Regional Planning, as well as has a master’s degree in Asian Studies and Information Management and Systems, all from the University of California, Berkeley.

This new lecture series was made possible by a generous gift from Vinod and Anil Rustgi to the University at Buffalo’s Asia Research Institute, which was presented in honor of their parents. The Rustgi family also supported the Moti Lal Rustgi Memorial Lecture Series in physics, celebrating their father’s legacy as a beloved teacher and researcher at UB from 1966 to 1992. Additionally, they initiated an undergraduate conference on South Asia in 2017, making UB the only U.S. university to host an annual conference focused specifically on South Asia for undergraduates.

The series aims to enhance awareness of current events in India, which holds significant importance to UB. With a vibrant community of students, faculty, and researchers from India, UB is a leader among U.S. universities in fostering connections with the country. The university is also collaborating with prominent institutions in India, including several IITs, to tackle some of the world’s most pressing technological challenges.

In his upcoming lecture, Pal plans to explore the concept of technocracy, which focuses on rational and efficient policymaking and administration as a foundation for political legitimacy. His research indicates that technology, especially digital advancements and their modern terminology has been framed as a tool for improving governance and has been leveraged to enhance the appeal of charismatic leaders in India over the last three decades. For further details about the Moti Lal and Kamla Rustgi Lecture on India or other initiatives from the Asia Research Institute, interested individuals can reach out to the institute via email at asiainstitute@buffalo.edu or by calling (716) 645-2580.

Editor's Note:

It is an exciting opportunity that the inaugural Moti Lal and Kamla Rustgi Lecture on India, is going to be presented by esteemed scholar Joyojeet Pal from the University of Michigan. This lecture series aims to deepen understanding of contemporary issues in India, reflecting the University at Buffalo's commitment to fostering international dialogue and research collaboration. Joyojeet Pal's expertise is the intersection of technology, democracy, and politics and promises to offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that India is facing today. His research delves into the impact of social media on political discourse, the dynamics of misinformation, and the role of technology in shaping governance. As India navigates complex socio-political landscapes, understanding these elements becomes increasingly crucial. This lecture series not only seeks to enhance awareness of current events in India but also aims to strengthen the connections between UB and the Indian community, which includes students, faculty, and researchers. 

Skoobuzz invites all to join this insightful discussion on the intersection of technology, democracy, and politics in India.