‘Adapt to changing dynamics and embrace societal diversity proactively to ensure progress’
Margao: Noted scientist and son of the soil Dr Anil Kakodkar on Wednesday said that institutions in Goa have played a crucial role in transforming and maintaining the health of society, emphasising the need to recognise their value and preserve them.
Speaking at the inauguration of the centenary celebration of former Margao MLA and leader of the masses or ‘Loknayak’ Anant ‘Babu’ Narcinva Naik in Margao, he said, “There are qualitative institutions in Goa and a lot of them have cultural, religious traditions, which help different segments of the society to progress.”
“These institutions serve as pillars of the society by providing stability through established ethos and tradition and play a crucial role, driving a positive societal change. These institutions must be preserved,” he said.
Dr Kakodkar said that strong institutions are necessary to help the society navigate rapid transformation effectively. “Politicians may come and go, but institutions remain constant, therefore, these institutions need to be preserved,” he said.
Addressing societal change and diversity, he said that society must adapt to change while managing diversity challenges. “Fast changing societal dynamics require individuals to adapt and embrace change proactively,” Dr Kakodkar said. Stating that change is accelerating, he urged people to adopt it to benefit from its positives and mitigate the negatives.
He further said that rapid technological and societal shifts require continuous learning to distinguish good from bad and to preserve heritage. “There are growing concerns about how powerful artificial intelligence (AI) may become and how it will affect human behaviour. Artificial intelligence shapes human behaviour,” he said, emphasising the impact of AI on humanity.
Chairman of the Anant ‘Babu’ Narcinva Naik Centenary Celebration Committee, Shrinivas Dempo, in his welcome address, expressed joy at leading the event. He highlighted a deep family bond, noting that his grandfather and father had led Anant ‘Babu’ Naik’s 60th and 70th birthday celebration committees. He praised the late leader for his fair politics and strong assembly speeches, which gained him the title of leader of the masses.
“The Dempo and Naik families share a deep, long-standing history of mutual affection and ties across three generations,” Dempo said, expressing pride in carrying forward the family tradition by heading the current centenary committee.
A documentary titled ‘Loknayak’ was released and screened for the audience on the occasion. Vishal Poi Cacodo proposed the vote of thanks.
