Technology Vision 2035 document

Technology-guided cultural practices enrich the existing cultural diversity of the nation and do not replace it, states the document prepared by country’s technology think-tank TIFAC.

Against the backdrop of “intolerance” debate in the country, the Technology Vision 2035 document released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi says people should be “especially vigilant” that no one culture is able to dominate others.

Stating that diversity in culture and languages is a key defining feature of India, the Technology Vision 2035 prepared by the country’s technology think-tank also said that caution has to be exercised to ensure that technology-guided cultural practices enrich the existing cultural diversity of the nation and do not replace it.

“Diversity in culture and languages are a key defining feature of India. These are at the very core of India’s existence and are its very soul, giving our country its various hues of differences and harmony and making us a vibrant nation,” said the document prepared by Technology Information, Forecasting & Assessment Council (TIFAC), an autonomous organisation under the Department of Science and Technology.

Stating that vision for India in 2035 cannot be complete without envisaging how this core aspiration-expectation would influence or be shaped by the realities of that time, it said regarding cultural diversity and vibrancy, we would like India to be “as advanced as possible technologically and as rooted as possible culturally.

“Cultural diversity and vibrancy is one among the twelve prerogatives that should be available to each and every Indian,” said the vision document released by Mr. Modi at the inaugural session of the 103rd Indian Science Congress in Mysuru on Sunday.

It also said ensuring the attainment of these prerogatives is the core of our technology vision for India.

Noting that cultural practices have very strong tendencies to influence us, it said, more often than not these influences are subtle and hidden and this is where the power of cultural practices truly lies.

“We need to be especially vigilant that no one culture is able to dominate others. Ever since the invention of the printing press, the advancement of technology in society has tended to promote monocultures.”

“Caution has to be exercised to ensure that technology guided cultural practices enrich the existing cultural diversity of the nation and do not replace it,” it said.

However, given the right direction, technology could help us in preserving and enhancing the rich cultural diversity of India.

Properly deployed, cultural diversity is a national asset and power multiplier, it added.