The Unyielding Heart of Art: When Humanity Takes the Stage Against Tech's Tide

In a world increasingly shaped by algorithms and the relentless hum of innovation, a profoundly human question recently took center stage at The Assam Tribune Dialogue 2025. It was a fascinating, often passionate, gathering, bringing together brilliant minds under the weighty theme of 'Reshaping Tomorrow: Dialogue on Innovation, Ethics, and Humanity.' But for one particular session, the focus sharpened, zeroing in on the very soul of creativity: 'Art for Humanity or Art for Tech: The Creative Conundrum.' And honestly, you could feel the tension, the urgent need for a conversation that felt, well, truly human.

It's easy, isn't it, to get swept up in the glittering promises of technology? AI-generated art, virtual realities, digital performances – they all offer new vistas. Yet, as the speakers eloquently, and sometimes quite forcefully, reminded us, there's a vital distinction to be made. Dr. Ranjit Deuri, an academician and cultural activist whose words carry a significant weight, didn't mince his. He posited that art, in its purest form, must elevate human values. It should, he believes, transcend mere material gain, acting instead as a mirror, a vital reflection of our ever-evolving society. And here's the kicker, the point that truly resonated: Dr. Deuri expressed genuine concern that technology might, just might, be creeping in to replace the very human hand that crafts these profound expressions.

Then came the graceful, yet powerful, voice of Ms. Manju Baruah, a classical dancer who understands deeply the intricate language of movement and emotion. Her argument, beautifully articulated, was that art's fundamental purpose is to touch the human heart, to forge those intangible yet incredibly strong emotional connections. She spoke of digital performances, acknowledging their reach, but lamented, with a certain sadness perhaps, their inherent lack of that immediate, irreplaceable human touch. Yes, she conceded, technology can be a powerful instrument; it can enhance, it can disseminate. But, and this is crucial, it should never, ever become the artist itself, replacing the unique, imperfect, beautiful expression that only a human can offer.

Filmmaker and critic Mr. Raktim Kashyap added another layer to this rich tapestry of thought, reminding us that cinema, like any art, serves as a profound reflection of society. Technology, he noted, can undeniably aid the cinematic process – better visuals, more immersive sounds, innovative storytelling tools. But it shouldn't, he insisted, dictate the narrative, the very heartbeat of the film. His worries about artificial intelligence taking over scriptwriting or even directing duties weren't unfounded; they echoed a broader anxiety about maintaining the integrity of human-led storytelling. And journalist Mr. Kandarpa Kalita, ever the astute observer, reinforced this notion, reiterating that art, at its core, is a reflection of life itself, a vessel for the boundless spectrum of human experience.

The conversation, expertly guided by moderator Ms. Samudra Gupta Kashyap, circled back repeatedly to one undeniable truth: the primary, undeniable purpose of art is to serve humanity. It's about our emotions, our shared values, our collective consciousness. Technology, for all its dazzling capabilities, should remain a tool, a subservient assistant to the creative impulse, rather than a dominant force seeking to usurp the very essence of human artistry. There was a palpable sense in the room that evening – a collective affirmation, if you will – that the soul of art must remain firmly rooted in the intricate, messy, glorious experience of being human. And for once, in this tech-saturated era, that felt like a genuinely refreshing, even necessary, declaration.