Watch the full video (above) of the panel discussion between Dr Sunil Abraham, Osama Manzar and Yamini Aiyar, chaired by Ambassador Shyam Saran, as part of the ‘Metamorphoses-Talking Technology’ series.

The aim of the discussion is to explore how advances in technology are impacting social interactions and human behaviour particularly in a country with strong traditions and deeply ingrained patterns of thinking. Digital technologies carry the promise of democratising societies, empowering marginalised sections of society and opening up new opportunities for women. However, there are also certain negative aspects to the use of these technologies that may strain the social fabric and even undermine the institutions and processes of a democratic state.

Dr Sunil Abraham is Vice-President at Mozilla Foundation.

Osama Manzar is Founder and Director of Digital Empowerment Foundation.

Yamini Aiyar is President and Chief Executive at Centre for Policy Research.

Ambassador Shyam Saran is Life Trustee at India International Centre and former Foreign Secretary.

Metamorphoses is a modest effort to try and bridge the gap between digital technologies, which are transforming our lives, and our understanding of their multiple dimensions. The series is a joint initiative between NITI Aayog (the Government of India’s think tank), India International Centre (IIC) and Centre for Policy Research (CPR).

Access the other Metamorphoses sessions below:

• Metamorphoses: Keynote
• Metamorphoses: Second Panel Discussion on ‘Future of Governance’
• Metamorphoses: Special Interaction on ‘Leading Digital Transformation and Innovation’
• Metamorphoses: Third Panel Discussion on ‘Vocabulary of the Digital’
• Metamorphoses: Special Interaction on ‘Beyond Techno-Narcissism- Self and Other in the Internet Public Realm