As part of International Women’s Day, Fazl Ali College holds Lit Colloquium and panel discussion.
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DIMAPUR — The English department of Fazl Ali College (FAC), Mokokchung, has organised the Lit Colloquium V with a panel discussion titled “From chromosomes to choice: Understanding gender today” on March 10.
An update from the college stated that the programme was organised as part of the department’s observance of International Women’s Day with an aim to encourage thoughtful dialogue on how gender is understood and debated in contemporary society.
The chairperson, Imkongtula, a sixth-semester student of English department, introduced the background of the Lit Colloquium series and the theme of the discussion, while the panel discussion was moderated by Maonginla, assistant professor of English.
The panel discussion featured Dr. Watimongla Pongener, associate professor (retired) and former head of English department at FAC; S Imkongtiba Longkumer, assistant professor of Zoology department at FAC; and Akangtemsu Yaden, youth director of MTBA youth ministry.
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It stated that Dr. Watimongla spoke from a literary perspective, highlighting the evolving ways in which gender has been represented and interpreted in literature. Referring to feminist thinkers such as Virginia Woolf and Simone de Beauvoir, she discussed how contemporary literary discourse increasingly challenges traditional gender roles and explores gender as shaped by social, cultural and personal contexts.
She also referred to concepts such as ‘Inter-sectionality’ and the growing representation of diverse identities, including LGBTQ+ voices in modern literary works.
Speaking from a scientific standpoint, S Imkongtiba addressed the biological foundations of sex. Introducing the role of chromosomes in determining biological sex, he explained the scientific framework through which sex is traditionally understood in biology.
Highlighting the importance of scientific clarity, he outlined the genetic mechanisms associated with male and female biological characteristics and reflected on ongoing debates surrounding gender identity within wider society.
Meanwhile, Akangtemsu offered a theological perspective, drawing on biblical teachings. He presented three core ideas: firstly, that humanity is created by God as male and female as part of divine design; secondly, that the Bible does not draw a strict separation between the mind and the physical body, emphasising the unity of human identity; and thirdly, that identity is received rather than invented.
Reflecting on contemporary debates, he noted that Christians are called to respond to such issues with a balance of truth, humility and compassion.
The programme concluded with a question-and-answer session, where students and faculty members actively engaged with the speakers, making the discussion an interactive and reflective exchange of ideas.