The Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) Deemed to be University (KISS-DU) proudly hosted ten-day visit of Professor Dibyadyuti Roy, Associate Professor in Cultural Studies, Media studies, and Digital Humanities at the University of Leeds, United Kingdom and Visiting Professor, KISS-DU. During his visit, the University organized a series of lectures on Digital Humanities. The thematic areas chosen for both the lectures were “Exploring Digital Humanities: A Thought-Provoking Interaction” held on 10th April 2025 and the second lecture on “Exploring Digital Humanities: A Distinguished Invited Talk” at KISS-DU which was organized on 17th April 2025. Both the lectures were conducted under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Professor Debasish Bandyopadhyay and attended by the faculty members, research scholars and students of the University. His ten-day visit included exploring joint research opportunities on contemporary issues and department-wise focussed group discussions with faculty members.
Addressing the gathering on the first day of his visit, Professor Roy delved into the evolving landscape of digital humanities, offering a captivating perspective on how digitization intersects with social realities. He explored historical shifts, tracing the development of digital technology from ancient methodologies to modern artificial intelligence, while emphasizing the profound implications of data justice and inclusive research methodologies. A particularly compelling segment of his lecture examined bias in AI algorithms, citing the research of Joy Buolamwini, which highlights disparities in facial recognition technology. This discussion underscored the urgency of diverse data representation, stressing the role of universities and scholars in shaping ethical AI development. Professor Roy also reflected on the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, urging humanities and social sciences scholars to engage with computer scientists to ensure AI and digital tools serve inclusive, representative purposes. He advocated for community-centered knowledge production, referencing archival projects like the Partition Archive and Rekhta, which preserve indigenous narratives.
The session was highly interactive, with faculty members raising thought-provoking questions on digital identity, the politics of knowledge production, and the intersection of AI and ethics. The discussion reinforced KISS-DU’s commitment to empowering communities through technological inclusivity and fostering academic discourse on digital transformation in cultural studies.
In closing, Professor Roy encouraged scholars and students to embrace digital humanities not just as a technological shift but as a critical framework for preserving diverse narratives and ethical knowledge systems. This interaction session was an enriching experience, leaving attendees inspired to engage with digital humanities and contribute meaningfully to research that shapes a more inclusive digital future.
Speaking on another occasion on 17th April 2025, Professor Roy spoke on “Exploring Digital Humanities: A Distinguished Invited Talk at KISS-DU”. This session was jointly organized by the School of Comparative Tribal Languages and Literatures (CTLL), Tribal Legal Studies and Tribal Rights (TLSTR), and Indigenous Knowledge Science & Technology (IKST), KISS-DU in collaboration with Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), KISS-DU.
The session featured Professor Dibyadyuti Roy, whose thought-provoking lecture on Digital Humanities delved into the interdisciplinary significance of the field, bridging technology, culture, and academic discourse.
The event commenced with a Welcome Address by Professor Debashis Bandyopadhyay, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, KISS-DU, followed by an Introduction of the Esteemed Invited Guest by Dr. Chittaranjan Bhoi, Associate Professor and Dean, CTLL. Professor Roy’s engaging lecture explored the evolution of digital humanities, the ethics of AI and data representation, and the intersection of technology with indigenous knowledge systems.
A particularly compelling moment in his discussion was the exploration of algorithmic biases in AI, referencing global studies that highlight disparities in digital inclusion and representation. Professor Roy emphasized the need for ethical AI development and community-centered digital knowledge production, aligning with KISS-DU’s commitment to socially responsible academia.
The session continued with a Q&A segment, moderated by Dr. Pragyan Mohanty, Associate Professor and Dean, TLSTR. Scholars and faculty members engaged in stimulating discussions on the implications of digital justice, technology’s role in tribal research, and the need for inclusive AI governance.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Atul Nag, Associate Professor, SIKST, expressed gratitude to Prof. Roy for his valuable insights and reinforced the institution’s commitment to academic excellence in digital humanities. The Distinguished Invited Talk was an intellectually enriching experience, inspiring participants to explore interdisciplinary approaches to digital technology and advocate for ethical AI-driven solutions in academic research.
Both the distinguished invited talks presented a platform for exchange of ideas, knowledge and information. The speaker stressed on the fact that this is an emerging area and the students and scholars should explore the ways of implementation of the same in their respective fields.
