The INFLUENZER

Society Today

Concept Note:
The INFLUNZER is the power exerted by persons, things, situations or happenings on humans
and nature that has universal impact because of their multilevel relationship with society and
nature. Influence is the ability to convince and persuade others to adopt a specific course of
action. It is a force that an agent uses on others (target) to induce change in their behaviour,
attitudes, opinions, and values. It also includes the interpersonal processes that lead to changes in
our behaviour, emotions, and cognitive faculties. Influence can be exerted in different forms and
its impact varies with time and space. The human mind is a product of influence; the behaviour,
actions, and attitudes reflect what society expects a wo(man) to be. Throughout his/her lifetime,
various influences shape and reshape human personality. A child’s mind is a blank slate; it is a
family which exerts influence in the first place and later, is etched by various institutions of
society. From early childhood we are influenced by our parents, teachers, and friends to act in a
certain way; later, the process is carried out by different agents like culture, language, education,
religion, ideology, propaganda, technology, etc. Some influences such as values and belief
systems may last for a lifetime while others may be situational and temporary. The modern world
has become more vulnerable and one cannot escape from the influence of such agents. The
introduction of ICT in the globalized world has made the contents readily available making
people more prone to such influences. Mass media and social media have played a major role in
creating a new reality. Uncontrolled use of social media sites like Youtube, Facebook, Instagram,
Twitter, music videos, etc. is also instrumental in inviting unwanted problems like drug
addiction, suicide, objectification of women, and violence in society.
Etymologically speaking, the word 'influence' has Latin roots which mean ‘flow in'. It was
later related to an astrological belief about the power flowing from the stars that act on one
character. Nothing in the world can begin without influence and no one can escape its secretive
impact. Every course of human action is shaped; though it may not be present in the coercive
form yet it carries a discernible presence. It could be a force that shapes, dictates and presides
over all the actions that one undertakes. Though out a lifetime, one is subjected to various kinds
of influences advertently or inadvertently.
Through this project, we will reconsider influence as a negative or a positive aspect of our
lives. It also aims to focus on the relation of influence as a bridge connecting the self and nature.
Intersexuality argues that there is nothing called solely original. We have different perspectives
and different views on influences influencing our personal lives and the things around us. We
aim to listen and understand your perspectives, perception, and the things that constitute making
you the person you are and the society we live in today.

So where are we heading?

The question that needs to be addressed is-

a) What are those influences?
b) How are individuals influenced?
c) What kind of impact does it have on society today?

Rationale:

“Influence: Society Today” is an initiative taken by the School of Psycho-Socio Praxis under the
guidance of Fr.Dr. Saju Puthusserry, Vice Principal (Deanery of Arts and Humanities), Salesian
College, Siliguri campus.

Aims:

The project aims to provide a platform for the students to share their ideas which will help them
in shaping and challenging their opinions. It can be used as a platform where students will have a
voice and can learn skills that will aid them in the future. This way the students will have a better
understanding of society and can develop areas of interest for future research.

Criteria:
 • The word limit for the articles should be a maximum of 500 words.
• Controversial content like prejudice against caste, creed, race, or any form of
discrimination will not be tolerated.
• Articles should be written in English language only.
• Both individual and group participation are welcome.
• Articles shall be evaluated in terms of the originality of content, use of facts, pictures, and
reflections on the given topic.
• The best two articles will be rewarded, and selected papers will be published.

Guidelines for Submission:

• Articles should have a suitable topic.
• The content should be relevant to ‘influence’ in any sense of the term.
• It should be an original piece of work. References should be properly acknowledged.
• Plagiarism of any kind will not be tolerated.
• Articles should follow the font Times New Roman size 12 and be double-spaced
throughout. Paragraphs should be indented.
• Students must mention their names, semester, and department. For example, Samjhana
Rai, Semester V, Department of English.
• Articles can be autobiographical, reflective, descriptive, and philosophical.

Team Members:

The team members are as follows:

Students Coordinator
1) Akansha Subba (contact number: 8597997511)
2) Sriparna Ghaley (9635522463)
3) Sanjana Rashaily(9382013436)

Faculty-in-Charge
1) Rini Bhadra
2) Malati Dikshit
3) Sonia Shivakoty