BML Munjal University (BMU) recently hosted the 2nd BML Munjal Memorial Lecture, delivered by renowned author Amitav Ghosh. The lecture focused on how ideas of apocalypse and societal breakdown have transformed over time.
Ghosh explained that modern fears of collapse are no longer shaped mainly by religious beliefs, but increasingly by technological and scientific elites. He linked these shifts to contemporary anxieties about the future of interconnected societies.
Amitav Ghosh Highlights Changing Views on Apocalypse and Collapse
During his address, Amitav Ghosh examined how interpretations of apocalypse have evolved from earlier Cold War religious narratives to present-day scientific and technological frameworks. He noted that preparations for catastrophic disruptions are now being led by powerful sections of society rather than religious groups. According to him, this represents a significant change in how collapse is imagined in the modern world.
Ghosh also drew attention to the growing interest among ultra-wealthy individuals in creating self-sufficient retreats and fortified shelters. These spaces are designed to withstand large-scale disruptions, reflecting deeper concerns about inequality, survival, and long-term stability.
Lecture Discusses Vulnerability of Modern Interconnected Societies
A major theme of the memorial lecture was the fragile nature of today’s highly connected systems. Ghosh explained that collapse is more likely to occur through a chain of failures rather than a single dramatic event. He spoke about cascading breakdowns across multiple sectors, including:
- Infrastructure networks
- Ecological systems
- Supply chains and resource distribution
- Governance and institutional stability
The lecture emphasised that disruptions often unfold gradually, with systems weakening one after another instead of collapsing simultaneously.
Community Resilience Seen as Key to Survival in Disruptions
Challenging the belief that wealth and advanced technology alone can guarantee safety, Ghosh stressed the importance of community-based resilience. He suggested that societies rooted in strong ecological knowledge and collective living may be better prepared to endure severe disruptions. The lecture highlighted how agrarian, Indigenous, and subsistence-based communities have developed survival skills over generations. These groups, shaped by long-term experience with environmental uncertainty, may offer lessons for resilience in an unstable future.
BMU Memorial Lecture Strengthens Academic Engagement
The BML Munjal Memorial Lecture series continues to provide a platform for intellectual discussion on global issues. By hosting speakers like Amitav Ghosh, BMU is encouraging students and the academic community to reflect on pressing challenges such as inequality, sustainability, and societal preparedness. The event marked an important academic moment for the university, bringing together historical insight and contemporary relevance through meaningful dialogue.