Your Voice: Preserving festivals like Holi and how technology can change the future (long letters)
This week, readers write about keeping ancient traditions and customs alive and how technology will continue to transform society and the future
Villagers from Barsana and Nandgaon, smeared with colours, sing and dance as they participate in Lathmar Holi at Nandagram temple in Nandgoan village, 115 kilometres (70 miles) south of New Delhi, India. Photo: APHave something to say? Send us a letter using this form.
Preserving the festival of colour
Heer Donda, King George V School
Observed for centuries, especially in South Asia, Holi is an ancient and sacred Hindu tradition known for its mass celebration with coloured water and powder. Enormous events happen annually in India that bring together people of all ages and ethnicities.
Today, people gather with friends and family for Holi, playing with powdered paint and water balloons and dancing to lively music. It marks the arrival of spring and the end of winter, celebrating love, new life, unity and joy.
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The festival’s customs and legends differ depending on where you are from. For example, in some traditions, people worship Prahlada, sometimes believed to be an incarnation of the Hindu god Brahma.
In this Hindu myth, the demon king Hiranyakashipu was granted his wish of lordship and powers. However, his son Prahlada refused to worship him, instead becoming a devout follower of the deity Vishnu. Angered, the demon king decided to kill the boy.
In one attempt, the king had Prahlada sit on a burning pyre with the king’s sister, Holika, who was immune to flame. But Prahlada chanted Vishnu’s name and escaped unscathed while Holika burned to ashes. This is the origin of Holika Dahan – the burning of Holika – a bonfire festival that marks the victory of good over evil.
Holi is now celebrated in many places worldwide, including Hong Kong. Many large social groups, including student communities at the University of Hong Kong and City University, organised Holi celebrations this March.
Sarjan Group, a prominent social community group in Hong Kong, hosted a full-day event filled with dancing, festive food and playing with colours. From toddlers to children, teenagers and adults, the festival allowed everyone to come together and cherish the tradition.
These annual events give us the chance to spend time with family and friends, while teaching adults and the next generation to preserve our ancient traditions, no matter how far from home you might be. When communities celebrate festivals, such as Holi, it is a powerful reminder for others to do the same to preserve their culture and heritage.
Dawn of a new technological era
Tse Ki-hin, Lung Kong WFSL Lau Wong Fat Secondary School
Albert Einstein once said, “It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.” This quote encapsulates the profound impact technology has on our society.
Today, technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate, revolutionising every aspect of our lives. From artificial intelligence to self-driving cars, it is crystal clear that the advancements we witness today are just the tip of the iceberg.
It is widely believed that the most significant advantage of technology is its ability to boost communication. In our daily lives, applications such as WhatsApp and Skype allow us to stay connected with friends and family, regardless of geographic distance.
Imagine a future where three-dimensional holographic projections enable us to have face-to-face conversations with loved ones as if they were physically present. This innovation could revolutionise relationships, making long-distance communication both personal and engaging.
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Undoubtedly, artificial intelligence (AI) is another groundbreaking technology that promises to change the world. AI-powered robots already clean floors, provide traffic updates and remind us of our daily schedules.
In the future, these robots could take on more complex tasks, such as cooking gourmet meals or managing our entire household. This would free up valuable time, allowing us to focus on leisure activities, personal development and rest. In short, this entirely new technology can significantly improve our quality of life.
However, as with any technological advancement, there are potential drawbacks. The rise of AI could lead to significant job displacement. This may exacerbate social inequality and lead to higher crime rates, as unemployed individuals might turn to illegal activities out of desperation.
To mitigate this, it is essential to invest in education and training programmes that equip the workforce with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy.
While technology creates convenience, it can also make us overly reliant on it. Philosopher Martin Heidegger warned about this in his essay “The Question Concerning Technology”, arguing that technology could dominate and shape our existence.
If we become too dependent on technology, we may struggle to function without it. For example, a prolonged internet outage could disrupt our ability to access essential services, manage finances and communicate online. In such cases, people might lose access to cryptocurrency wallets and other digital financial services.
Moreover, an over-reliance on technology can lead to a decline in critical thinking and problem-solving skills. If we depend on AI to make decisions for us, we may gradually lose the ability to think independently and creatively. This could have far-reaching implications for our intellectual and emotional well-being.
As we navigate this technological revolution, it is essential to remember the words of Steve Jobs: “Technology is nothing. What’s important is that you have faith in people, that they’re basically good and smart, and if you give them tools, they’ll do wonderful things with them.”