Bengaluru, September 29, 2025: Manappuram Finance, one of India’s leading NBFCs, organised an exclusive ‘Manappuram Dialogue’ in Bengaluru on Saturday, September 27, 2025. The event focused on the theme “Digital Dementia – Understanding and Addressing the Cognitive Cost of Technology” and featured an interactive discussion with the company’s Chairman and Managing Director, Mr. V.P. Nandakumar.
The event was graced by S.E. Sudheendra, Chairman, Karnataka State Bioenergy Development Board, as the Chief Guest, and Dr. K. Vaishnavi, Officer-on-Special Duty to the Karnataka Chief Minister, as the Guest of Honour.
Mr. Sudheendra highlighted that such programmes are the need of the hour and applauded Manappuram Finance for taking up meaningful topics and conducting events of this format. He also assured full support from the Karnataka Government. Dr. Vaishnavi, speaking on behalf of the State Government, echoed his views, commended Manappuram Finance, and stressed the importance of including Digital Dementia in school curricula.
Addressing the distinguished participants, Mr. Nandakumar said, “The digital age is transforming and reshaping the way we think, communicate, and behave. The profound impact of technology on human behaviour is not unusual. Technological advancements have always altered societal norms and individual behaviour significantly. Innovative technologies especially social media, artificial intelligence (AI), and mobile computing are at the forefront of effecting contemporary behavioural changes. These tools are not only influencing our interpersonal relations and interactions with the world, but also redefining our social norms, culture, identity, and even our mental health.” He also shared insights from his decades-long journey in the financial services sector.
The evening featured a keynote session by Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma, Professor of Clinical Psychology at NIMHANS, Bengaluru, and pioneer of India’s technology de-addiction initiative the SHUT Clinic.
A nationally recognised authority on the cognitive and behavioural impact of technology, Dr. Sharma quoted, “Modern technology has enabled people to be more connected than ever, but there are downside risks to it. Excessive use of social media, mobile devices, and some forms of technology may also lead to negative results. So, it is important to understand the psychological and physical effects and the need to inculcate more positive habits with technology.”
Co-promoter Smt. Sushma Nandakumar graced the occasion, accompanied by Sanoj Herbert, General Manager and Chief PRO, Rahul Vinayak Wadke, Head of Corporate Communication, K.M. Asharaf, Senior PRO of Manappuram Finance Ltd., who delivered the welcome address, and George De Das, CEO of the Manappuram Foundation, who proposed the vote of thanks.
