CIASS, in collaboration with Paschim Guwahati Mahavidyalaya, hosted a special lecture by Professor Bhagat Oinam of JNU's Centre for Philosophy, who argued that culture should be understood not as static heritage but as an epistemic discourse, a living way through which communities generate knowledge, preserve memory, and engage with neighbouring civilizations. Drawing on indigenous knowledge traditions and the history of Northeast India, the lecture explored themes of colonial epistemic injustice, the region's plurality as a strength rather than an obstacle, and the case for soft power and cultural diplomacy as a durable foundation for India's engagement with ASEAN. The session closed with an extended discussion on oral traditions, identity, and the Manipur crisis, reaffirming Northeast India's role as a civilizational bridge rather than a periphery.