Confluence ’26 centered on the theme Mirror Glitch, raising a powerful question: who are we beneath the filters we live with every day? The event invited reflection on identity, authenticity, and humanity in a world shaped by digital mediation and constant comparison.
Held at IIIT-Bangalore on January 17, 2026, Confluence ’26 brought together students, faculty, and professionals for a day of introspection and dialogue. The sessions were designed as a connected journey, each building on the ideas of the previous one.
Dr. Nisha Khanna opened the day by exploring life in a filtered world, drawing from psychology to explain how identity is shaped by visibility, comparison, and performance.
Mr. Manan Pahwa followed with a focus on reconnection, noting how digital spaces have amplified comparison through endless curated lives, and emphasizing conscious engagement with technology.
Mr. Anup Gupta spoke on imposter syndrome, asking a question that resonated widely: when was the last time you looked successful but didn’t feel successful? His familiarity with students made the session interactive and relatable.
Madhumita Bhaskar challenged the idea that creativity needs total freedom, arguing that structure can enable deeper expression and meaning.
The day concluded with Mr. Prakash Belawadi, who linked the Kasparov–computer chess match to larger questions about AI and humanity—leaving the audience with one lingering thought: if technology could perfectly replicate a loved one, would that replica be human?
Confluence ’26 left the audience with deeper questions, fresh perspectives, and a renewed sense of self-awareness.