As an expert in the oral history of the people of North-East India, he is aware of the increasing cultural conflict between 'old' and 'new'. 'People are becoming aware of the consequences Star TV can have. It has accentuated the shift towards Western culture. In addition, there is a general awareness of the need to protect and shape culture', he says. 'Star TV is one accentuating factor, subtle and insidious, and its influence is not only because of what it is, as such, but because it is coupled with things like a poor education and economy, and political conflict'. His wife Pari, a teacher, writes that, 'Normal interaction within the family is hampered by increased viewing. And, to some extent, young people have become alienated from the rest of society'.