Delhi, May 28: Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, on Wednesday delivered the valedictory address at the concluding session of ‘PadhAI: Conclave on AI in Education’, organised by the Center of Policy Research and Governance (CPRG) in New Delhi.
While speaking at the event, Pradhan said that Artificial Intelligence is not just a technology but a force multiplier and a catalyst for innovation. It is a bridge between empathy and technology, he added. Pradhan also stated that the time has come for the country's human intelligence to lead the AI revolution currently unfolding.
Pradhan also mentioned the significant initiatives taken by the Government on AI, such as establishing the Centre of Excellence in AI, and the announcement to leverage AI in Indian languages and promote critical thinking in classrooms—initiatives that are helping in the transition from chalkboards to chipsets. Integrating AI in school education is no longer optional, it is essential, he stressed. He called on academicians and tech experts to brainstorm ideas and come up with policy recommendations on AI.
The PadhAI Conclave spread over two days, brought forward diverse insights on the role of AI in shaping the future of Indian education. Speakers examined how AI is expanding learning beyond classrooms, transforming higher education, and the bottlenecks in the existing institutions.
Eminent speakers included Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Commerce & Industry and Electronics & IT, Government of India; Ashish Sood, Minister of Home, Power, Urban Development, Education, Higher Education and Training & Technical Education, Government of NCT of Delhi; Dr. Vineet Joshi, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Government of India & Chairman, University Grants Commission; Abhishek Singh, CEO, IndiaAI Mission; Prof. Pankaj Arora, Chairperson, National Council for Teacher Education; Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman, National Educational Technology Forum; Prof. Yogesh Singh, Vice Chancellor, University of Delhi; Shri Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Co-Founder, Info Edge, and Dr. Rashmi Das, Chairperson, Higashi Autism School, Delhi.
Chamu Krishna Shastri, Chairman, Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti, Ministry of Education; Director, CPRG, Dr Ramanand; and other eminent dignitaries were also present at the event.
