Odisha academic leaders embrace artificial intelligence during intensive four-day training
Biju Patnaik University of Technology (BPUT) and Odisha Knowledge Corporation Limited (OKCL) successfully certified nearly 300 officials in advanced artificial intelligence applications this Sunday. Ending a four-day intensive program in Bhubaneswar, the initiative equipped representatives from 145 affiliated colleges with practical digital tools. This collaboration signals a shift in the state's technical education strategy, prioritizing automated efficiency over traditional administrative methods.
Driving Digital Excellence in Odisha
Prof. Amiya Kumar Rath, Vice Chancellor of BPUT, led the closing ceremony by reviewing the immediate impacts of the training. His interaction with participants focused on establishing a solid framework for integrating machine learning and automation into daily campus life. This push for modernization aligns with Odisha's broader '5T' governance model, which leverages technology and teamwork to accelerate institutional transparency and transformation.
Developing AI-Enabled Ecosystems
Prof. Siba Kumar Mishra and Prof. Sujit Kumar Khuntia urged college administrators to move beyond theoretical knowledge. They advocated for the immediate deployment of AI in official university activities. Supporting this transition, OKCL’s leadership team, including Senior Program Manager Susant J Das and Regional Manager Soumya Subham Rout, provided hands-on guidance on specific software applications tailored for academic environments.
Empowering Students Through Internships
Education extends beyond faculty training through the OKCL internship ecosystem. Senior Manager Niladri Bihari Ray demonstrated how live student projects bridge the gap between classroom theory and industry requirements. Managing Director of OKCL, Dr. Manoranjan Puthal, clarified that these AI initiatives are designed to boost workplace productivity across the state’s educational infrastructure.
Final sessions included the distribution of participation certificates and specialized AI toolkits. Principals and placement officers expressed an urgent need for follow-up sessions, indicating a high demand for digital literacy in Odisha’s higher education sector. By empowering these academic leaders, the university has established a foundation for a workforce ready to tackle the evolving digital economy.
