NEW DELHI: “Artificial Intelligence is not just a technology but a force multiplier and a catalyst for innovation. It is a bridge between empathy and technology,” said union minister for education Dharmendra Pradhan while delivering the valedictory address at the concluding session of ‘PadhAI: Conclave on AI in Education ’ on Wednesday. The two-day event was organised by the Center of Policy Research and Governance (CPRG) and saw participation from policymakers, educationists, and technology leaders.
Pradhan highlighted several initiatives taken by the Government of India to advance AI integration in education. He referred to the establishment of Centres of Excellence in AI and the growing emphasis on developing AI tools in Indian languages. He noted that these steps are aiding a transition “from chalkboards to chipsets,” indicating the shift towards technology-enhanced learning environments. He stressed that integrating AI in school education is now an essential component of modern pedagogy and called on experts to suggest policy-level recommendations for responsible AI adoption in classrooms.
The conclave featured sessions that explored how AI can transform teaching and learning practices, address educational inequalities, and enhance administrative efficiency.
The event also examined the challenges institutions face in adopting emerging technologies, such as lack of infrastructure, teacher training gaps, and policy coherence.
In the opening session of the second day titled “Future of Institutions: Learning in the Age of AI,” panelists discussed how AI is reshaping the role of traditional educational institutions. Pankaj Arora, chairperson of the National Council for Teacher Education, emphasised that the goal is not to control AI, but to ensure it aligns with India’s pluralistic and inclusive educational values. “Institutions will not disappear,” he said, “but they must redefine their purpose with a focus on leadership, sports, and culture to stay relevant.”
Uma Kanjilal, acting vice-chancellor of IGNOU, advocated for “mass scale AI literacy” to enable all stakeholders to understand and benefit from the technology. Professor Payal Mago of Delhi University added that while Indians are highly adaptable, structural and capacity-building measures are needed to support AI integration. Jaideep Gupta from the Railway Board remarked that AI can serve as an effective teaching assistant but cannot replace the ethical and human guidance provided by teachers.
CPRG director Ramanand concluded the event by underscoring the importance of collaboration between academia, government, and the technology sector. “We believe that collaboration, not silos, is key to meaningful technology adoption in education,” he said.
Pradhan highlighted several initiatives taken by the Government of India to advance AI integration in education. He referred to the establishment of Centres of Excellence in AI and the growing emphasis on developing AI tools in Indian languages. He noted that these steps are aiding a transition “from chalkboards to chipsets,” indicating the shift towards technology-enhanced learning environments. He stressed that integrating AI in school education is now an essential component of modern pedagogy and called on experts to suggest policy-level recommendations for responsible AI adoption in classrooms.
The conclave featured sessions that explored how AI can transform teaching and learning practices, address educational inequalities, and enhance administrative efficiency.
Glad to speak at the concluding session of Conclave on AI in Education organised by the Centre of Policy Research and Governance. Artificial Intelligence is not just a technology, it’s a force multiplier, a catalyst for innovation, and a bridge between empathy and technology.… pic.twitter.com/vLjLGvybFu
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) May 28, 2025
The event also examined the challenges institutions face in adopting emerging technologies, such as lack of infrastructure, teacher training gaps, and policy coherence.
In the opening session of the second day titled “Future of Institutions: Learning in the Age of AI,” panelists discussed how AI is reshaping the role of traditional educational institutions. Pankaj Arora, chairperson of the National Council for Teacher Education, emphasised that the goal is not to control AI, but to ensure it aligns with India’s pluralistic and inclusive educational values. “Institutions will not disappear,” he said, “but they must redefine their purpose with a focus on leadership, sports, and culture to stay relevant.”
Uma Kanjilal, acting vice-chancellor of IGNOU, advocated for “mass scale AI literacy” to enable all stakeholders to understand and benefit from the technology. Professor Payal Mago of Delhi University added that while Indians are highly adaptable, structural and capacity-building measures are needed to support AI integration. Jaideep Gupta from the Railway Board remarked that AI can serve as an effective teaching assistant but cannot replace the ethical and human guidance provided by teachers.
CPRG director Ramanand concluded the event by underscoring the importance of collaboration between academia, government, and the technology sector. “We believe that collaboration, not silos, is key to meaningful technology adoption in education,” he said.
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