In a panel discussion at the Anandabazar Patrika & The Telegraph Education Symposium, educational experts including Suranjan Das stressed the need for higher education to focus on creating “inclusive critical citizens.” They argued for a balance between job readiness and fostering critical thinking and highlighted the potential benefits of AI in personalized learning.
In a recent panel discussion at the Anandabazar Patrika & The Telegraph Education Symposium, prominent educators including Suranjan Das, former vice-chancellor of Jadavpur University and current head of Adamas University, emphasized the need for higher education to focus on creating “inclusive critical citizens” rather than just facilitating good job prospects.
The panel discussion, held on July 31, revolved around the theme “Online, Blended, ChatGPT: Will the Dynamics of Education in India Change” and was part of the symposium’s broader focus on “Adapting to Change. Changing to Adapt.”
Das expressed his concern that the primary focus on job readiness is shifting away from the true aim of higher education. According to him, higher education must ensure inclusivity and foster critical thinking rather than simply catering to industrial needs. He advocated for industry-university partnerships but emphasized that this relationship should not overshadow all academic disciplines.
The subject of AI in education was also addressed. Suborno Bose, the chief mentor of the International Institute of Hotel Management, highlighted AI’s potential for personalized learning. He pointed out that AI can provide individualized feedback and tailor-made assessments for students, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. Bose also noted that the integration of technology such as AI enhances flexibility in the workplace and links education more directly to employability.
Satyam Roychowdhury, founder and managing director of Techno India Group, and Sanjay Pawar, principal of Dr. BC Roy Engineering College, also contributed to the discussion, providing insights on the judicious use of technologies like ChatGPT in education.
While the panelists recognized the value of AI in education, they also cautioned against becoming overly reliant on it. Das referred to ChatGPT as a “constructive challenge” but warned against becoming a “slave” to it. There was a consensus that technology should be employed thoughtfully and that a “fundamental pedagogic revolution” was necessary to encourage students to think critically and cooperatively.
The 55-minute discussion concluded with an agreement that education’s core purpose is to foster inclusive critical citizens. The experts asserted that while technology and industrial needs are relevant, they should not distract from the broader educational goals.
The integration of technology should be seen as a tool for enhancing education, not as an end in itself. The panel also acknowledged that in a country like India, where opportunities are immense, linking education with employment remains a significant aspect of modern learning. But this must be balanced with the nurturing of critical and cooperative thinking skills, ensuring that students are well-rounded individuals ready to contribute to society.
