TLDR: A recent seminar in Kolkata brought together educators, entrepreneurs, and UN officials to emphasize the critical need for educational institutions to ethically and boldly adopt Artificial Intelligence, warning that failure to do so risks leaving students and systems behind in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Kolkata, West Bengal – September 1, 2025 – A pivotal seminar titled “Future of Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” held at the ITC Royal Bengal, issued a resounding call to action for the education sector: embrace Artificial Intelligence with foresight and ethical consideration, or face the risk of obsolescence. Organized by Muskaan in collaboration with Education for All Trust, WFUNA Foundation, and United Nations India, the event transcended theoretical discussions to lay out a practical blueprint for integrating AI into India’s learning environment.
Ms. Sumitra Ray, Student Programme Advisor at Muskaan, commenced the proceedings with a welcoming address. Setting an international context, Darrin Farrant, Director of the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), unveiled two significant UN initiatives aimed at fostering global cooperation on AI governance: the establishment of the UN Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and a global dialogue on AI governance. Farrant underscored India’s crucial role, stating, “India, home to one-sixth of humanity, will be a key player in this journey. We must harness AI’s benefits not with fear, but with foresight, ethics, and inclusivity.”
The panelists presented a compelling vision of the future classroom, transitioning “from chalkboards to algorithms.” Navjot Mallika Kaur, Director of Epiq Capital, highlighted the advanced integration of AI in other nations. “Around 2,000 schools in China have fully adopted AI—they’re using it to make children future-ready. That’s not a trend; it’s a reality we must embrace,” she asserted. Kaur emphasized AI’s role as an assistant, stating, “AI is our assistant. We remain the masters. It’s a tool to sharpen our capacities, irrespective of age. Teachers must become friends with technology instead of being scared of it or tinkering only with the basics.”
Samyak Chakrabarty, founder of Workverse, echoed this sentiment, recognizing Bengal’s inherent creativity and intellectual fearlessness. He suggested that combining these qualities with AI’s computing power could lead to extraordinary outcomes. While acknowledging AI’s immense potential, the panel collectively stressed the enduring importance of the human element. Aniket Deb, co-founder of Bizongo, used a powerful analogy: “Even with Google Maps, we still need to set the start and end points. Education is first about survival, then thriving. Humanity has always adapted, and new jobs will replace old ones.” Deb advised students to cultivate critical thinking, emphasizing that “The ability to choose will define the future. That means making conscious choices about what to learn and even which AI tool to use for which purpose. That critical thinking is your superpower.”
Entrepreneur Arjun Vaidya, founder of Dr. Vaidya’s, challenged traditional rote learning methods. Recalling his own school days of memorizing dates, he noted, “Now, they’re at our fingertips. What matters now isn’t memorization, but understanding the context—the ‘why’ and ‘how’ that shaped our world.”
Also Read:
- AI Ethics in Focus: Leaders Convene in Hyderabad to Address Challenges and Chart a Human-Centric Future
- Lieutenant General Manoj Katiyar Emphasizes AI’s Pivotal Role in Future Security and Warfare
The seminar concluded with a consensus that the transformation of education by AI is inevitable. The evolving role of educators will be to transition from mere knowledge providers to mentors who guide students in critical thinking and the ethical application of technology. The future of education, as envisioned by the seminar, is not a conflict between humans and machines, but rather a synergy where humans are profoundly empowered by machines. The event saw active participation from students and teachers from various institutions, including Don Bosco School (Park Circus) and The BSS School.
