Chitkara University hosted a two-day international conference “Re-thinking Education in the Age of AI” in collaboration with the European Union. The conference was organised within the framework of the EDUREFORM capacity-building project and co-financed by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union.
Representatives from leading Indian and European universities and policymakers from both regions attended the conference. They engaged in insightful discussions on the important role of education and international collaborations in reshaping societal skills in response to advancing technologies.
The aim of the project was to increase awareness of the socio-economic impact of new technologies, delivering tailored improvements in the study programs, and vocational training, engaging Indian pre-service and in-service teachers.
Various educational institutions participated in the conference, including Unison International School, Chitkara International School, Chitkara University, Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Holy Angels School, Chandigarh Baptist School, Adharshila The Foundation International School, The Mukat Trust International School, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Public School, Cambridge Innovative School, Angels Valley School, Sinhgad Institute of Management, SPPU, Bhusawal Arts Science College, The Millennium School, Freelance Management Consultant and Visiting Faculty, and Punjab University.
A poster-making competition was also organized wherein students showcased their creativity on the topic, "Re-thinking Education in the Age of AI." On the first day of the conference, dignitaries such as Prof. Dr. Vijay Kumar Srivastava and Massimiliano Bizzocchi shared their insights. Prof. Dr. Archana Mantri and Prof. Dr. Sangeeta Pant presented the noteworthy achievements and results of the Erasmus+ EDUREFORM project.
On the second day, scholars and faculty from India and Europe presented research papers. Furthermore, Dr. Swaroop Sampat Rawal launched her book titled " Play Practice Pursue " which was followed by an expert talk.
Dr. Sampat, crowned Femina Miss India Universe in 1979, transitioned from a successful acting career to become a passionate advocate for education. Recognized as one of the top ten teachers for the Global Teacher Prize in 2019, she actively contributed to shaping the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The day ended with an address on the future impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution with reflections on transitioning from capacity-building to joint research and awareness activities.
On the occasion, Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro-Chancellor of Chitkara University, said, “The introduction of artificial intelligence and robotics in the manufacturing and service sectors is expected to metamorphose the skills required in the labour market. Education must play a substantial role in supporting Indian governmental and private entities through this technological transition.”
The conference also witnessed the official launch of the Indian-European Alliance for Education, creating a shared platform for an international cluster of experts to collaboratively develop initiatives that enhance the societal and developmental impact of higher education.