Latest news with #DharmendraPradhan
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
AI in education must align with Indian values, says Dharmendra Pradhan at PadhAI conclave
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.
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- General
- New Indian Express
Education minister Pradhan seeks tiger reserve tag for Debrigarh, Sambalpur Zoo expansion
BHUBANESWAR: Union Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday met Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav and urged his intervention for expansion of the Sambalpur Zoo and declaration of Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary as a tiger reserve. Handing over two separate letters to Yadav, Pradhan said in 2023, the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) recognized the zoo as the 'Sambalpur Zoo and Conservation Centre'. 'Since its establishment in 1980, the zoo has evolved from a deer park to a significant centre for wildlife conservation and public education. The zoo currently spans 13 hectares within the Motijharan sanctuary and is home to 333 animals from 15 species, including tigers, bears, pythons, and peacocks,' he said. In 2022, the Zoo Evaluation Committee recommended upgrading the zoo to a 'medium category zoo', with the inclusion of around 18-20 hectare of land from the Motijharan reserved forest. This expansion would enable introduction of new animal species and enhance educational and research facilities, aligning with the approved master plan for 2023-24, the letter said. With CZA approval, the zoo has successfully carried out animal exchange programs with Nandankanan zoo and relocation programmes with Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Pradhan said. The BJP MP from Sambalpur said that the zoo is planning several new attractions to advance its mission of wildlife conservation and public education. These include a night safari, an African penguin exhibit, desert and rain forest biodomes and a primate enclosure.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Jamia VC, registrar meet education minister, highlight delays in development projects
NEW DELHI: Top officials of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) raised concerns over the "unsatisfactory" pace of development projects funded by the Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA) during a meeting with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan . JMI Vice Chancellor Mazhar Asif, Registrar Mahtab Alam Rizvi called on the education minister on Tuesday, a statement by the varsity said. They discussed ways to "strengthen academic collaboration and development", it said. "The VC and registrar, JMI, gave an overview of the progress of developmental projects under the Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA) and expressed concern over the unsatisfactory pace of progress on these projects," the statement said. The officials also apprised the minister of recent developments at JMI, including the launch of the postgraduate programme in dentistry, for which they conveyed gratitude for the ministry's support. The achievements of the university's Residential Coaching Academy (RCA), which consistently produces over 30 successful candidates annually for various civil services, were also shared. Looking ahead, the vice chancellor shared his vision of introducing new departments and a full-fledged medical college at JMI, the statement said. The Union minister welcomed the proposals and assured full support. Preparations for the university's upcoming convocation ceremony and the possibility of the minister visiting the campus were also discussed, it added. PTI Ready to empower your child for the AI era? Join our program now! Hurry, only a few seats left.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Education minister urges mass AI literacy and indigenous innovation at CPRG's meet
NEW DELHI: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan , on Wednesday, while speaking at the 'PadhAI: Conclave on AI in Education', organised by the Centre of Policy Research and Governance (CPRG), said that AI was both inevitable and essential. "Just like the internet, AI has become a basic necessity," Pradhan said. Speaking at the Conclave, Pradhan shared his thoughts on AI's transformative potential in reshaping the Indian education system. Pradhan said that there are hardly any higher education institutions in India where AI is not discussed. He described AI as both inevitable and essential: "Just like the internet, AI has become a basic necessity." The Union Minister added that increasing access to technology has created a highway of empowerment in students' lives. He expressed optimism that India could effectively leverage AI, and said, "India's human intelligence has the power to transform any emerging technology into an indigenous innovation." Pradhan shared the policy action required to prepare for the technological change, outlining efforts to build mass-scale AI literacy and support innovation in AI. Pradhan commended the Centre of Policy Research and Governance (CPRG) for hosting this timely and much-needed policy dialogue. Chamu Krishna Shastri, Chairman of the Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti, Ministry of Education, also addressed the Padh AI Conclave and said there is a critical need to strengthen the role of Indian languages in the AI ecosystem. He added that AI should be purposeful and contextual. Padh AI Conclave, spread over two days, brought forward diverse insights on the role of AI in shaping the future of Indian education. Speakers examined how AI is expanding learning beyond classrooms, transforming higher education, and the bottlenecks in the existing institutions. CPRG is a policy research think tank that aims to promote responsive and participatory policy-making. As an Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)-recognised institution, it has established itself as a leading voice in technology policy through its 'Future of Society' initiative. Ready to empower your child for the AI era? Join our program now! Hurry, only a few seats left.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Concern over Jamia Millia Islamia's financial health, slow pace of development projects in focus as V-C meets Pradhan
In a meeting with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) Vice Chancellor Prof. Mazhar Asif, and Registrar Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi on Tuesday raised concerns over the institution's financial health and delayed infrastructure projects. During the meeting, 'the financial condition of the university was a key point of discussion,' a press statement issued by the university on Wednesday noted. 'The V-C and the Registrar gave an overview of the progress of developmental projects under the Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA) and expressed concern over the unsatisfactory pace of progress on these projects,' it added. The officials also discussed long-term academic plans, including the establishment of a medical college, which received 'full support' from the Minister. 'They also had a fruitful discussion on the establishment of a medical college at JMI, to which the Hon'ble Minister expressed his full support and assured them of all possible assistance,' the statement underlined. The V-C and the Registrar also thanked the Education Ministry for supporting the launch of a new postgraduate programme in dentistry. 'They conveyed their deep gratitude to Dharmendra Pradhan for his continued encouragement and commitment to strengthening the Faculty of Dentistry,' the university stated. The V-C and Registrar also highlighted the performance of JMI's Residential Coaching Academy (RCA), noting that more than 30 students from RCA are selected each year for the civil services and join top administrative services. The meeting concluded with discussions around the university's upcoming convocation and potential dignitaries for the event. 'The Hon'ble Minister commended the university's progress and assured Prof. Asif and Prof. Rizvi of his unwavering support,' the statement read. Jamia Millia Islamia was established in 1920, originally at Aligarh. In 1925, it initially moved to Karol Bagh, Delhi, and later was set up in Jamia Nagar. In 1988, it became the Central University by an Act of Parliament, as per the official website.
