TANSCHE Dialogues on higher education, Inaugural session

Reimagining Higher Education Through AI: Takeaways from TANSCHE Dialogues

Before diving into the core discussions and key insights, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Samuel Rufus and the Think Tank Group for providing us students with such an enriching opportunity.

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The Inaugural Session: Setting the Stage

The inaugural session of the TANSCHE Dialogues on Higher Education was held on July 28th at 10 AM, at Sandesh Hall, Hotel Savera, Mylapore. The event was graced by the presence of eminent personalities including:

Dr. Govi Chezhian, Hon’ble Minister of Higher Education, who delivered an inspiring and insightful address.

Four IAS officers, whose presence elevated the seriousness and prestige of the forum.

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Lakshmi Narayan, Managing Trustee, Chennai Mathematical Institute, and Former Vice Chairman & CEO, Cognizant Technology Solutions. His keynote concluded with a compelling call to transform.

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The Panel Discussion: A Multifaceted AI Dialogue

Following a warm tea break, the panel discussion brought together distinguished voices from academia and industry:

Ms. Gayathri Devi Jayan – India Chapter President, Applied AI Association

Prof. Ravindran B – Head, Dept. of Data Science & AI, Wadhwani School, IIT Madras

Prof. Ravindran V – Director, Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai

Mr. Dinakaran Vinayakamurthy – Lead, Quantum Innovation Centre, IBM Quantum India

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. AI as a Present-Day Reality

The panel began by acknowledging that AI is no longer a distant future—it is our present.

Although AI technologies have existed for decades, today we are finally prepared to leverage them meaningfully across sectors.

Just as industrialisation once intimidated our ancestors, AI too may seem overwhelming, but human adaptability remains timeless. History proves we always find a way forward.

2. From Exclusive to Universal Access

While AI was once limited to IT and tech through neural networks, it has now permeated every domain. The key differentiator is ACCESS—AI is no longer exclusive.

However, this expanded access comes with concerns:

Overdependence on AI may reduce social interaction and strain interpersonal relationships.

Inequality of Access needs urgent attention, especially for the underprivileged and differently abled.

A central takeaway: Equity and responsible use of AI must go hand in hand.

3. AI + Human Expertise = The Ideal Model

The panel emphasized the need to blend human intelligence with AI tools, rather than fully outsourcing thinking to machines.

One concern: AI-assisted learning tools may impair cognitive development.

A US-based study showed students relying heavily on such tools may fail to deeply understand concepts.

Despite these concerns, the panel reminded us:

> “There is nothing that compares to the human mind. Our potential remains supreme.”

4. Addressing Algorithmic Bias

Another key concern discussed was data bias in AI models.

Most AI systems are trained on Western datasets, which embed cultural and systemic biases. These can distort outcomes and pose risks of misinformation.

However, there’s also an opportunity to reclaim and digitize Indian traditions using AI, if done mindfully.

5. AI Literacy: The First Step Forward

A foundational move is training educators first—so they can guide the next generation.

Programs like AI Samarth at IIT are already working toward this goal by targeting government schools and underserved communities.

The discussion also called for:

AI awareness from Classes 1–5

Mandatory AI education from Class 9 onward

Cultivation of lateral thinking skills from a young age

6. Reimagining the Indian Workforce

India is already a global leader in the service industry, but we must now shift focus to:

Creating entrepreneurs

Job creators instead of job seekers

Sectors like healthcare, banking, organizational behaviour, and data governance need domain specialists who understand AI integration.

Importantly, non-tech fields must also find valid applications for AI.

7. Human Touch in a Gig Economy

In today’s rapidly converging gig economy, the human element must not be lost.

Interpersonal relationships and real-world networking are just as crucial as technological adaptation.

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Toward Responsible AI Adoption

The dialogue ended with a unified call for responsible and reliable AI usage.

Regardless of the stream—STEM, humanities, or arts—teaching AI tools is now a necessity.

We must ensure everyone is equipped to use AI ethically, creatively, and inclusively.

This forum wasn’t just a discussion on AI—it was a reflection on how we, as a nation, must shape education and employment in the era of intelligent machines.