PUNE: Artificial intelligence (AI) should be seen as a tool to enhance the human mind and not as a competitor, Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Limited (MKCL) founder and director Vivek Sawant said while addressing the 20th anniversary celebrations of Vidyarthi Griha College of Science and Commerce in Pune.“Technology will not eliminate employment opportunities but transform them by creating new ones. Students should identify their interests and strengths, embrace skill-based learning, and adapt to emerging technologies. Artificial intelligence should be used to augment human thinking and problem-solving abilities, not replace them,” Sawant said. He urged students to reduce unnecessary social media usage and focus on discipline, teamwork, soft skills and lifelong learning to stay ahead in the rapidly changing job market.The event was held at Kulguru Dadasaheb Ketkar Auditorium and was attended by Savitribai Phule Pune University Vice Chancellor Dr. Parag Kalkar, Pune Deputy Mayor Parshuram Wadekar, Pune Vidyarthi Griha Executive Chairman Rajendra Borhade, Vice Chancellor Amol Joshi, Secretary Sanjay Gunjal, Treasurer Krishnaji Kulkarni, Directors Sunil Redekar, Pournima Likhite, Ramesh Kulkarni and Rajendra Kaduskar, Dean of the College Prof. Rajendra Kamble, Principal Dr. Sanjaykumar Gaikwad, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rekha Joshi and Prof. Dr. Swati Joshi, among others.Addressing the occasion, Dr. Parag Kalkar said that higher education must go beyond traditional degree courses and focus on technology-enabled, skill-based and employment-oriented education. Stressing the need to integrate academic learning with industry exposure, he noted that institutions must develop a skilled workforce to meet the needs of a rapidly changing economy while ensuring the all-round development of students.Parshuram Wadekar said quality education remains the most effective means of transforming society and praised the Pune Vidyarthi Griha for educating hundreds of thousands of economically disadvantaged students over the past century. He said institutions established decades ago have successfully adapted to changing times without compromising on values and continued to produce responsible citizens.Rajendra Borhade said that the Faculty of Science and Commerce has built a unique identity over the past 25 years through quality education, student-centric initiatives and emphasis on research, innovation, entrepreneurship and industry-oriented learning. He said the institution remained committed to implementing the national education policy and providing students with the skills needed to face future challenges.Earlier, Professor Dr. Rajendra Kamble outlined the 25-year journey of the college. Souvenirs were also issued to mark the silver jubilee of the college. Prof. Tejal Chothe compared the project while the vote of thanks was given by Dr. Sanjaykumar Gaikwad.
