Talking about the limitations of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in human life, ‘Padma Vibhushan’ Dr Raghunath Anant Mashelkar said, “AI is dominating the world in every field, but it cannot replace our character which is exclusive to humans.” Dr Mashelkar made this statement during the 101st Foundation Day and Centenary Year celebration programme of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU), at Dr Vasantrao Deshpande Hall in Civil Lines on Sunday. “AI can replace brain, but it cannot replace our heart. Instead of treating AI as rival, we should use it to enhance our skills,” he said.

 

The biggest equation of life is “Education is-equal-to Future”, Dr Mashelkar emphasised. “Today, we are here to celebrate the achievements of 100 years of RTMNU, but now from this stage, the university should think and plan for the future challenges,” said the ‘Padma Vibhushan’ recipient. In the era of technology where students get every information and knowledge from the internet and AI, teachers also have to be smarter and work to build character of their students, he added. Despite technological development, students still have faith in their ‘gurus’ for gaining knowledge, and every teacher must work to maintain this faith, Dr Mashelkar added. It is time to think about ‘Viksit Bharat’ for every university in the country and to make the curriculum accordingly. With the bold initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India pro-actively accepted the challenge to reduce the impact of climate change in the country and every individual and institute should support it to make India a world leader, said the former Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport, who was the chief guest of the programme and RTMNU alumnus, appreciated the achievements of the university during the programme. Gadkari said, “Now it is the time to plan for the next 50 years.

 

The past achievements are our legacy which will encourage students to achieve more milestones in the next 50 years.” Nagpur University has the name of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj who described well the meaning of ‘Rashtra Nirman’. Now it is the responsibility of the university to follow the legacy of the Rashtrasant, said Gadkari. “Co-operation, co-ordination and communication are utmost needed today in every education institution to shape the future of their students. It is the time when every educational institution should think and work in this regard,” said the union minister. The event commenced with lightning of traditional lamp and Vidyapeeth Geet. The guests released couple of books during the event. Dr Sanjay Dudhe, Pro-Vice Chancellor welcomed the guests. Dr Prashant Bokare, Acting Vice-Chancellor, RTMNU presided over the event. Dr Charudatta Digambarrao Mayee, former Chairman of Indian Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB) and former Agricultural Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, has been awarded with “Jiwan Sadhana Puraskar” at the hands of Dr Mashelkar. Felicitation of best colleges, teachers, staff and students also took place during the event. Dr Raju Hiwase, Registrar, RTMNU proposed a vote of thanks.