Calcutta University Hosts First Post-Pandemic Convocation with Focus on AI and Wellness
Calcutta University marked a significant milestone on Monday by conducting its first convocation ceremony since the Covid-19 pandemic. The event, held in Kolkata, brought together academic dignitaries, faculty members, and graduating students to celebrate educational achievements and chart a path forward for India's intellectual resurgence.
Governor R N Ravi's Call for AI Literacy and Yoga Integration
In his address as the ex-officio chancellor of all state universities, Governor R N Ravi delivered a powerful message about the critical importance of artificial intelligence literacy in today's rapidly evolving world. "The world is increasingly getting divided between those who are AI-literate and those who are not, and this gap is going to widen enormously," he warned the assembled graduates and faculty.
Governor Ravi emphasized that students must "keep yourself abreast of the latest technology that empowers you, that multiplies your capacity to do what you are doing, or what you propose to do." Beyond technological preparedness, he offered crucial advice for personal wellbeing, urging all attendees to practice yoga regularly and make it an integral part of their daily lives for holistic development.
IIT Kharagpur Director Highlights Human Uniqueness Beyond AI
IIT Kharagpur Director Suman Chakraborty provided a nuanced perspective on artificial intelligence during his convocation remarks. While acknowledging AI's transformative power across multiple domains, he emphasized the irreplaceable value of human cognition. "AI is reshaping science, medicine, economics, governance, and even creativity itself," Chakraborty noted, detailing how machines can analyze billions of data points in fractions of a second, simulate complex molecular systems, decode genomes, and predict climate behavior with remarkable precision.
However, he drew a crucial distinction: "AI can generate answers, but it cannot generate the deepest questions." Chakraborty highlighted that human minds possess the courage to ask questions that machines cannot conceive, establishing a fundamental boundary between artificial and human intelligence that preserves the unique role of human curiosity in advancing knowledge.
Vision for India's Global Leadership by 2047
Governor Ravi articulated an ambitious vision for India's future, projecting that the nation would emerge as a world leader in science and research by 2047. He emphasized that students graduating from Bengal institutions would play a pivotal role in this national transformation. Reflecting on historical context, he noted that India once occupied the top global position in science, culture, medicine, and economic power before experiencing a decline since the 19th century.
"The scenario has started changing since 2014," Governor Ravi observed, expressing confidence that 'Bharat' must and would reclaim its past glory. He declared that "the men and women of Bharat are crafting the destiny of the new rising Bharat, where young students will play an important role," connecting individual achievement with national progress.
University Leadership and Academic Honors
Calcutta University Vice-Chancellor Asutosh Ghosh reinforced the institution's enduring commitment to scholarship, stating that the university's motto "'Advancement of Learning' is not merely an inscription. It is a living obligation, renewed at every convocation, in every classroom, and in every act of scholarship that our community undertakes."
The convocation ceremony featured several prestigious academic recognitions:
- DLitt (Honoris Causa) conferred upon Fr Tomad Chattamparampil and Ranajit Das
- DSc (Honoris Causa) awarded to Vijay Pandurang Bhatkar
- Presentation of 12 awards and medals to distinguished dignitaries
- Eight eminent teachers receiving 'Eminent Teacher Awards' for their contributions to education
This comprehensive recognition program highlighted the university's commitment to honoring excellence across teaching, research, and community service, setting a standard for academic achievement as Calcutta University moves forward in the post-pandemic educational landscape.
