Thought Leaders Conference 2023: Shaping the Future of Education
In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, ATLAS SkillTech University stands at the forefront, blazing a trail of innovation and excellence. Their recent Thought Leaders Conference (TLC) 2023 has reaffirmed the university’s commitment to fostering ground-breaking ideas and propelling education into uncharted territories. With over 75 senior faculties from 46 different colleges in Mumbai attending, the event has solidified its status as a cornerstone in higher education.
A History of Excellence
The TLC has been ATLAS SkillTech University’s flagship program for five years, drawing together the brightest minds and leaders from esteemed institutions. Each year, the event has grown in stature and influence, thanks to the active participation and engagement of thought leaders. This year, under the guidance of Dr. Indu Shahani, Founding President and Chancellor, Dr. Rajan Welukar, Vice-Chancellor (former Vice-Chancellor of Mumbai University), and Priya Soloman, Registrar of ATLAS SkillTech University, TLC reached new heights.
Dr. Indu Shahani, a visionary in education, shared the university’s journey, its formation during the pandemic, and the imperative to adapt to the evolving demands of education. Emphasising ATLAS SkillTech University’s industry connections, global reach and dynamic curriculum, Dr. Shahani underlined the university’s commitment to preparing students for the real world.
“Unless you connect your students to the real world, they are not going to fully grasp the relevance and practicality of their education.”
– Dr. Indu Shahani
Transformative Education
Dr. Rajan Welukar expanded on the university’s unique advantages, particularly its proximity to corporate offices. He underlined the university’s mission to create job creators, not job seekers, and stressed the importance of teaching students Design Thinking, Digital Technology, and Management with a humanitarian approach. The concept of flexible education, interdisciplinary learning, and the significance of learning from practitioners were central themes of his discussion.
“Change is mandatory; survival is optional”
– Dr. Rajan Welukar
Forging the Human-Machine Alliance
TLC 2023 featured a captivating presentation by Dr. Dakshinamurthy Kolluru, who holds an MS and PhD from Carnegie Mellon University and serves as the Director of Corporate & Research Affairs at ATLAS SkillTech University. Dr. Kolluru explored the incredible capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its implications on our future. He demonstrated AI’s ability to analyse text and images, create art and make logical and coherent responses. Dr. Kolluru encouraged thought leaders to ponder the impact of AI on job markets and to prepare the next generation to set audacious goals in response to the rapid advancements in technology.
“Prepare the next generation to set audacious goals in response to the rapid advancements in technology.”
– Dr. Dakshinamurthy Kolluru
Educators to Entrepreneurs
The second session, ‘Educators to Entrepreneurs’ by Prof. Omkar Pandharkame and Prof. Ameya Ambulkar, provided profound insights into AI and the mental frameworks required for modern educational leaders. The session emphasized the importance of adapting to the VUVAHAI (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous, Hyperconnected and AI First) world. They shared eye-opening statistics, demonstrating that AI would not take jobs but transform them, making individuals who know how to use AI invaluable. The duo showcased how AI can augment and mentor educators, emphasising that the role of today’s educators is coaching, not just teaching.
“The role of today’s educators is to be edupreneurs, shifting from teaching to coaching in a tech-first educational landscape.”
– Omkar Pandharkame
A Glimpse into the Future
TLC 2023 was not just an event; it was a platform for sharing ideas, exploring innovative pedagogical approaches and engaging in discussions to shape the future of education. It encouraged attendees to think beyond the present and prepare the next generation to dream bigger, enabling them to tackle the challenges and opportunities presented by AI and emerging technologies.
ATLAS SkillTech University’s Thought Leaders Conference 2023 was a resounding success, an event that echoed the commitment of the university to redefine education. As higher education stands on the precipice of a new era, ATLAS SkillTech University leads the way, fostering innovation, flexibility, and adaptability, ensuring that its students are not just educated but empowered to thrive in a rapidly changing world. The conference was a celebration of ideas, collaboration and a vision for a brighter, AI-driven future in education.
