At THE WEEK Education Conclave, former University Grants Commission (UGC) chairperson M. Jagadesh Kumar called for a fundamental rethinking of education in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). Stressing the importance of innovation, curiosity, and sustainability, Kumar outlined a roadmap to transform India into a Viksit Bharat, a truly developed and equitable nation by 2047.
Kumar highlighted that while technology is rapidly reshaping industries, the true purpose of education goes beyond producing a skilled workforce. “We want our young generation to be innovative. Education must add value to the ideas we generate. Only when students develop the power of imagination and critical thinking, like Nachiketa in the Kathopanishad, can they ask fundamental questions about life and the world around them,” he said.
He drew a historical analogy to explain the role of curiosity in innovation. “The microwave oven, invented in 1947, was born out of curiosity. A scientist noticed that the chocolate in his pocket melted while he was experimenting with radar technology, and the maize seeds nearby popped into popcorn. We need to ask whether our education system is providing a similar environment that nurtures curiosity and innovation,” he remarked.
Kumar stressed that educational reforms must ensure equal opportunities for all. “Our goal is social inclusion. Everybody should have the same chance to grow, irrespective of where they come from,” he said. He added that progress must be balanced with environmental sustainability, arguing that development without ecological responsibility would be incomplete.
AI, he said, is both a challenge and an opportunity. While it will inevitably disrupt jobs, it also has the potential to democratise education and expand access. “The real test is whether we can use AI to bridge gaps, not widen them,” he cautioned. Kumar urged policymakers and institutions to harness AI responsibly to personalise learning, track student progress, and create equitable access to quality education.
By 2047, Kumar envisions an India that is not just economically advanced but also socially inclusive, environmentally responsible, and intellectually vibrant. “This is what we mean by Viksit Bharat,” he explained. “It is not only about infrastructure and GDP growth, but about ensuring that every citizen has the capability and opportunity to realise their potential.”
He concluded by underlining the need to cultivate curiosity as a lifelong habit. “Critical thinking, asking questions, and imagining the impossible are what lead to breakthroughs. Like Nachiketa questioning Yama in the Kathopanishad, our students must question, explore, and seek answers. That is how India will lead in the age of AI,” Kumar said.