AI holds key to transforming education for 320 million Indians: Sisodia

K K Jha
Indore: In a powerful call to action, former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia declared that artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to shape the future of 320 million Indians through education. Speaking at the Indian Journalism Festival in Indore, he urged the nation to prioritize education in its political choices, asserting that only when votes are cast for education will the system truly transform.
Addressing a session on “AI and Education” during the second day of the three-day festival organized by Status Club Madhya Pradesh, Sisodia emphasized that while each new AI version replaces its predecessor, human intelligence remains irreplaceable. He critiqued the current national obsession with historical debates, advocating instead for a forward-looking focus on education. “Education begins with a mother’s wisdom,” he said, tracing its evolution from manual skills to mental prowess, computers, and now AI-driven intellect.
Sisodia posed critical questions: How should education adapt? What should it teach, and why? With 300 million students and 20 million teachers in India, he highlighted the daunting challenges facing the system. Shockingly, 48% of schools lack electricity, 44% of those with power have no computers, and 42% lack internet. In 42% of schools, students still sit on the floor. “This is where India’s future is being shaped,” he warned.
Globally, countries like South Korea have redesigned their 2025 curricula around AI, while Finland and China have followed suit. In contrast, Sisodia pointed out that India’s Class 12 computer education often boils down to teaching typing. Historically, 99% of Indians were denied education; today, despite access, the system fails to nurture a problem-solving mindset. He cited government data showing that over the past decade, 230 million applied for government jobs, but only 700,000 succeeded, reflecting a flawed focus on rote learning over innovation.
He called for education to teach coexistence and empathy, urging citizens to demand systemic change through their votes.
The session also featured insights from academic leaders. Professor Surendra Gupta of SGSITS highlighted AI’s problem-solving potential, urging teachers to rethink traditional methods. Swapnil Kothari, Chancellor of Renaissance University, warned of rising competition, stressing the need to foster mental and emotional resilience in students. Dr. Ankur Saxena of Sage University defined education’s core as character, teamwork, and creativity, advocating for AI’s integration into learning. Dr. Vandana Tiwari emphasized responsible AI use, calling for teacher training and oversight of children’s engagement with technology. Professor Jayati Sharma of Amity University cautioned that technology cannot replace empathy, while Dr. Urjita underscored the importance of teaching students both the benefits and risks of AI.