Hyderabad: Congress MP and writer Shashi Tharoor on Saturday described artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool that could transform education while underscoring the importance of retaining a humane touch, especially in teaching.
“AI is the future, and we must learn to use it wisely,” he said.
Students are already quite advanced as regards technology and thus, educators too must upskill themselves, he said, while adding “Technology should not replace humanity.”
Tharoor was in the city where he addressed two gatherings. He spoke about education, artificial intelligence and leadership.
He engaged with over 200 principals of CBSE-affiliated schools from six Gulf nations at the 37th Gulf Sahodaya principals' conference and later spoke at the IIMUN Hyderabad on politics, reading and communication.
The CBSE Gulf Sahodaya conference, organised by the Oman Chapter, brought school leaders from the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.
Some principals raised questions about using AI, including for inclusivity, particularly for students with special needs. Tharoor acknowledged its potential to build confidence and create equality, but said that it could not replace traditional teaching methods.
His address was titled, ‘Emerging Role of School Leadership in the AI Era’.
Later in the day, Tharoor addressed over 1,000 students at Johnson Grammar School during the IIMUN Hyderabad conference.
He encouraged the young participants to view politics as a way to serve society and spoke about his belief that true leadership came from a sense of responsibility.
Tharoor spoke on his passion for reading, explaining how books shaped his worldview and helped him develop critical thinking.
He marked the occasion, by introducing his books, ‘Battle of Ideas’ and ‘Wonderland of Words’ during the session and spoke about the importance of language and communication.
To engage the students, he conducted a vocabulary activity, inviting them to explore the meanings of different words.
