Present Indian Education System Has Reached a Critical Juncture: Noted Journalist Manoj Kumar Goswami
By Dalim Phukan
Morigaon/ Assam, Sep 10 : The education system has reached a critical juncture in recent times, with the existing system facing serious challenges. Rapidly changing technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), have created significant disruption in the education sector, observed noted journalist and Amar Asom Editor-in-Chief Manoj Kumar Goswami.
Goswami, a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award, made the observation while addressing an open session of the Freshers’ Welcome Programme held at Morigaon College (Autonomous) today as the designated speaker.
He said the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence has posed a particular challenge to the teaching community, as there may come a time when AI could take over the role of teachers. According to him, while AI may create an environment of unemployment, it could also create obstacles to the development of human talent.
Speaking on Assam’s unemployment problem, Goswami said a major question has arisen as to whether universities have been able to provide proper intellectual leadership. He described as unfortunate the situation in which postgraduate students have to stand in queues seeking Grade III and Grade IV jobs.
He said India was once an innovative country, but has now become a “copy-paste” nation. The country, he observed, now has to import most of its goods.
Addressing the students, Goswami urged them to make proper and productive use of their time and work towards establishing themselves in life.
The open session was presided over by Dr. Leelakanta Borthakur, Principal of Morigaon College (Autonomous). The programme was attended by Dr. Paragjyoti Mahanta, General Secretary of the Assam College Teachers’ Association; Vice-Principal Dr. Nilamani Phukan; Teachers’ Unit President Dr. Diganta Kumar Nath; Internal Quality Assurance Cell Coordinator Dr. Ajit Konwar; All Morigaon District Students’ Union President Dibyajyoti Choudhury, and several other distinguished personalities.
The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of a lamp by retired Vice-Principal Bani Barua. This was followed by a welcome address by Principal Dr. Leelakanta Borthakur, while the objectives of the programme were explained by Students’ Union General Secretary Pallav Hazarika.
On the occasion, noted journalist Manoj Kumar Goswami also formally released a book on beekeeping authored by senior faculty member of the college, Dr. Abdul Qayum Osmani.
Earlier in the morning, Principal Dr. Leelakanta Borthakur hoisted the college flag. Vice-Principal Dr. Nilamani Phukan paid tribute to the martyrs. Students’ Union President Moksidul Alam and General Secretary Pallav Hazarika paid floral tributes at the statues of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
