Artificial Intelligence can never replace human creativity, Emotional Quotient, wisdom, empathy and understanding. To embrace the new knowledge technologies, we need to partner with AI, learn to upskill ourselves, improve our language skills, embrace continuous learning and most importantly invest in humans”, the keynote speaker Mr. Chinmay Gavankar said addressing the gathering of researchers, academicians and industry experts at the one-day Multidisciplinary International Conference organized by the H. R. College of Commerce and Economics in Mumbai on 31st January, 2026. Titled as “The Knowledge Continuum: From Ancient Foundations to Intelligent Futures” the Conference explored the evolution of knowledge from its ancient philosophical roots to its modern transformation through technology, data, and Artificial Intelligence. The conference was held in hybrid mode with a total of 92 research presentations from national and international institutions.
The panel discussion held post inaugural session on “Emerging Technologies and the Global Knowledge Economy: Challenges, Strategies and Future Opportunities” focused on facilitating research-based initiatives and highlighting the role of educational institutions in enabling critical thinking and addressing inequalities. The panelists, Mr. Nischal Kapadia, Dr Jai Mohan Pandit and Mr. Sagar Chandni emphasized that global knowledge economy will benefit from inclusive platforms and by addressing inequality among nations and people. While India as the world’s fourth largest economy aims to be a leader in knowledge creation by embracing the idea of Vishwaguru, the panelists emphasized that lifelong skilling and critical thinking will enable us to use the modern technology with appropriate choice. Addressing the ethical aspects, the panelists suggested prioritizing intention over ambition for realizing goals. They also addressed the issue of gender bias in technology as a challenge to overcome with right educational values. They argued that educational institutions should engage in improving capability and be in sync with the rapidly changing technology with equal focus on core human values.
Sylvia Maier, Academic Director, Clinical Director and Clinical Professor in the Centre for Global Affairs NYU, New York University in her valedictory address stated that in the fast-moving world we must distinguish between processing power and purpose. Intelligence does not always mean wise. AI is an engine of optimization and seeks the fastest route and most efficient pattern but ancient wisdom tells us that pillars of civil society are not about optimization but nuanced understandings. With AI we may have all the knowledge but a hollow world without human experience. Instead of humans needing AI, we must understand that AI needs human architects to draw the blueprints for an inclusive and wise civil society.
The Principal of H R College Dr Pooja Ramchandani explained that the purpose of such academic gatherings with emphasis on knowledge and technology encouraging engagement with industry and corporate sectors, immensely benefits the student community in new learning and skill enhancement.
