PUNE: Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be treated as a tool to strengthen human thinking rather than as a competitor, Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Limited (MKCL) founder-director Vivek Sawant said while addressing the silver jubilee celebrations of Pune Vidyarthi Griha’s College of Science and Commerce.“Technology does not eliminate jobs; it transforms them by creating new opportunities. Students should identify their interests and strengths, embrace skill-based learning, and adapt to emerging technologies. AI should be used to augment human thinking and problem-solving abilities, not to replace them,” Sawant said. He urged students to reduce unnecessary use of social media and focus on discipline, teamwork, soft skills, and lifelong learning to remain relevant in a rapidly changing job market.The function, held at the Kulguru Dadasaheb Ketkar Auditorium, was attended by Savitribai Phule Pune University Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Parag Kalkar, Pune Deputy Mayor Parshuram Wadekar, Pune Vidyarthi Griha Executive President Rajendra Borhade, Vice-President Amol Joshi, Secretary Sanjay Gunjal, Treasurer Krishnaji Kulkarni, Directors Sunil Redekar, Pournima Likhite, Ramesh Kulkarni, and Rajendra Kaduskar, College Head Prof. Dr. Rajendra Kamble, Principal Dr. Sanjaykumar Gaikwad, Vice-Principal Prof. Rekha Joshi, and Prof. Dr. Swati Joshi, among others.Addressing the gathering, Dr. Parag Kalkar said higher education must move beyond conventional degree programmes to focus on technology-enabled, skill-based, and employment-oriented education. He stressed the need to integrate academic learning with industry exposure, stating that institutions must prepare a skilled workforce to meet the demands of a rapidly changing economy while ensuring students’ holistic development.Parshuram Wadekar said quality education remains the most effective means of social transformation and lauded Pune Vidyarthi Griha for educating lakhs of economically disadvantaged students over the past century. He said institutions established decades ago have successfully adapted to changing times without compromising on values and continue to nurture responsible citizens.Rajendra Borhade said the College of Science and Commerce has built a distinct identity over the past 25 years through quality education, student-centric initiatives, and an emphasis on research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry-oriented learning. He said the institution remains committed to implementing the National Education Policy and equipping students with the skills required to face future challenges.Earlier, Prof. Dr Rajendra Kamble presented an overview of the college’s 25-year journey. A commemorative souvenir marking the college’s silver jubilee was also released. The programme was compered by Prof. Tejal Chothe, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Dr Sanjaykumar Gaikwad.
