KAPMI

Bridging Disciplines with AI: A New Era in Higher Education

Kateel Ashok Pai Memorial College, Malligenahalli, under Manasa Trust, organized a National Conference on “Artificial Intelligence, Interdisciplinarity, and the Future of Higher Education” at its Jnanapatha campus on Thursday. Vice-Chancellor of Kuvempu University, Prof. Sharath Ananthamurthy, inaugurated the conference and highlighted the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence across disciplines. He emphasized the need to balance its benefits with awareness of emerging challenges, noting that issues like climate change demand interdisciplinary approaches with global relevance. Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Deepthi Ganapathi of IIM Bangalore stressed the role of AI and frontier technologies in addressing global challenges such as climate change and healthcare, while ensuring inclusivity and data sovereignty. She also underlined the importance of academic rigor, drawing from literary and philosophical references. In the technical sessions, Dr. Srikant Hegde noted that AI can assist in complex medical research and challenges, while Dr. Preethi V. Shanbhag cautioned against overdependence on AI in psychiatry. Prof. Ashok D’Souza also shared his insights. The sessions were moderated by Prof. Rajendra Chenni. The conference was presided over by Principal Dr. Sandhya Kaveri K. Faculty members and students were present. Prof. Ananthamurthy and Prof. Ganapathi were felicitated on the occasion. The programme began with a prayer song by M.Sc. students. Dr. Archana Bhat delivered the welcome address, while Ms. Roja M. and Ms. Hani Kuruvari introduced the speakers. The event was compered by Ms. Reshma A., and the vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Manjunath Swamy.