On World Education Day, education experts emphasized the urgent need for reform to align India’s education system with the challenges posed by the 4th Industrial Revolution. Professor V N Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice-Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, highlighted the global shift towards a highly skilled workforce, driven by rapid advancements in technology.
He pointed out the critical need to address persistent issues like the digital divide and inequities in education access. “India must continually adapt training and capacity-building to match the technological landscape,” said Professor Pillai. He added that the focus of this year’s theme, Artificial Intelligence (AI), underscores the importance of preparing students for the age of intelligent machines.
Dr Raman Ramchandran, Dean at K J Somaiya Institute of Management, stressed the role of foundational sciences and entrepreneurial skills. He explained that the convergence of digital technology and basic sciences is transforming industries such as healthcare. “Rapid learning, adaptability, and collaboration are crucial for thriving in a changing job market,” he noted.
Equipping Students for Industry 4.0
Professor Himadri Das, Director General of the International Management Institute, Delhi, called for integrating technology and data literacy into curriculums. He advocated for fostering innovation, ethical leadership, and lifelong learning to prepare students for technological advancements.
Professor Ashish Bharadwaj of BITS Law School highlighted that Industry 4.0 is marked by digitization, data analytics, and human-machine interaction. He emphasized the growing importance of expertise in laws and policies related to technologies like robotics and AI, citing data privacy and ethical AI use as key areas for professional development.
Education as a Catalyst for Peace and Development
Dr Kalpana Gangaramani, Managing Director of Target Learning Ventures, underlined education’s role as a force for peace and development. She emphasized the importance of inclusive learning and community participation to spread awareness of equitable education.
Preparing India for a Competitive Future
As economies evolve under the influence of the 4th Industrial Revolution, experts agree that a robust education system is crucial to empower India’s youth. Bridging gaps in access, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and preparing students for technological challenges will ensure the nation remains globally competitive.
This World Education Day, the message is clear: education reform is not just an option—it’s an imperative.
