International conference on AI and machine learning in Ballari

Adapting skill-based education to the demands of the technology era is essential to shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs, and every lecturer must embrace continuous learning methods, said K. Eeresi, former dean of the Faculty of Commerce of Bengaluru University.

He was addressing the inaugural session of a two-day international conference organised by the Department of Commerce, Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University, in collaboration with the State Bank of India, in Ballari on August 13.

“India is a diverse nation and a confluence of information technology, science, and innovation. The education sector has seen the adoption of various models, including the gurukul system, curriculum-based learning, internet-based education, machine-based learning, and community research models. The country today is strong spiritually, materially, economically, and technologically, and every citizen must commit to lifelong learning,” he stressed.

Delivering the keynote address online, Clare Walsh, Director of Education at the Institute of Analytics, London, said that leading companies and entrepreneurs worldwide have adopted artificial intelligence and machine learning. “While AI can, in some cases, dampen human learning skills, the reality is that its integration into work processes has become an unavoidable necessity across sectors,” she said.  

Prof. Jayanna, former dean of the Faculty of Management, VSK University, recalled his efforts in establishing the Department of Commerce and expressed satisfaction at its growth. He hoped the conference would serve as a guiding light for students’ futures.

University Registrar C. Nagaraju observed that while humans invent technology, machines are now evolving to control humans. “If this continues, human thought itself could lose value,” he said urging the responsible use of technological advances.

Presiding over the event, Vice-Chancellor Prof. M. Muniraju said that AI and analytics have become key areas of focus. The university would arrange training workshops on business analytics for its entire commerce faculty. “By gaining expertise in AI, students could secure employment anywhere in the world,” he added.

Also present were Prof. N. M. Saali, Controller of Examinations; Prof. Sadyojatappa, Head of the Department of Commerce and programme coordinator; and over 200 researchers, faculty members, deans of various faculties, teaching and non-teaching staff, and research scholars from across India and abroad.