DEMMC celebrates National Education Day
by Anushri Ramesh
Puducherry, November 13: Pondicherry University celebrated National Education Day on 11 November 2025 under the theme “AI and Education: Preserving human agency in a world of automation.” The day commenced with the seminar on “National Education Day: Celebrating Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s legacy.”
The event was led by Shri. J Sudhakaran a retired IAS officer. He emphasized that true democracy requires all voices to be heard, which includes education being the foundation for a progressive society. His presentation covers the details of the historical and contemporary challenges faced by marginalized groups, including Dalits, adivasis (tribals), women, minorities, LGBTQ+, and disabled persons, as well as how the media can offer a window for their narratives. He emphasized how mainstream media continues to stereotype particular populations, ignores regional issues, and is frequently dominated by elite viewpoints. The need for more inclusive journalism courses, smarter media awareness among audiences is crucial. The seminar was followed by an interactive and brain-stimulating quiz.
The next session was led by Mr. Kumara Guru on Artificial Intelligence used for educational purposes, showcasing his creation of advertisements and short stories using AI. The session was facilitated by HOD Dr. Radhika Khanna, who discussed ethics while using AI. The discussion emphasized that in an automated future, humans must be the gatekeepers of truth and ethics due to the increase in deepfakes and false information. The session firmly establishes that humans must remain the decision-makers who verify facts and maintain ethical standards in a world of increased automation. For the many dedicated students taking the test, Shri J. Sudhakharan generously stayed behind to lead a special UPSC counseling session. For those pursuing professions in civil services, this group interaction offered valuable advice on preparation techniques and motivating insights. The session ended with a group photo to remember this auspicious day and thank all those who contributed and joined together for the celebration.
