India’s Educational Heritage Must Guide Learning in AI Era: Fadnavis

October 26, 2026 /Posted byBandy EW / 0

– Ronita Torcato

Preserving the legacy of India’s ancient education system when institutions like Taxila, Nalanda, and Vikramshila flourished alongside India’s dominance in global trade is a vital responsibility for the modern generation, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said at the 9th International Principals’ Educational Conference (IPEC) in Nagpur.

Discussions centered on Gen Alpha education, AI integration, ancient Indian heritage, and mother-tongue learning during the three day programme held at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), MIHAN, Nagpur.

In its first three editions since 2008, held every alternate year, the IPEC has provided a forum to school principals across the country to discuss critical issues about shaping school education — within the framework of the curriculum, the confines of the classroom, and within the constraints of the school.

This year’s theme is ‘Understanding WOW (World of Wonderful) Generations – Bridging Insights and Innovations’.

IIM Kozhikode director Prof. Debashis Chatterjee was the inaugural chief guest.

Addressing educators, professionals and students on the closing day of the conclave at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) the chief minister referenced Acharya Chanakya and Panini and pointed out that ancient Indian learning was structured on science, dialogue, and skill-based application. He said today’s youth has been aptly dubbed “Generation Wow’ since it is “the first generation in an era of massive information and technological growth.”

Reminding the audience of India’s historical educational depth cited in colonial-era surveys by William Adam who had listed schools in Bengal, Bihar Punjab and the Madras Presidency, Fadnavis credited social reformers for reviving learning after historical disruptions.

“Giving information a moral framework, distinguishing right from wrong, and applying knowledge with sensitivity is the real challenge today,” Fadnavis remarked, adding that in the AI era, teachers must move beyond merely imparting facts and instead guide students’ thinking processes, character, and ethics.

He also underscored the importance of learning in mother tongues, as encouraged by the National Education Policy (NEP).

Minister of state for school education Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar noted that state initiatives like Mukhyamantri Majhi Shala, Sundar Shala and Mukhyamantri Vigyan Vidyarthi Wari are driving social transformation and student development under the broader goal of a “Developed India 2047.”

During the event, the chief minister unveiled an e-souvenir Pathey – The Golden Elixir and presented the ‘Nachiketa’ and ‘Super Nachiketa’ awards to Razia Hussain, founder Principal of MSB Educational Institute, Nagpur; Shraddha Kelapure, former head mistress of the South Public School; Kanchan Uke, principal of Centre Point School, Wardhaman Nagar (Nagpur) and Dr. Indira Nayana, director and head of academics, Billabong High International School, Mumbai.

Former MP and actor Dr. Nitish Bhardwaj was the guest of honour at the event which was moderated by Dr. Mrinalini Dasture, principal of South Public School.

Also read: Bengal CM calls for re-introduction of pass-fail system in schools

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“Most schools never consciously chose their basic unit. They inherited one from the past: the class. With the class as the focus, the things that happen between people get squeezed out: the apprentice learning alongside someone skilled, the child taught where they are rather than where the class is, and the daily practice of getting along with people they did not choose. The most promising new schools are organising themselves around the individual child rather than the class. A better approach is to group children by readiness in each subject and change those groups as they progress. Communication, collaboration and handling disagreement need daily practice. In a school built around individual progress, teachers get time back to observe, diagnose, mentor and step in where they are most needed. Most teachers entered the profession to make a difference to children. Many spend their careers managing classes instead. The best new schools offer them a system that finally lets them do the work they signed up for.”

- Rahul Raghavan, Economic Times, (27/10)

“Prevention begins with understanding young people, their struggles and the environments in which they grow up. A sense of belonging, nurturing relationships and meaningful social interactions can play a crucial role in protecting adolescents from substance abuse. When young people feel connected to their families, schools and communities, they are more likely to develop healthy coping mechanisms, make informed choices and seek help when needed. Parents, teachers and community leaders must work together to create supportive spaces where adolescents feel heard, valued and understood. Schools must go beyond academic achievement to foster inclusion, emotional wellbeing and genuine relationships. Ultimately, preventing substance abuse requires looking beyond individual behaviour and recognising the influence of the relationships and communities that shape young lives.”

- Navdeep Aggarwal, Economic Times, (22/10)

India’s Educational Heritage Must Guide Learning in AI Era: Fadnavis

– Ronita Torcato

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