Guwahati: The inaugural EDUNE.IN Conclave 2025 opened on a high note on Friday with the presentation of the Lifetime Teachers’ Achievement Award to Swadesh Chandra Roy, veteran educationist and former Headmaster of Kahilipara High School, Guwahati.
The honour, recognising his decades of service to education, was jointly conferred by Prof. (Dr.) Alak Kumar Buragohain, Vice-Chancellor of Assam Royal Global University (RGU), and Dr. Ashok Puranik, Executive Director of AIIMS Guwahati.
The conclave, held at the OPD Building Seminar Hall of Assam Royal Global University, was organised by EDUNE.IN in collaboration with RGU and supported by ADIG and Veecap Eduventures.
Described by the organisers as a historic step in reshaping the educational ecosystem of Northeast India, the event drew enthusiastic participation from institutions across the region.
In his inaugural address, chief guest Prof. Buragohain spoke passionately about the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence, describing it as “not just a tool but a civilized force that will impact the very course of human civilization.” His words set the tone for the day, which focused on the challenges and opportunities that AI and skill development present to the education sector in the Northeast.
The central session of the conclave featured a panel discussion on the theme “The Importance of AI and Skill Development in Today’s Education in Northeast India.”
Experts, including Dr. Ashok Puranik of AIIMS Guwahati, technology consultant Mukul Das, and Prof. Buragohain, engaged in a spirited exchange moderated by journalist and AI specialist Anirban Roy.
While acknowledging the immense influence of AI in redefining future skill sets, the panelists underlined that human intelligence remained irreplaceable.
“Smart devices, after all, were conceived by the human brain itself,” one expert remarked, stressing the enduring role of human creativity and emotional intelligence in education.
Students played an active role in the proceedings, raising probing questions during an interactive session. Learners from institutions such as St. Francis de Sales School, Handique Girls’ College, Don Bosco School, Radiant Academy, Rabindranath Tagore University, Arya Vidyapeeth College, and Assam Down Town University asked whether humans were truly replaceable by AI, sparking lively debate and reflection.
The conclave was also attended by Prof. Pranveer Singh, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Assam Down Town University, along with principals, department heads, and faculty representatives from across Guwahati.
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The discussions extended beyond technology when London-based entrepreneur and education promoter Lakhi Barua addressed the gathering. She spoke of the importance of global exposure and international education opportunities, urging students of the Northeast to seize every chance to build global perspectives while contributing back to the region’s development.
