AI leaders and educationists met at The Hindu Tech Summit 2026 in Chennai on February 13 to discuss how artificial intelligence is changing university education and job patterns. The panel included Dr. Sandhya Pentareddy (VIT), Jagdish Ramaswamy (Jayam SCM Consultants), V. Kumaraswamy (consultant), and Dr. Ashwin Sadasiva Kumar (Virtusa). The session was moderated by Nagaraj of The Hindu. Dr. Pentareddy said, “We produce intelligent, inquisitive, and adaptable human beings who shape future societies. The value of university education is more than a course you can learn online.” She stressed the importance of peer learning and research in universities. Kumaraswamy addressed fears about job losses due to AI: “The negative connotation regarding job losses is really overdone. NITI Aayog estimates 1.5 million base-level jobs may be lost. But look at the opportunity – a $1.5 trillion market.” He also noted that younger leaders should rise quickly, saying, “We need to see more 25-year-old general managers.” Dr. Kumar emphasized that foundational university education remains crucial, stating, “Degrees are not going to go away, but universities have to start thinking.” He added, “People who don’t know AI will be replaced by humans who know AI.” He warned that certification courses alone cannot produce engineers; universities must do it. Ramaswamy pointed out the need for stronger ecosystems to lead the AI revolution, adding, “The AI revolution should be led by the government and corporates. We need to use AI in a product economy to create intellectual property.” The discussion highlighted that AI is still developing and affects all fields. Experts agree formal education, research, and embracing AI skills are keys to future success.