AI threat to public education highlighted at OU’s 109th foundation day

At Osmania University’s 109th Foundation Day, economist Mohan Guruswamy warned that unchecked adoption of Artificial Intelligence could weaken the public education sector. He criticised the rise of a "Social Elite" in private institutions where wealth overshadows merit, urging policymakers to safeguard meritocracy.

Hyderabad: Economist, policy analyst and OU alumnus Mohan Guruswamy warned that without strategic vigilance, modern technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) could undermine the public education sector.

“We might not compete with private institutions in terms of flashy infrastructure, but we must never lag behind in quality,” Guruswamy remarked during Osmania University’s 109th Foundation Day celebrations here on Sunday.

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The economist expressed concerns over the rise of a new “Social Elite” where wealth often bypasses merit in private institutions, calling it an injustice to true talent. He urged policymakers to rethink the educational delivery model to ensure meritocracy remains the cornerstone of the system.

Telangana High Court Judge Justice Nagesh Bheemapaka emphasized that higher education is the only potent weapon to eradicate social evils and systemic challenges.

“Students must build holistic personalities through extensive study and profound knowledge,” he said.

OU Vice Chancellor Prof. Kumar Molugaram said the OU, which has served for over a hundred years, must continue to empower students for centuries to come.

“We are committed to ensuring a brilliant future for the next generation, making every Osmanian across the globe proud,” he added. Advisor to Telangana government, Dr. K Keshava Rao and MP Vem Narendar Reddy also spoke.