AI’s Promise and Perils Take Centre Stage at Adani University Convocation; 374 Students Graduate
IISc Director Prof. Govindan Rangarajan highlights AI’s impact on education, research and society; Dr Priti Adani calls for innovation that benefits marginalised communities.
Ahmedabad, October 31, 2026: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is opening up significant opportunities in education and scientific research, but its growing influence also raises concerns about misinformation, trust and the future of human relationships, Prof. Govindan Rangarajan, Director of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), said while addressing the third convocation ceremony of Adani University in Ahmedabad.
The university conferred 374 degrees on students of the Class of 2026. Ten students were recognised with medals for academic excellence, comprising five gold, three silver and two bronze medals.
Prof. Rangarajan attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest. In his address, he highlighted AI’s potential to solve complex problems and accelerate scientific discovery, while cautioning that increasingly convincing AI-generated images, videos and information could make it more difficult to distinguish truth from fabrication.
He also raised concerns about the impact of digital technology on personal relationships, observing that although technology connects people virtually, it may also increase social distance. He urged students to embrace the benefits of AI while remaining conscious of its wider consequences.
Dr Priti Adani emphasises innovation and social impact
Dr Priti Adani, President of Adani University, presided over the convocation and welcomed the Chief Guest. She described Prof. Rangarajan’s contributions to mathematics, research and academic leadership as an inspiration for the graduating students and the university’s ambition to emerge as a leading research-driven institution.
Addressing the relationship between industry and academia, Dr Adani emphasised that collaboration should extend beyond industry merely identifying subjects for academic study. Exposure to real-world industrial challenges, she noted, can generate important questions and research opportunities that neither industry nor academia might identify independently.
Referring to India’s infrastructure development, she said the country must now focus on expanding its capacity for innovation and incubation. She encouraged students to pursue breakthroughs and develop solutions capable of reaching the most marginalised sections of society.
University outlines academic and research priorities
Presenting the university’s annual report, Provost Prof. (Dr.) Dhaval Pujara highlighted the contributions of faculty members, staff, students and industry partners. He outlined efforts to strengthen academic foundations, expand the research ecosystem and deepen engagement with industry and society.
Adani University, established in 2022, focuses on industry-relevant education, practical learning and research. Its academic and research priorities include infrastructure, energy, technology and digital healthcare.
The university currently offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in engineering, technology and business management, including B.Tech, M.Tech and MBA courses. It also offers integrated, NEP-compliant B.Tech–MBA and B.Tech–M.Tech programmes, along with interdisciplinary doctoral programmes.
According to the university, its campus has more than 1,800 students. It also states that it is the first university in Gujarat to receive ISO 21001:2018 certification, a management-system standard for educational organisations.
A call for responsible innovation
The convocation highlighted two interconnected priorities for India’s next generation of professionals: the responsible adoption of emerging technologies and the development of research-driven solutions to real-world challenges.
While AI is expected to influence education, research and industry in increasingly significant ways, the messages delivered at the ceremony underscored the importance of critical thinking, trust, human relationships and inclusive innovation.
As 374 graduates begin their professional and academic journeys, the university’s leadership called for a stronger connection between education, research, industry and the broader needs of society.
By Antara Tripathy | IBG NEWS
Source: Adani University media release dated October 31, 2026.
