India's education system needs to change quickly to prepare students for a fast-changing world. This message came from Prof T. G. Sitharam , who is the Chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
Speaking at the PRISM-FIMC 2025 conference, Prof Sitharam explained that the world is seeing big changes. These changes are happening because of new technologies, global political shifts between countries, and problems related to climate change. He said that because of these changes, the qualities needed in leaders are also changing very fast.
The World is Changing Fast
Prof Sitharam pointed out three main areas causing these big changes:
- Technology: New discoveries in areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and digital tools are changing how we work, learn, and live. Jobs that exist today might be different tomorrow, and new jobs will be created.
- Geopolitics: This means how different countries interact with each other. Trade agreements, international conflicts, and global partnerships can affect businesses, economies, and even daily life in India. Leaders need to understand these complex relationships.
- Climate-related Challenges: Issues like rising temperatures, extreme weather, and pollution are affecting everyone. This creates challenges for farming, health, and cities. It also opens doors for new jobs in green energy, sustainable development, and environmental protection.
These changes are happening at a speed never seen before. Because of this, leaders cannot just rely on their authority. Instead, they must be able to adapt to new situations, take responsibility for their actions, and work well with others. Prof Sitharam stressed that India has many talented young people, and our education system must get them ready for these future challenges.
The goal for India is to create leaders who are ethical, strong in difficult times, and dedicated to building a sustainable and developed India by the year 2047 . This vision means preparing students not just with knowledge, but also with important life skills.
Why New Leaders Need Global Awareness
Prof Subir Verma , Director of FORE School of Management, also spoke at the conference. He added that it is very important for future leaders to understand what is happening around the world. They must also have a strong sense of social responsibility, meaning they should care about the welfare of society and the environment.
Prof Verma highlighted the importance of platforms where people from industry (companies), policy-making (government), and academia (colleges and universities) can meet and talk. These meetings are key to shaping how India's future leaders will be trained and developed. When these groups work together, education can be more relevant to real-world needs.
Leading Clearly in Unsure Times
Krishnan Ramachandran , the Managing Director and CEO of Niva Bupa, shared his views on leadership. He said that during times when things are uncertain or changing rapidly, it is very important to have a clear purpose. This means knowing exactly what your goals are and why you are working towards them.
He explained that organisations that follow their plans strictly and invest in building strong teams can handle sudden changes better. This is especially true in sectors like healthcare, where people's needs and expectations can shift very quickly. For students, this means having clear goals and learning to work effectively in a team are valuable skills.
Thinking Beyond Short-Term Gains
Prof Sriparna Basu , the Dean of Academics, further added that this conference is happening at a time when technology, environmental stress, and global political unrest are influencing decisions everywhere. She called for leaders who can think about the long-term future, not just quick profits.
Prof Basu emphasized that leaders must understand how businesses, society, and government systems are all connected. For example, a business decision might affect the environment, which in turn might require new government rules. Students who can see these connections will be better prepared to lead effectively in the complex world ahead.
In summary, experts from education and industry agree that India's higher education system must prepare students with new skills and a broader outlook. This preparation will help them become effective, responsible leaders ready for the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world, working towards a developed India by 2047.
