Srinagar, 13 June: The Kashmir College of Engineering and Technology (KCET) recently hosted a landmark seminar on Artificial Intelligence (AI), featuring a keynote address by internationally renowned AI expert Dr. Vasant Dhar. A professor at the Stern School of Business and the Center for Data Science at New York University, Dr. Dhar brought his decades-long global experience to the campus, delivering a thought-provoking session for students and faculty alike.
In his address, Dr. Dhar outlined the transformative power of AI across key sectors including finance, healthcare, education, and transportation. He stressed that AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day force reshaping industries, influencing economies, and opening up new career avenues.
Drawing on his trailblazing work in developing machine-learning-based hedge funds in New York in the 1990s, Dr. Dhar explained how AI models are now pivotal in making intelligent decisions, interpreting complex data, and driving innovation. He emphasized that AI’s impact is visible and growing—and those prepared to understand and harness it will shape the future.
Offering a roadmap for aspiring technologists, Dr. Dhar highlighted the core skills essential for a successful career in AI: data literacy, algorithmic knowledge, and ethical reasoning. He urged students to engage with AI not just as a technical tool, but as a transformative social force that demands responsibility, transparency, and a commitment to the public good.
While discussing the immense benefits of AI—from enhancing medical diagnostics to enabling smart city development—he also issued a word of caution about its potential risks. He called on the next generation of engineers to prioritize ethical development, accountability, and robust regulatory frameworks to ensure that AI contributes positively to society.
The session sparked enthusiastic participation, with students posing questions about AI-related job opportunities, pathways to higher education in the field, and the evolving landscape of machine intelligence. Dr. Dhar praised the intellectual potential of Kashmiri youth and expressed optimism about increased regional representation in the global AI ecosystem.
The seminar marked a milestone for KCET, underlining its commitment to exposing students to frontier technologies and preparing them for future-ready careers in a rapidly evolving digital world.
