Surathkal: The National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal celebrated Teachers’ Day in an engaging and forward-looking manner by hosting two panel discussions that brought together faculty and students to reflect on the future of engineering and education in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).
Panel 1: Core vs computer engineering in 2030
The first discussion, titled “Jobs in 2030 – Core or Computer Engineering?”, featured Dr. Pavan Pandit (Mechanical Engineering) and Ms. Khushi Singh (Mining Engineering student), who argued in favour of core engineering disciplines. They stressed that everything tangible in the world, from infrastructure to machinery, is built by core engineers, and therefore, such jobs will always remain relevant.
On the opposing side, Dr. Vamshi (Information Technology) and Mr. Arnav Mirandda (IT student) supported computer science and IT as the future of engineering. They argued that even traditional fields now rely heavily on computer software for design, simulation and manufacturing. They highlighted how computer engineers enhance productivity and innovation across industries, making CS/IT indispensable in the coming decades.
The debate highlighted the need for balance between traditional engineering knowledge and emerging digital technologies.
Panel 2: Will AI replace teachers by 2030?
The second session, titled “AI in 2030 – Will It Replace Teachers?”, addressed one of the most debated questions in education.
Dr. Sabiha Alam Choudhury (Humanities, Social Sciences & Management) and Mr. Jonathan James (Chemical Engineering student) argued that teachers provide emotional support, mentorship and inspiration—qualities that AI cannot replicate. They emphasised that education is not just about information delivery but also about nurturing character and values.
On the other side, Dr. Amareshwararao Kavuri (Electronics & Communication Engineering) and Ms. Aditi Pandey (IT student) highlighted AI’s ability to deliver personalised education anytime, anywhere, and at any pace, for a large number of students. They noted that this scalability and adaptability cannot be matched by human teachers.
The panel concluded that while AI will enhance the teaching-learning process, the human role in education remains irreplaceable.
Director’s insights on future learning
Both discussions were moderated by Prof. B. Ravi, Director of NITK Surathkal, who summed up by stating that future jobs will require both domain knowledge and computer skills. He stressed that teachers would remain indispensable, but they must adopt AI tools to make learning more engaging and effective, ensuring better knowledge retention and practical application.
The director further noted that AI integration in education will demand adaptability from teachers, who must stay updated with technology to prepare students for an AI-driven world.
Participation and impact
The panel discussions saw active engagement from around 300 faculty, students, and staff. Questions from the audience enriched the debate, demonstrating strong interest in both the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Prof. G.S. Dwarakish, Dean (Academic Programs), who compered the event, concluded by reiterating the role of teachers in shaping future generations of graduates and their contribution to national development.
The event reflected NITK’s commitment to thought leadership in engineering and education while celebrating the guiding influence of teachers.