Shaping Tomorrow: Key Insights from Dataquest T-School Conference 2024

The Dataquest T-School Conference 2024 successfully concluded on July 25th, 2024. This event brought together experts to discuss key topics related to learning, innovation, collaboration, and transformation in education.

Opening Remarks and Keynote Speakers

The conference commenced with an opening note by Prabhu Ram, VP – Industry Research Group (IRG), CyberMedia Research. He discussed emerging trends in higher education, emphasizing the benefits of online learning platforms like Duolingo and the potential of AI to personalize learning experiences and create new income streams for students. He highlighted the importance of educators adapting to a changing educational landscape with a focus on personalized learning and market-oriented strategies.

Following this, Satya Sunder Mohanty, Head of the User Research Practice at CyberMedia Research, presented key findings from a unique survey conducted by DQ – CyberMedia Research, which included rankings and detailed analysis.

The conference then officially began with a lamp-lighting ceremony and an inaugural address by Pradeep Gupta, Chairman of CyberMedia Group. He welcomed the audience and noted the long history of Dataquest's educational surveys, which started in 1982.

Special Addresses on the Future of Higher Education

Vipin Kumar, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Govt. of India, delivered a special address on the future of higher education in the digital economy. He proposed a multi-pronged approach to bridging the skill gap and preparing India's youth for future job markets, emphasizing the role of higher education institutions in this transformation.

Rajendra Pawar, Chairman of NIIT, spoke about the transformative shifts in education necessitated by rapid technological advancements and societal changes. He highlighted the increasing life expectancy and the need for adaptable education models.

Dr. Abhay Jere, Vice Chairman & Chief Innovation Officer at AICTE, advocated for a modular education system and discussed the concept of academic banks of credit, which allow students to accumulate credits over time rather than pursuing traditional degree programs.

Prof. Dr. Sunil Kumar Khatri, Dean at Amity University UP, emphasized the need for changing pedagogies in response to the shift from offline to online education, stressing the importance of digitizing educational content.

Panel Discussions on Education

The first panel discussion, moderated by Dhaval Gupta, MD of CyberMedia Group, focused on integrating data and analytics into education. Panelists included Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro-Chancellor of Chitkara University, Dr. Rekha Kashyap, Dean CSE(AI) at KIET Group of Institutions, and Rohit Sobti, Regional Sales Manager at Fortinet. They discussed the impact of data on student mindsets, the role of industry in teaching innovation, and cybersecurity education.

The next panel discussion focused on the topic of taking Industry-Academia Collaboration to the next level. Moderated by Sugandha Srivastava, Senior Analyst, CyberMedia Research, with coveted speakers, Faizul Mufti, VP- Information Security, Genpact, Dr. Kavita Bhargave Gupta, Associate Professor, Rishihood University & Founder, Dus Dishaa and Navanit Samaiyar, Head of Future Skills Prime and Industry Initiatives, SSC Nasscom.

The panel discussed the importance of collaboration between industry, academia, and government to drive innovation in agriculture. Speakers emphasized the need for industry-academia collaboration and government policies to facilitate this collaboration. They also highlighted the role of organizations such as NASSCOM in providing platforms for students to gain practical experience. The conversation also touched on consumer demand and supply in the context of agriculture.

Concluding the second panel discussion, Vijay Sethi, Chairman and Chief Mentor, Mentor Card, a seasoned mentor, an experienced entrepreneur with a focus on skill development joined the stage.

 “I think that collaboration between the senior people both in the academic industry is really very important. We really have to live. And the learning for that is not just for the students. The learning is for the professors, learning is for the teachers, learning is for the CHROs, learning is for the various senior leaders within the industry. And if we can really look at that piece rather than thinking that we have to teach students and our juniors have to study.” He stated.

A third panel discussion on Accessibility, Diversity, and Sustainability in Education. Minu Sirsalewala, Executive Editor, Special Projects, CyberMedia moderated this panel which was embraced by Megha Bansal, VP, Supply Chain & Logistics, ONDC, and Prof Shalini Taneja, Associate Professor & Head, Centre for Sustainable Development, FORE School of Management.

In discussing barriers to inclusive and diverse education, a key issue is whether students are ready to learn new areas such as measuring CSR impact and ESG structures. Companies invest significant amounts in CSR activities, and measuring their social impact is crucial. Training students in these areas, including integrated reporting and green supply chain initiatives, is necessary. Additionally, ethical AI and public policy awareness are important. Regulatory pressure and incorporating SDGs into curriculums are also significant.

The final panel discussion on despite Metaverse Slowdown, is immersive Education is the future? Ashok Pandey, Associate editor, PCQuest. This discussion graced Aditi Jain, Senior Director – Global CoE OD & HR Strategy, Visionet. 

They highlighted how augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming learning experiences. Sourav emphasized the distinction between AR, VR, and mixed reality (MR), and their potential despite current limitations like cost and accessibility. They both stressed the importance of choosing the right applications for immersive learning and foreseeing AI's role in creating personalized, interactive learning environments.

Chief Guest and Special Guest Addresses

The Guest of Honour, Satnaam Singh Sandhu, MP – Rajya Sabha & Chancellor, Chandigarh University, joined the conference. Pradeep Gupta, Chairman, CyberMedia Group specially welcomed him.

Satnaam Sandhu, emphasized his role as an educationist rather than an academician. "I take pride in being an educationist. Though I’m not an academician or from a teaching background, I feel that anyone who has contributed to the education field, in terms of infrastructure or other resources, should be recognized as an educationist," he said.

Sandhu spoke about the need to build the nation and referenced Indian martyrs like Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Lala Lajpat Rai. Rajya Sabha MP Satnaam Singh Sandhu thanked Dataquest and its founder, Pradeep Gupta, for inviting and recognizing him at the Dataquest Higher Education Conference and Awards.  

Chief Guest Ravneet Singh Bittu, Minister of State for Railways & Minister of State for Food Processing Industries. Minister Bittu emphasized the significance of higher education in equipping individuals with advanced knowledge and specialized skills necessary for professional success across various fields. "Higher education equips individuals with advanced knowledge and specialized skills needed for professional success in various fields," he noted.

Minister Bittu also mentioned about the financial support of loans up to ₹10 lakh for higher education in domestic institutions, with e-vouchers for annual interest subvention of 3 percent of the loan amount to be given directly to 1 lakh students each year.

Concluding his address, Minister Bittu congratulated Dataquest and the CyberMedia Group for providing the industry with a significant platform and lauded all awardees and participants.

Nirmaljeet Singh Kalsi, former IAS and chairman of the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) graced the Dataquest Higher Education Conference. Kalsi discussed the implementation of the new National Education Policy (NEP).

Looking ahead to Education 5.0, Kalsi emphasized the need for futuristic classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and home learning environments. The shift towards blended learning and the virtualization of education will play a crucial role. Education 5.0 will focus on a learner-centered approach, lifelong learning, interdisciplinary and collaborative learning, and the integration of technology education.

Nirmaljeet Singh Kalsi outlined a comprehensive vision for the future of education in India. The emphasis on reskilling, upskilling, and integrating skills with traditional education aims to create a holistic and adaptable educational system.

Awards and Conclusion

Pradeep Gupta and special guests honored various awardees from the education sector with the Dataquest Excellence in Tech Education Awards, 2024. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Rachna Garga, Sr. VP & Group, who thanked all the guest speakers, moderators, panelists, chief guests, and the audience, as well as the CyberMedia team for successfully organizing the conference.

Authored by Bharti Trehan