BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 22nd February 2026: The two-day International Conference on Digital Society and Human Values: Reimagining Integral Humanism in the AI Era commenced today at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC), Janpath, New Delhi. The conference is being organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh (ABRSM) in collaboration with Shaikshik Foundation and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, University of Delhi. The conference aims to deliberate on the ethical, social, educational and civilizational challenges emerging in the age of Artificial Intelligence and rapid digital transformation. It seeks to revisit and reinterpret the philosophy of Integral Humanism propounded by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya in order to provide a value-based framework for the evolving digital society.
Addressing the inaugural session, Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Commerce & Industry and Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India, highlighted Indias emerging leadership in shaping a global AI framework rooted in inclusivity and human values. Referring to the recently held AI Summit, described as the Mother of all AI Summits, the Minister informed that 86 countries signed a landmark global pact affirming that Artificial Intelligence must remain inclusive, human-centric, and value-based. Emphasizing the Governments approach, Shri Prasada stated, AI is for all, not just for students. At the same time, he cautioned against the dark side of technological disruption, particularly the growing threats of deep fakes and AI-generated misinformation. The conference is being held under the leadership of Dr. Narayan Lal Gupta, President, ABRSM. In his presidential address, Dr. Gupta stressed the necessity of value-based and inclusive AI development. Prof. Geeta Bhatt, Director, NCWEB and General Secretary of ABRSM, described the conference as an effort to create a roadmap that balances technological disruption with core human ethics. She noted that the deliberations seek to harmonize rapid digital transformation with Indias rich philosophical traditions, particularly the concept of Integral Humanism. Prof. Hem Chandra Jain, Principal of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College and Conference Convener, welcomed the dignitaries and termed the seminar a decisive step toward reaffirming human values in the era of Artificial Intelligence. Prof. Alok Kumar Chakrawal, Vice Chancellor of Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya and Guest of Honour, observed that Artificial Intelligence can neither become our guru nor make us its disciples. He stated that AI must remain an assisting tool, while human beings must continue striving for intellectual and moral excellence. Prof. Virender Bharadwaj expressed gratitude to the distinguished guests and participants, stating that India is emerging as a vigilant and responsible nation utilizing Artificial Intelligence for civilizational advancement while preserving and strengthening its cultural heritage.
The first day concluded with plenary sessions featuring eminent scholars including Prof. Anand Ranganathan and Prof. Jagadesh Kumar, focusing on rebuilding social trust in the age of automation. The conference witnessed an overwhelming response, with more than 800 educationists, scholars, researchers, and policy thinkers from across the country participating in the deliberations. The conference will continue on 23 February with thematic sessions addressing national security concerns, ethical AI governance, digital transformation, and a valedictory address by the Union Law Minister.
Significantly, 9 faculty members from different degree colleges of Tripura are participating in the conference, representing the academic community of the state in this important national discourse. Their participation reflects Tripuras growing engagement in contemporary debates on technology, society, and Bharatiya philosophical thought. ABRSM, Tripura Prant, has expressed pride in being part of this landmark academic initiative and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting value-based education and intellectual engagement in the region.
