BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 24th February 2026: The two-day International Conference on “Digital Society and Human Values: Reimagining Integral Humanism in the AI Era” commenced on Saturday 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 the Shaikshik Foundation and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College under the University of Delhi. The event aims to deliberate on the ethical, social, educational and civilizational challenges emerging in the age of Artificial Intelligence and rapid digital transformation.
The conference seeks to revisit and reinterpret the philosophy of Integral Humanism propounded by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, with the objective of offering a value-based framework for an evolving digital society driven by AI and advanced technologies.
Addressing the inaugural session, Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Commerce & Industry and Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India, highlighted India’s 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. Emphasising the Government’s approach, he stated, “AI is for all, not just for students.” At the same time, he cautioned against the darker side of technological disruption, particularly the growing threats of deep fakes and AI-generated misinformation.
The conference is being held under the leadership of Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh President Dr. Narayan Lal Gupta, who in his presidential address 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, noting that the deliberations seek to harmonise rapid digital transformation with India’s rich philosophical traditions, particularly Integral Humanism.
Welcoming the dignitaries, Prof. Hem Chandra Jain, Principal of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College and Conference Convener, termed the seminar a decisive step toward reaffirming human values in the era of Artificial Intelligence. Guest of Honour Prof. Alok Kumar Chakrawal, Vice Chancellor of Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, observed that Artificial Intelligence can neither become our guru nor make humans its disciples, asserting that AI must remain an assisting tool while human beings strive 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 utilising AI for civilisational advancement while preserving its cultural heritage.
The first day concluded with plenary sessions featuring eminent scholars Prof. Anand Ranganathan and Prof. Jagadesh Kumar, focusing on rebuilding social trust in the age of automation. The conference witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 800 educationists, scholars, researchers and policy thinkers from across the country participating. The conference will continue on February 23 with thematic sessions on national security, ethical AI governance, digital transformation and a valedictory address by the Union Law Minister.
Significantly, nine faculty members from different degree colleges of Tripura are participating in the conference, reflecting the state’s growing engagement in contemporary debates on technology, society and Bharatiya philosophical thought. ABRSM, Tripura Prant, 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.
