Minister Sharma calls for ethical, people-centric use of AI
GANDERBAL: The International Conference on Applied Artificial Intelligence (2AI-2026) was inaugurated on June 18 at the Tulmulla Campus of the Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir), marking a significant event in AI research and collaboration. Organized by the Department of Information Technology in partnership with the University of South Dakota’s AI Research Lab, USA, and supported by Springer and CCIS, the conference drew scholars, researchers, and dignitaries from across the globe.
The inaugural session was attended by Shri Satish Sharma, Minister for Science & Technology, Jammu and Kashmir, as the Chief Guest, along with university officials and international delegates. Sharma emphasized that technological progress must be rooted in human values, ethics, and societal well-being. He highlighted AI’s potential to transform sectors like healthcare, agriculture, governance, and education, advocating for AI solutions that address real-world issues and promote inclusive growth. Sharma also expressed confidence in Jammu and Kashmir’s youth talent, promising ongoing government support for innovation, research, and entrepreneurship.
CUKashmir’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, underscored AI’s role as a transformative technology shaping societal functions. He stressed the importance of higher education institutions leading in technological innovation, research, and preparing students for the evolving global knowledge economy. The university’s recent initiatives to enhance research collaborations and industry linkages were also highlighted to foster innovation and practical engagement.
Prof. Battu Satyanarayana, Vice Chancellor of the Central University of Karnataka, delivered a remote address emphasizing AI’s integral role in modern life. He noted that technology should augment, not replace, human intelligence and urged universities to promote responsible AI adoption for societal benefits.
Dr. Chandrasekhar Buddha, AICTE’s Chief Coordinating Officer, discussed AI’s opportunities and challenges, emphasizing the importance of aligning AI development with human values and indigenous capabilities to meet local and national needs. Prof. Sandhya Tiwari, Dean of International Affairs, outlined the university’s international outreach efforts, including collaborations, faculty exchanges, and student mobility programs, acknowledging the event’s success in expanding global academic ties.
Prof. R. S. Hegadi provided an overview of the conference, revealing that 447 research papers from over 20 countries were submitted, with 118 accepted after rigorous peer review, maintaining high academic standards. Prof. Farooq Ahmad Mir, Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology, highlighted AI’s rapid evolution and urged proactive engagement with emerging technologies to harness their full potential.
The event saw the release of conference proceedings and a souvenir. Organizing Chair Dr. Yash Paul expressed that 2AI-2026 served as a vital platform for knowledge exchange and innovation in AI. Assistant Professor Gulafroz conducted the proceedings, concluding a successful and impactful gathering dedicated to advancing applied AI research.