Education and industry institutions should implement complementary courses as per ‘NEP’ – M. Sheikh

Pimpri, Pune (February 07, 2026) According to the new National Education Policy, education and industry institutions should come together and implement mutually complementary courses, so that students can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience through participation in current industrial automation projects. In the future, the success of industries will be based on integrated automation solutions and emerging technologies, which will make organizations competitive in the ever-changing digital environment, said M. Sheikh, Managing Director, Saas Automation.

Under the “India AI Mission” of the Union Government’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the “India AI Impact Summit 2026 Pre-Summit” was successfully organized by Pimpri Chinchwad University (PCU) at Sate, Vadgaon Maval, Pimpri Chinchwad Education Trust (PCET).

On this occasion, Dr. Rajendra Kumar Sharma, Managing Director of Spell Technologies Company, Dr. Santosh Sonawane, Vice Chancellor of PCU, Dr. Sudeep Thepde, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Anjan Biswas of Mdocs India Company, Ranjit Mathur, Head of Engineering Services, Anju Beniwal, Deputy Director, Information Technology Expert Dr. Purva Sharma, PCU International Relations Director Dr. Shankar Devaskar, Director of Research and Development Dr. Bharat Kale, etc. were present.

A panel discussion was held with dignitaries from the fields of education and industry on the topic “Leap towards skill India – creating young aspiring Indian minds through industry – academia collaboration”.

The next phase of industrial development is in the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning. If we take a broad view, this will provide huge investment and employment opportunities in the manufacturing and service sectors, said Dr. Rajendra Kumar Sharma, Managing Director of Spell Technologies Company.

On this occasion, Anjan Vishwas said that AI is a force that can radically transform all sectors like nuclear energy. It will have to be used responsibly and ethically in the future. Its role will be special in creating a developed India. But we should be careful of indiscriminate dependence and deep fakes.

Dr. Rajendra Kumar Sharma said that the National Education Policy also intends to use AI and machine learning technologies to create skilled manpower in collaboration with the industry and education sector.

Anju Beniwal said that the government is also positive about using this technology. Dr. Purva Sharma said that the use of AI will be beneficial in agriculture, education as well as emerging quantum technologies.

Ranjit Mathur said that this technology is a guide for creating action programs on social issues like environment, climate, pollution and for a sustainable future for the next generation.

PCU Vice Chancellor Dr. Santosh Sonawane said that we are proud that this seminar organized by the Central Government is being held at PCO. This seminar is a preparatory event for the upcoming summit in New Delhi. It provides students with an opportunity to interact with international industry experts.

The seminar was organized under the guidance of PCET President Dnyaneshwar Landage, Vice President Padmatai Bhosale, Secretary Vitthal Kalbhor, Treasurer Shantaram Garade, Trustee and PCU Chancellor Harshvardhan Patil, Regulatory Committee Member Ajinkya Kalbhor, Narendra Landage, Executive Director Dr. Girish Desai.
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