In a special technology masterclass as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Pariksha Pe Charcha broadcast, students were encouraged to use artificial intelligence (AI) wisely, make independent decisions, and ensure technology serves as an enabler rather than a crutch.

The session, held on Thursday, featured YouTuber Gaurav Chaudhary (widely known as “Technical Guruji”) and Radhika Gupta, MD and CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund. The two experts shared insights on how AI and digital tools can enhance learning without replacing critical thinking and creativity.

Unlike previous editions held in a town hall format, this year’s interaction took place in the historic Sunder Nursery in Delhi, offering a more informal setting. Throughout this year’s series, prominent personalities such as boxer MC Mary Kom, spiritual leader Sadhguru, and Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone have shared their expertise on managing stress, decision-making, and personal growth.

Addressing students, Chaudhary stressed that technology should empower, not control their lives.“Technology should serve as a tool to sharpen your intelligence and creativity, but it should never replace them,” he said.

He highlighted the benefits of smart study tools like digital notes, AI-powered learning platforms, and online educational resources, cautioning students against excessive reliance on technology.

Drawing from her own experiences, Gupta reflected on the evolution of technology—from the days of floppy disks to AI-driven learning tools. She acknowledged AI’s ability to provide analysis, insights, and knowledge but emphasized the need for students to build a strong conceptual foundation. “AI can be a great study partner, but it should never take over decision-making. Whether it’s choosing between arts or science, AI can offer guidance, but the final call must always be yours,” she explained.

To demonstrate AI’s practical applications, the speakers introduced a fun “AI Charades” game, where students generated AI-powered images of famous personalities without explicitly naming them. “This is called prompt engineering—learning how to frame the right prompts is key to mastering AI,” Chaudhary said.

During the session, Gupta also responded to a student’s query on how AI can make learning more interactive. She emphasized the growing relevance of AI, data science, and coding, urging students to adapt and use technology to their advantage.

Since its launch in 2018, Pariksha Pe Charcha has become an annual platform where PM Modi interacts with students to discuss exam stress, learning techniques, and holistic growth. The seventh edition, held at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, saw participation from students across India and abroad.

The next episode in the series, scheduled for Friday, will focus on “Good Nutrition Fuels a Sharp Mind”. Nutrition experts Shonali Sabherwal, Rujuta Diwekar, and Revant Himatsingka will discuss the importance of diet, sleep, and mental well-being in academic performance.

Also read: Record 2.79 crore registrations for 8th edition of PM’s Pariksha Pe Charcha

---