Garhwal Post Bureau
LANDHAURA (Haridwar), 13 Sep: A special workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) was organised at Chaman Lal College on Friday in collaboration with the Media Studies department of Graphic Era Hill University. Under a development communication and community outreach campaign, professors and media studies students from Graphic Era Hill University taught the students at Chaman Lal College, the basics of using AI, designing with Canva, and creative writing. Leading the Graphic Era Hill University team, Professor Taha Siddiqui observed that artificial intelligence is no threat to jobs, provided everyone learns how to use this technology properly in time.
As the keynote speaker, Head of Mass Communication at Graphic Era Hill University, Taha Siddiqui said that data is important in artificial intelligence (AI) and that it is essential to have accurate information. Attention also needs to be paid to the source of information, including newspapers, TV, radio, websites, Twitter, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Telegram. She also reminded that that Google searches for 70,000 pieces of information per second, and 500 hours of video are uploaded on YouTube every minute.
She however cautioned that one must be careful of misleading information. It is important to know the correct source of information. One needs to keep away from misleading posts like fake news and false videos of child abductions. Taha Siddiqui added that there can be many sources of information, such as advertisements and propaganda. Credibility is key: one needs to know who is behind the information. For authenticity, we can use Google Reverse Image Search.
Siddiqui explained that artificial intelligence has become an integral part of daily life. It has simplified paperwork and drafting, and while some jobs have disappeared, many new opportunities have been created, ensuring a balance in employment. She added that initiatives like Digital India and the availability of online courses have widened the scope of education, created fresh opportunities, and expanded the reach of technology.
In the second phase of the workshop, parallel sessions on artificial intelligence, Canva design, and creative writing were conducted under the guidance of Himani Binjola and Sandeep Bhatt. More than 300 students participated in the main programme as well as the parallel sessions. Students Dolma Passing, Kartik, Aman, Anukriti, and Vriddhi played a notable role in training their peers.
At the inauguration, President of the College Management Committee, Ramkumar Sharma, and Treasurer Atul Harit praised the initiative, describing it as highly beneficial for students. Principal of the College, Prof Dr Sushil Upadhyay, observed that while artificial intelligence has simplified tasks, it also demands caution. He described the workshop as a remarkable opportunity for the institution, noting that the students had gained valuable insights. IQAC coordinator Deepa Agarwal highlighted that the interaction between students of prestigious institutions and rural communities would help foster a shared culture.
Programme coordinators Deepa Agarwal and Richa Chauhan expressed gratitude to all the guests. Teaching and non-teaching staff of the college also attended the sessions and benefitted from the insights shared on artificial intelligence.
Foreign students love village
Mary, a student from Tanzania, and Antony from South Sudan, who accompanied the university team, experienced an Indian village for the first time. Mary took keen interest in the cultural dance presentations of local students, while Antony enthusiastically captured village scenes through his camera lens.
