Techno India University’s School of the Future hosted an inspiring and future-forward Fireside Chat on 28th November 2025 featuring Prof. Subhasis Chaudhuri, Former Director of IIT Bombay & Chairman of Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), in conversation with Meghdut Roy Chowdhury, Executive Director & Chief Innovation Officer of Techno India Group.
The session, titled “India 2035: Technology, Trust & Transformation,” drew packed attendance with students eager to gain insights from two of the country’s most influential voices in technology, academia, and innovation.
During the Fireside Chat, Meghdut Roy Chowdhury opened with an engaging question about Prof. Subhasis Chaudhuri’s remarkable journey—from growing up in a small town in Murshidabad, studying in a Bengali-medium school, and eventually rising to lead one of India’s most prestigious institutions. Reflecting on his early years, Prof. Chaudhuri shared, “I did not grow up with access or exposure. But I always had curiosity, and that became my greatest strength.”
He spoke candidly about the challenges of studying in a non-English environment and recalled, “The first time I really heard fluent spoken English was after I left home. It was intimidating, but it also pushed me to learn faster.” His personal experiences resonated deeply with students who saw their own journeys reflected in his words.
The discussion soon shifted toward the evolving mindset of today’s youth—a generation accustomed to instant results and rapid digital consumption. Meghdut raised thoughtful points about the pressures and distractions of the modern world, prompting Prof. Chaudhuri to remark, “Young people today want everything immediately, but real growth takes time. You cannot pre-encash your future just because the present feels slow.”
Using a powerful analogy from machine learning, he added, “Don’t stop at the first local minimum. Life has global minima too—you just have to keep exploring.”
Both speakers then delved into the relevance of classroom learning in an age dominated by online platforms and AI tools. Prof. Chaudhuri reflected on the deep roots of India’s educational traditions, saying, “From the days of oral learning to today’s digitized classrooms, one thing has never changed—knowledge grows when people learn together.”
He emphasized that despite the abundance of online resources, “A classroom is not just a place to receive information. It is a space to question, debate, argue, and grow through human interaction.” Meghdut echoed the sentiment, noting how offline spaces continue to shape students in ways that screens cannot.
In the Q&A session that followed, a student raised a thoughtful concern about the increasing reliance on mobile technology and AI. He asked how students can maintain their own creativity and problem-solving abilities when AI often performs tasks for them. Prof. Chaudhuri responded by first reversing the question: “What do you think are the disadvantages of AI?” The student explained that overuse of AI weakens critical thinking, imagination, and the ability to explore multiple solutions independently. Building on her point, Prof. Chaudhuri acknowledged the challenge but emphasized the importance of balance. He reminded students that tools should strengthen—not replace—their abilities, and that true learning happens when individuals push themselves beyond convenience and engage deeply with their own ideas.
Meghdut RoyChowdhury emphasized that India is growing at an unprecedented pace, and the coming decade will unlock countless opportunities across every sector. He encouraged students to stay proactive and intentional, saying that this is the moment to explore their strengths, identify hidden passions, and claim the fields they truly want to work in as India steps into a transformative future.
In essence, the Fireside Chat left students with a renewed sense of clarity and purpose. Through honest reflections and powerful insights, both Meghdut Roy Chowdhury and Prof. Subhasis Chaudhuri reminded them that this is an extraordinary moment for young minds in India. With technology evolving, opportunities expanding, and the next decade promising unprecedented growth, the message was clear: stay curious, stay grounded, and take ownership of your journey. As the session came to a close, students walked away with not just answers, but a deeper motivation to shape their future with confidence, resilience, and a spirit of continuous learning.