University of Mysore Celebrates 110th Foundation Day

The University of Mysore celebrated its 110th Foundation Day on 27 July 2026 at Crawford Hall, marking over a century of excellence in higher education, research, and nation-building.

The programme was presided over by Prof. N.K. Lokanath, Vice-Chancellor, University of Mysore, while Prof. (Dr.) Parikshat Singh Manhas, Director, Consortium for Educational Communication (CEC), New Delhi, delivered the Foundation Day Lecture on the theme "The University of Mysore in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Preserving Human Prudence While Crafting the Future."

In his inaugural address, Prof. N.K. Lokanath reflected on the University's remarkable journey since its establishment in 1916 under the visionary leadership of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar and Sir M. Visvesvaraya. He paid tribute to the founders, former Vice-Chancellors, faculty members, researchers, administrative staff, students, and alumni whose contributions have transformed the University into one of India's most respected institutions.

Highlighting the changing landscape of higher education, the Vice-Chancellor observed that Artificial Intelligence, digital technologies, climate change, public health challenges, and globalisation are redefining the role of universities. He emphasised that institutions of higher learning must evolve beyond awarding degrees to becoming centres of knowledge creation, research excellence, innovation, entrepreneurship, and societal problem-solving.

Speaking on Artificial Intelligence, he noted that AI should be viewed as a powerful tool that enhances human capabilities rather than replacing human intelligence. He encouraged students and faculty members to adopt AI responsibly and ethically while preserving academic integrity, critical thinking, and human values. He also stressed that the University of Mysore should continue to emerge as a leader in AI-enabled education, research, data science, machine learning, cybersecurity, and digital learning while remaining rooted in ethics, transparency, and social responsibility.

Introducing the Chief Guest, the Vice-Chancellor welcomed Prof. (Dr.) Parikshat Singh Manhas, Director of the Consortium for Educational Communication (CEC), New Delhi, and acknowledged CEC's significant contribution to digital education and the promotion of online learning across Indian universities.

Delivering the Foundation Day Lecture, Prof. Parikshat Singh Manhas spoke on the theme "The University of Mysore in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Preserving Human Prudence While Crafting the Future." He described the University of Mysore as a beacon of knowledge that has consistently combined academic excellence with societal commitment over the past 110 years.

Reflecting on the AI revolution, he observed that while artificial intelligence has made information instantly accessible and transformed education, research, and innovation, it cannot replace wisdom, ethical judgment, empathy, creativity, or human responsibility. He emphasised that the true purpose of universities is not merely to produce graduates with knowledge but to nurture individuals with wisdom and character.

Prof. Manhas highlighted the growing importance of faculty mentorship, critical thinking, ethical reasoning, originality, and leadership in the AI era. He encouraged students to use AI as a learning partner rather than as a shortcut for completing assignments and urged researchers to leverage AI for accelerating research while ensuring that human curiosity and ethical responsibility remain central to the research process.

He further noted that the University of Mysore, with its rich academic legacy, is well positioned to lead the nation in AI-enabled education, interdisciplinary research, innovation, and human-centred learning. Stressing the importance of prudence, he remarked that the true measure of technological progress lies not in how intelligent machines become, but in how wisely human beings choose to use them.

Concluding his address, Prof. Manhas congratulated the University community on the occasion of its 110th Foundation Day and expressed confidence that the University of Mysore would continue to illuminate minds, inspire innovation, uphold academic integrity, and shape a future where technology serves humanity.

The celebration concluded with a renewed commitment to academic excellence, quality research, innovation, ethical leadership, and the University's enduring mission of serving society through knowledge and education. The event was attended by members of the Syndicate, Academic Council, faculty members, officers, staff, researchers, students, alumni, and distinguished guests.