No Alternative to Hard Work, Open Minds Essential in AI Era: Sanghamitra Bandopadhyay at St Xavier’s Convocation
The rapid rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning has changed how students learn, work, and imagine their futures, but there is still no substitute for sustained effort and intellectual curiosity. This was the central message delivered by Padma Shri awardee and academician Sanghamitra Bandopadhyay during the 19th convocation and valedictory ceremony of St Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Kolkata, held on Friday.
Addressing a packed auditorium of graduating students, faculty members, and guests, Bandopadhyay urged young scholars to combine hard work with adaptability, especially at a time when technology is reshaping nearly every profession. She emphasised that while tools and technologies evolve rapidly, personal discipline, openness to learning, and ethical thinking remain timeless foundations for success.
A Message for Graduates in a Changing World
Speaking to students from diverse academic backgrounds, Bandopadhyay highlighted the importance of maintaining an open mind in an era increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence and data-driven decision-making. She encouraged graduates not to view technology as a replacement for human effort, but as an enabler that rewards creativity, persistence, and thoughtful application.
“There is no alternative to hard work,” she said, while reminding students that continuous learning is essential as careers become less linear and more interdisciplinary. She also advised graduates to consider entrepreneurship as a viable and meaningful career path, noting that innovation often emerges when individuals identify problems within society and work consistently to solve them.
In recognition of her contributions to academia and research, Bandopadhyay was felicitated with the Nihil Ultra Award during the ceremony.
Degrees Awarded to Over 2,400 Students
The convocation marked an important milestone for 2,465 students who received undergraduate, postgraduate, BEd, and doctoral degrees. This year’s ceremony was particularly notable as the institution awarded PhD degrees to 14 scholars, the highest number in its history, reflecting the college’s growing emphasis on research and advanced scholarship.
The event brought together students from multiple disciplines, highlighting the institution’s broad academic base and its efforts to balance traditional liberal education with emerging fields of study. Faculty members noted that the steady increase in doctoral research signals a maturing academic ecosystem within the college.
The chief guest for the occasion was the Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University, who congratulated the graduates and acknowledged the role of autonomous colleges in strengthening higher education through curricular innovation and academic flexibility.
Expanding Focus on Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Fields
During the ceremony, the college leadership outlined several academic initiatives aimed at preparing students for future challenges. The principal of the institution, marking 25 years of service, spoke about the introduction of multiple courses related to artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies.
He announced that a postgraduate programme focused on artificial intelligence is expected to be launched soon, responding to growing student interest and industry demand. According to him, the goal is not only to teach technical skills but also to help students understand the social, ethical, and economic implications of emerging technologies.
In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the college has also decided to offer exit options to students at the end of the third year of undergraduate study. This move is intended to provide flexibility and recognise partial academic achievements, particularly for students who may need to enter the workforce earlier or pursue alternative pathways.
Multidisciplinary Learning and Research Partnerships
Beyond technology-focused programmes, the institution has taken steps to promote multidisciplinary learning. One such initiative is the introduction of a course on wetlands ecology, biodiversity, and conservation, reflecting growing concern over environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
As part of its research-driven approach, the college has established collaborations with healthcare and research institutions to facilitate internships, joint research projects, and employment opportunities for students. These partnerships are designed to expose learners to real-world applications of academic knowledge while strengthening ties between education and industry.
Faculty members said such collaborations help students understand how classroom learning translates into practical outcomes, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, environmental science, and social research.
Empowering Students Through Inclusive Education
The convocation also highlighted the institution’s efforts to promote inclusive education and gender equity. A School of Gender Studies and Social Sciences has been introduced at the college’s rural campus in Raghabpur, with a focus on empowering young women and raising awareness about gender equality within families and communities.
According to college officials, around 60 per cent of students at the Raghabpur campus are girls, underlining the impact of targeted educational initiatives in expanding access to higher education in rural areas. Programmes at the campus combine academic learning with community engagement, encouraging students to address social challenges through research and outreach.
Looking Ahead: St Xavier’s Convocation 2026
As the ceremony concluded, graduates were reminded that academic success is only the beginning of a longer journey shaped by perseverance, adaptability, and social responsibility. The messages delivered during the convocation reflected a broader vision of education—one that balances technological advancement with human values, and professional ambition with a commitment to society.
With new courses, research partnerships, and inclusive initiatives underway, St Xavier’s College appears poised to strengthen its role as a centre of academic excellence. For the graduating class of 2026, the challenge now lies in applying the lessons of hard work, open-mindedness, and ethical thinking to a rapidly changing world.
