In a bold demonstration of technology-enabled leadership, Dr. Sandeep Pachpande, Chairman of the ASM Group of Institutes, recently launched AI Fest 2026 by addressing 10 campuses simultaneously through his own Digital Twin—an AI-powered avatar that symbolised the future of scalable, immersive education. For Education Edge Global, Dr. Pachpande speaks about moving beyond token AI adoption toward building a truly “AI-First” academic ecosystem aligned with India’s national ambitions. From ethical frameworks and inclusive access to structured AI learning across school and higher education, he outlines how ASM is embedding artificial intelligence into its institutional DNA—transforming it from a subject of study into a culture of innovation under the guiding theme, “Learning Today. Leading Tomorrow.”
You launched AI Fest 2026 with your Digital Twin, addressing 10 campuses at once. What message were you trying to send to the education ecosystem?
The Digital Twin represented the future of learning, something that’s immersive, scalable, and not limited by borders. Our message was clear, educational institutions need to do more than just teach about AI. They should show what AI can do. We wanted to demonstrate what technology-enabled scalability looks like in modern education. Addressing multiple campuses at once using an AI avatar shows how higher education can proactively respond to the ‘IndiaAI Mission.’ We are sending a message to the broader education ecosystem that it is time to move from compliance to commitment. We must embed AI into our daily academic and administrative fabric so that our graduates step into the workforce with a native ‘AI-First’ mindset.
At a time when India is pushing a human-centric AI vision under MANAV, how does ASM ensure technology remains human-first?
A human-first AI vision requires strong institutional governance. At ASM, we haven’t just handed out AI tools; we have decentralized the transition by setting up ‘AI Task Forces’ across all our campuses, composed of real faculty and students. We are currently running Faculty AI Use Case Competitions where the sole judging criterion is how the technology solves a real human problem in the classroom. Aligning with India’s vision means responsible, inclusive adoption. By bringing our entire ecosystem up the learning curve together, we ensure that AI remains an equalizer, not a divider
AI Fest is not limited to students but includes faculty and admin staff. Why was it important to make this a full ecosystem shift?
As I have always believed, the future of education will not be defined by physical infrastructure alone, but by intelligence—human and artificial working together. If AI is only a subject taught to students in a computer lab, it remains just another course. But when the admissions office, the research wing, the faculty, and the students are all leveraging these tools daily, it becomes part of the institutional DNA. We are moving ASM from mere AI awareness to complete institutional adoption, and that requires moving the entire ASM family forward together
India is talking about making AI available to everyone. How are you bringing AI learning to people beyond just top schools at ASM?
Making AI accessible is at the heart of our mission at ASM. We believe AI should not remain limited to elite institutions or specialised programs, but become a part of everyday learning for all. That’s why we’ve integrated AI concepts across multiple disciplines, from management and commerce to engineering and design, ensuring students from diverse academic backgrounds can develop AI awareness and skills.
Beyond classrooms, we have established hands-on AI labs that encourage experimentation, innovation, and real-world problem solving. We also conduct open workshops, bootcamps, and awareness sessions for school students, teachers, and aspiring learners, helping them take their first steps into the AI ecosystem.
Importantly, our outreach extends to local communities as well. Through community engagement initiatives, Rotary club collaborations, and neighbourhood learning drives, we introduce AI in simple, relatable ways, demonstrating how it can support entrepreneurship, improve livelihoods, and solve everyday challenges. By embedding AI into academic, social, and community spaces, ASM is working to democratise AI learning and ensure its benefits reach far beyond traditional campus boundaries.
The AI summit in Delhi focused on ethical AI as a top priority. How are you teaching students to think about ethics in a real way?
The ethical frameworks being discussed at the national level in Delhi are crucial, but policy must translate into practice at the campus level. At ASM, we are treating AI ethics as a core 21st-century professional skill, not an afterthought. By establishing dedicated AI Task Forces and clear disclosure norms for student projects, we are moving from compliance to commitment. Students take part in case studies, simulations, and discussions about bias, privacy, and responsible AI. We encourage them to build AI solutions with built-in ethical checks, making sure they understand the responsibility that comes with innovation.
You’re training students in management, engineering, and even at school level. How did you organize this structured AI learning?
Our approach is step by step.
At the school level, we focus on sparking interest and awareness. In undergraduate programs, we push for applying AI in different areas. At postgraduate level, we look at strategy, research, and innovation. This way, AI skills grow along with students’ academic growth.
With big investments in AI infrastructure in India, do you think institutions are moving fast enough in teaching these skills?
Infrastructure without skilled talent is just expensive hardware. The industry is moving at the speed of light, while much of the education sector is moving at the speed of print. To bridge this gap, you have to break the traditional mold. We aren’t waiting for next year’s syllabus to teach AI. By launching the AI Fest, we put these tools directly into the hands of our entire campus ecosystem right now. We do not just teach technology; our students use it to solve real-world problems. That is the only way to build a truly future-ready workforce
If AI becomes as easy to use as mobile data, how will that change how students learn and build their careers?
When AI is as accessible as mobile data, the career landscape shifts from ‘executing’ to ‘orchestrating.’ Graduates will be hired to manage and direct AI tools to achieve massive scale. We are already seeing this shift on our own campuses. Look at ‘Navdrishti,’ the fully automated student management platform we just launched. It was developed proudly by our own students and faculty to solve a real institutional problem. That is what the future of careers looks like—innovation with purpose. We don’t just teach technology; our students use it to build. That is how you survive and thrive in an AI-ubiquitous world
Your theme is “Learning Today. Leading Tomorrow.” What does leadership look like in a world where AI is everywhere?
Leadership in an AI world comes down to one thing: staying in the pilot’s seat. Soon, every company and every student will have access to the exact same AI tools. The algorithms will be identical. The only differentiator left will be human judgment. At ASM, we are teaching our students that AI makes a fantastic co-pilot, but you must own the destination. True leadership means never letting the algorithm dictate your ethics or your culture
Many people are worried that AI will take over jobs. What mindset are you trying to create through AI Fest 2026?
We want students to see AI as a partner in making things better and more creative. The change we’re aiming for is from just wanting job security to being able to adapt and learn new skills. Those who learn to work with AI won’t be replaced, they’ll lead the way in change.
The idea of AI as a tool that makes people more productive is central to your vision. How do you make sure students use AI to think better, not just replace thinking?
We encourage students to think deeply and frame problems before using AI.
Training includes learning how to question AI results, check for accuracy, and combine AI suggestions with human judgment. AI becomes a tool for deeper thinking, not just a shortcut.
India is trying to position itself as a global leader in AI. What role can schools like ASM play in this path?
Schools are places where talent is developed. By supporting research, innovation, and responsible AI use, we help build a workforce that can drive national progress. Working together between education, industry, and government will be key to this journey.
The launch of the Digital Twin was a big step. Do you think such technologies will become regular parts of education?
Definitely. Digital Twins, immersive learning spaces, and AI-driven simulations will change how we teach. These tools will allow more scalable mentoring, hands-on experiences, and ongoing engagement without being limited by physical space.
AI Fest is being described as a movement, not just an event.
What change do you hope to see after the event ends?
We hope AI Fest inspires lasting curiosity and continuous learning. The real success will be when AI becomes part of daily academic life, from assignments and research to how institutions make decisions.
You have a lot of global experience. Are Indian institutions ready to meet global standards in AI education?
Indian institutions have a lot of potential and are very flexible. With the right support in teaching, research, and working with industry, we can not only reach global standards but even set them.
If a student graduates from ASM after this program, what should be different about them?
An ASM graduate should understand AI, be aware of ethics, and be driven to innovate.
More importantly, they should have the confidence to handle change, use AI responsibly, and lead meaningful change in their field.
