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www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know Community News India Times (March 28, 2026 - April 3, 2026) April 3, 2026 7 India’s Supreme Court Justice Joins Global Leaders At Pace University To Examine AI In Higher Ed World University Leaders Forum convenes international experts to examine the future of AI in universities G lobal leaders in higher education, policy, and technology gathered at Pace Univer- sity’s NewYork City campus on Monday, March 23, 2026, for Intelligent Futures: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Shaping Uni- versities and Higher Education, a one-day interna- tional conference exploring how AI is transforming the future of universities worldwide. The event was also attended by Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Consul General of India in NewYork. The event, organized by theWorld University Leaders Forum (WULF) in partnership with O.P. Jindal Global University, brought together universi- ty presidents, faculty, and policymakers to explore AI’s impact on teaching, research, governance, and the student experience. A central theme throughout the day was the growing need for ethical frameworks and responsible oversight as institutions adopt AI at scale, a press release from Pace University said. “Artificial intelligence has come to stay, and we cannot ignore it.” said Rajesh Bindal, Judge of the Supreme Court of India. “The challenge before universities is to ensure it is used responsibly, with clear policies and thoughtful governance.” The conference featured keynote remarks, panel discussions, and the launch of the AI Governance Report 2026 from O.P. Jindal Global University, highlighting emerging global approaches to responsible AI adoption in higher education. Interdisciplinary perspectives were explored during AI and the Humanities in Higher Education discussion, where panelists examined how AI is influencing fields such as philosophy, law, and social sciences. The discus- sion featured C. Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor, O.P. Jindal Global University, Mohan Kumar, Dean, Strategic and International Initiatives, Office of the Vice Chancellor & Director General, O.P. Jindal Global University, and Tres- maine Grimes, Dean of Pace’s Dyson College of Arts and Science. The discussion was moderated by Pace Univer- sity President Marvin Krislov. “AI is fundamentally reshaping how knowledge is cre- ated, shared, and governed,” said Vice Chancellor Kumar. “Universities must lead with a global vision, developing frameworks that balance innovation with accountability while safeguarding academic integrity and public trust.” The impact of AI on classrooms and student engage- ment was the focus of AI and the Transformation of Teaching and Learning, where panelists ex- plored how intelligent technologies are redefining curriculum design, assessment, and accessibility. The discussion featured Norman Eng, EdD, Professor of Education at Brooklyn College, Pad- manabha Ramanujam, Dean of Office of Aca- demic Governance at O.P. Jindal Global University, and Michael Wagner, professor and head of digital media department at Drexel University, and was moderated by David Sachs, professor of infor- mation systems at Pace’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems and co-chair of Pace University’s AI Committee. Institutional responsibility took center stage during Governance, Ethics, and the Future of the AI-Enabled University, a panel examining data governance, regulatory considerations, and leadership accountability. The discussion featured Ashwin Fernandes, vice president at QS Quacquarelli Symonds; ErickaWatson, principal and CEO of Data Strategy Advisors, LLC; and Jim Russell, CIO and vice president for digital strat- egy and planning at Manhattanville University, and was moderated by Li-Chiou Chen, PhD, interim dean of Pace’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems. “You can’t manage what you can’t see,” saidWatson. “Institutions need clear visibility into what AI tools are being used, how they are being used, and by whom. Be- fore you can govern AI, you need to understand your risk, what tools are in use and whether the right frameworks are in place to manage them.” Throughout the day, speakers addressed issues includ- ing academic integrity, data governance, accessibility, and workforce transformation, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into higher education. By a StaffWriter PHOTO:COURTESY PACE U Judge of the Supreme Court of India Mr. Justice Rajesh Bindal delivers the keynote at Pace University’s Intelligent Futures AI Conference on the lower Manhattan campus on March 23, 2026. Ravishankar Bhooplapur Elected Chairman Of Association Of Indians In America R avishankar Bhooplapur has been unanimously elected chairman of the Association of Indians in America (AIA), the organization announced. Bhooplapur, a longtime member of AIA, has served on its National Executive Committee and previously chaired the group’s 40th and 50th anniversary cel- ebrations. He currently serves as an AIA trustee and has been associated with the organization since 1993. AIA leaders said Bhooplapur’s appoint- ment reflects his decades of service and commitment to the community, adding that the organization expects to expand its initiatives and outreach under his leadership. An education leader and philanthro- pist, Bhooplapur is the founder and president of Xavier University School of Medicine in Aruba, a role he has held since 2008. The institution has graduated more than 1,300 physicians who now work in hospitals and clinics across the United States and other countries. The university has also expanded into veterinary and nursing education programs approved by the Government of Aruba. Bhooplapur’s contributions to educa- tion and public service have earned inter- national recognition, including features in Forbes India and Outlook Magazine. He was named Person of the Year by The SouthAsian Times in 2022. Beyond higher education, Bhooplapur has been active in academic and com- munity initiatives in the United States. He serves as a trustee of SUNY OldWestbury and has co-chaired its fundraising com- mittee. He also contributed to the devel- opment of the Mahatma Gandhi Peace Garden, a 50-acre site promoting peace and intercultural understanding. His leadership roles have included work with the Stony Brook University Center for India Studies and the India Center at Jefferson University, among other organizations. Bhooplapur is also known for his humanitarian efforts. As founder and chairman of Gift of Life India and the Gift of India Project, he has helped facilitate more than 6,500 free heart surgeries for children with congenital heart disease, primarily from underserved communi- ties. The surgeries have been conducted at hospitals across India and neighboring countries. His philanthropic initiatives have included establishing a 100-bed chari- table hospital in Ghataprabha, supporting blood banks, donating ambulances, fund- ing a mobile cancer care unit and con- tributing to advanced cancer treatment infrastructure. His work has extended to more than 16 countries, including disaster relief and COVID-19 assistance. AIA officials said Bhooplapur’s leader- ship marks a new phase for the organiza- tion as it continues to focus on commu- nity development, education and service initiatives. By a StaffWriter PHOTO: RAVIB Ravishankar Bhooplapur elected chairman of Association of Indians in America.