PUNE: Artificial intelligence (AI) should be treated as a tool to strengthen human thinking rather than a competitor, said Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Limited (MKCL) founder and director Vivek Sawant while addressing the silver jubilee celebrations of Pune Vidyarthi Griha College of Science and Commerce.“Technology doesn’t eliminate jobs; it transforms them by creating new opportunities. Students should identify their interests and strengths, embrace skill-based learning and adapt to emerging technologies. AI should be used to augment human thinking and problem-solving abilities, not replace them,” Sawant said. He urged students to reduce unnecessary use of social media and focus on discipline, teamwork, soft skills and lifelong learning to remain relevant in a rapidly changing job market.The function, held at the Kulguru Dadasaheb Ketkar Auditorium, was attended by the Vice-Chancellor of Savitribai Phule Pune University, Dr. Parag Kalkar, Deputy Mayor of Pune Parshuram Wadekar, Executive Chairman Pune Vidyarthi Griha Rajendra Borhade, Vice Chairman Amol Joshi, Secretary Sanjay Kul Gunjal, Principal Treajikar Pourikar Re Krish, Principal Sunjikar Pourikar Re Krish, Likhite, Ramesh Kulkarni and Rajendra Kaduskar, University Principal Professor Dr. Rajendra Kamble, Principal Dr. Sanjaykumar Gaikwad, Vice Principal Prof. Rekha Joshi and Prof. Dr. Swati Joshi, among others.Addressing the meeting, Dr. Parag Kalkar said that higher education must go beyond conventional degree programs to focus on technology-based, skill-based and employment-oriented education. He emphasized the need to integrate academic learning with industry exposure, stating that institutions must prepare a skilled workforce to meet the demands of a rapidly changing economy while ensuring the holistic development of students.Parshuram Wadekar said quality education remains the most effective means of social transformation and praised Pune Vidyarthi Griha for educating thousands of economically disadvantaged students over the past century. He said institutions established decades ago have successfully adapted to changing times without compromising values and continue to nurture responsible citizens.Rajendra Borhade said the College of Science and Commerce has built a distinct identity over the past 25 years through quality education, student-centric initiatives and an emphasis on research, innovation, entrepreneurship and industry-oriented learning. He said the institution remains committed to implementing the National Education Policy and equipping students with the necessary skills to face future challenges.Earlier, Professor Rajendra Kamble presented an overview of the 25-year journey of the college. A silver jubilee commemorative memento of the college was also launched. The program was compared by Prof. Tejal Chothe, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Gaikwad.