Gorakhpur (UP), March 28 Over 180 international students from 26 countries currently studying at institutions across India participated in a two-day artificial intelligence conference here.
The two-day 'Global Artificial Intelligence Confluence 2026', being jointly organized by the university, Meta, and the World Organisation of Students and Youth, to discuss innovation in AI and its socio-economic impact, began on Friday, according to a statement.
Uttar Pradesh Horticulture Minister Dinesh Pratap Singh, who inaugurated the event, likened the "knowledge churning" by AI to the "churning of the sea" in the puranas, and urged researchers to prioritize ethical values and global welfare.
IIT Bhilai Director Prof Rajiv Prakash emphasized that AI must remain a human assistant, particularly in sectors such as agriculture and medicine.
Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad's national organizing secretary Ashish Chauhan raised concerns about data sovereignty and called for the creation of indigenous AI models to prevent global monopolies.
The conference, presided over by Vice-Chancellor Prof Poonam Tandon, concluded at the Guru Gorakshnath Research Centre auditorium on Saturday.
On the second day, a total of four sessions were conducted – 'Artificial Intelligence for an Accessible Future', 'Culture and Education in the Age of AI', and 'Entrepreneurship and AI'.
In the closing ceremony, newly elected MP from Nepal Sandeep Rana gave a virtual address. He said that artificial intelligence is giving a new direction to global competition, education, and entrepreneurship, and providing new opportunities for innovation.
However, he also highlighted serious challenges such as misleading information, data privacy, and changes in employment, which we need to address by using technology with awareness, ethics, and critical thinking, he said.
Rana said that young entrepreneurs and leaders should link AI with human values and social justice so that technology becomes helpful in the service of humanity.
ABVP national joint organizing secretary Balkrishna said that AI is bringing revolutionary changes in the fields of education, research, and innovation.
He also cautioned against challenges such as misleading information, data privacy, and excessive dependence on technology.
World Organisation of Students and Youth president Nitin Sharma said that platforms like 'Global AI Confluence 2026' provide an important opportunity to connect youth with innovation, technology, and a global perspective.
The conference will empower the participants with knowledge and skills and prepare them to face future challenges, he said.