Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 5 CITY VIEWS April 3, 2026 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 University’s New York City campus on Monday, March 23, 2026, for Intelligent Futures: The Role of Artificial Intelli- gence in Shaping Universities and Higher Educa- tion, a one-day international 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 university presidents, fac- ulty, 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 explored how in- telligent technologies are redefining curriculum design, assessment, and accessibility. The discussion featured Norman Eng, EdD, Professor of Education at Brooklyn College, Padmanabha Ramanu- jam, Dean of Office of Academic Governance at O.P. Jindal Global University, and Michael Wagner, professor and head of digital media department at Drexel Univer- sity, and was moderated by David Sachs, professor of information systems at Pace’s Seidenberg School of Com- puter 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, regula- tory 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 strategy 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. Upcoming Nritya Darpan 2026 Dance Festival Celebrates Art, Culture, and Community T he Indian Heritage & Cultural Association–NJ (IHCA-NJ), a nonprofit organization based in New Jersey, USA, announced one of its flagship events – Nritya Darpan 2026, a dance festival to be held on April 11, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the New Bruns- wick Performing Arts Center, New Brunswick, NJ. Now in its third year, Nritya Darpan celebrates emerg- ing and established artists from the Indian diaspora, showcasing innovative dance dramas that blend Indian classical forms such as Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and Kuchipudi withWestern dance styles. The festival is the brainchild of Dr. Ashok Chaudhary, Founder and President of IHCA-NJ, with the vision of promoting exceptional local talent and using performing arts as a medium to engage communities in meaningful dialogue on social issues such as women’s empower- ment, mental health, human trafficking, and LGBTQ+ awareness. This year, five outstanding dance productions have been curated by renowned artist Maya Kulkarni-Chheda, following a highly competitive nationwide selection pro- cess, organizers said in a press release. Featured Performances • “Gajar” Presented by Dr. Kaustavi Sarkar, an accomplished Odissi dancer, scholar, and Assistant Professor, along with Dr. Deepa Mahadevan, this piece draws from the devotional traditions ofWestern India dedicated to Lord Vitthal. Meaning “chant” or “invocation,” Gajar unfolds through evocative storytelling, embodying divine narratives across earthly and celestial realms, and evoking the col- lective spirit of pilgrimage. • “ROGUE GESTURES / FOREIGN BODIES” By Nava Dance Company (California)—featuring Nadhi Thekkek, Sruthi Abhishek, and Vertika Srivastava—this interdisciplinary work blends Bharatanatyam, ex- perimental movement, and live music. Inspired by oral histories of Indian immigrant nurses following the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, the piece explores iden- tity, resilience, and belonging in the United States. • “TheWhiteWhale” Choreographed by Kasi Aysola, Artistic Director of Prakri- ti Dance (Maryland), this Kuchipudi-based work draws inspiration fromMoby-Dick. It examines obsession, desire, and the human cost of relentless pursuit, reflect- ing the tension between aspiration and surrender. • “Who Am I” Created and performed by Aishwarya Madhav, a New York-based Bharatanatyam dancer and educator, this introspective work traces a woman’s journey through life stages—childhood, marriage, motherhood, and old age—culminating in a profound dialogue with the inner self. • “Desert Myths” Presented by IMGE Dance Company (NewYork), founded by Ishita Mili and IMGE dancers, this multi- disciplinary work blends Mayurbhanj Chhau, hip-hop, Bharatanatyam, and Kathak. It explores themes of illusion, survival, and transformation within a shifting landscape shaped by memory and myth. Organizers said Nritya Darpan places no restric- tions on dance styles, music, or language, offering artists complete creative freedom. “This openness results in a rich tapestry of performances where diverse styles merge seamlessly into compelling storytelling,” they added. About IHCA-NJ Founded in 2013, IHCA-NJ is a volunteer-driven 501(c) (3) nonprofit with the goal of promoting local talent and preserving Indian cultural heritage in the United States through performing arts. The organization is also known for its multilingual short play festival Natya Darpan, which brings socially relevant theater across languages including English, Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, and Gujarati. By a StaffWriter Nritya Darpan flyer. PHOTO:PROVIDED