National Conference on “NextGen AI: Exploring Innovations, Global Trends and Sustainable Technologies” @ SMS Varanasi
School of Management Sciences, Varanasi, inaugurated its two-day National Conference on “NextGen AI: Exploring Innovations, Global Trends and Sustainable Technologies.”
The event brought together leading academicians, industry experts and participants from across the country for an in-depth exploration of the future of Artificial Intelligence.
Chief Guest Prof. Amit Patra, Director, IIT (BHU), opened the session with a powerful reflection on the evolution of AI. He shared that the roots of AI go back to the 1980s, referencing Nielson’s landmark book “Principles of Artificial Intelligence” (1984) which laid the foundational concepts of early AI. Prof. Patra said that the first AI revolution stumbled, but technology learns, rebuilds and rises. What we see today is the re-emergence of that vision—stronger, faster and truly transformative.
Guest of Honour Mr. Chetan Pandey, Vice President, Data Analytics Platform, Easebuzz (Pune), addressed the rising confusion around AI. He highlighted that people are either glorifying AI or fearing it. Both extremes are incomplete. AI is a tool—its direction depends on how responsibly we use it. He also stressed the need for strong ethics, policies and awareness to counter issues like deepfakes and data misuse.
Guest of Honour Mr. Naveen Mishra, Vice President Analyst, Greater India Research & Advisory Services Pvt. Ltd., Gurugram, presented a futuristic perspective. He emphasized that AI is now in its fifth generation—from Basic AI → Machine Learning → Deep Learning → Generative AI → Agentic AI. He added that By 2035, AGI—Average General Intelligence—could become a reality. Machines may achieve the average cognitive level of humans. This will reshape industries, societies and economies.
Director of SMS Varanasi, Prof. P. N. Jha, warmly welcomed all guests and highlighted the theme that NextGen AI is not just a technology shift—it is a global socio-economic transformation. Sustainability, ethics and innovation must walk together.
The session was moderated by Dr. Bhavna Singh and the Vote of Thanks was given by Prof. Shambhu Sharan Srivastava.
The inauguration witnessed the presence of Registrar Mr. Sanjay Gupta, Conference Convener Prof. Kamalsheel Mishra, Prof. Anand Prakash Dubey, Prof. Ram Gopal Gupta, Mr. Susheel Kumar, Dr. Sandeep Kumar Gautam, faculty members, students and participants from across India.
The Department of Computer Science, School of Management Sciences (SMS), Varanasi, successfully concluded its two-day national conference “NextGen AI: Exploring Innovations, Global Trends and Sustainable Technologies.”
In an inspiring and sharply insightful address, Chief Guest of Valedictory Session Prof. Tripathi emphasized that Artificial Intelligence has moved beyond future predictions—it is the core functioning layer of our present world. He broke down the evolution of AI into three transformative eras:
Data-driven AI
Deep Learning & Cognitive Systems
Agentive AI — where machines take initiative and operate with goal-oriented behavior
He further highlighted India’s potential, stating with a rapidly growing tech-driven youth, India is perfectly positioned to emerge as a global AI powerhouse.
Director Prof. P. N. Jha reflected on the significance of the event, saying that the conference allowed learners and researchers to explore AI from technological, ethical, and global-development perspectives. He added that NextGen AI is not just an upgrade—it is a redefinition of how societies will function in the years ahead.
Prof. Anand Prakash Dubey presented a complete overview of the two-day event, which included: 2 Plenary Sessions, 2 Technical Sessions, 2 Online Sessions
Participants from across India shared research papers, case studies, and innovative technical insights.Discussions ranged across:
Generative AI
Agentic AI
Cybersecurity
AI Ethics
Industry 4.0
Future tech landscapes
Outstanding research papers were recognized with Best Paper Award Certificates, applauding innovation, analytical depth, and academic contribution.
The valedictory session was conducted by Dr. Sofia Khan, while Prof. Kamalsheel Mishra expressed heartfelt thanks in the Vote of Thanks.
The event was graced by Executive Secretary Dr. M.P. Singh, Director Prof. P.N. Jha, Registrar Mr. Sanjay Gupta, Prof. Ram Gopal Gupta, Prof Shambhu Sharan Srivastava, Prof. Aditya Gupta, Mr. Sushil Kumar along with faculty members, researchers, and students from multiple departments.
