MoneyPetrol is thrilled to feature Dr. Anita Patankar, Executive Director of Symbiosis International University Dubai Campus, for a conversation that spans four decades of educational innovation. She joins us to discuss the transformations in India’s liberal arts education and how that translates to Dubai’s emerging higher education landscape.
Beginning her teaching career 40 years ago, Dr. Patankar witnessed seismic shifts in the industry. By remaining flexible and prioritising student empowerment, she has navigated major shifts from pre-internet classrooms to AI-embedded learning.
Dr. Patankar discusses one of education’s most pressing concerns: the impact of generative AI on critical thinking. While she worries that convenience might erode intellectual sharpness, she believes comprehensive faculty training and curriculum design will force students to think creatively even while using AI tools.
The sustainability of meaningful education balances on the careful integration of technology into schools. Symbiosis achieved this through their Symbi Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence, staying one step ahead of students while teaching them to use AI as a tool rather than a crutch.
Furthermore, Dr. Patankar explains how Symbiosis represents a landmark in strengthening relations between India and the UAE. The university offers specialized scholarships for Emirati women and hosts events like “She Counts” to empower women in finance and business.
As higher education faces questions about relevance in the age of tech billionaires and AI, educators like Dr. Patankar reminds us that universities offer something technology cannot replace—a structured foundation for lifelong learning and self-discovery.
Experience Dubai’s growing education hub and explore opportunities at Symbiosis International University Dubai at Dubai Knowledge Park.
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