BHU Stages Thought‑Provoking Dialogue on AI’s Role in Academic Research

On a breezy morning in Varanasi, the Journalism and Mass Communication department of Banaras Hindu University opened its doors to a lively discussion about artificial intelligence and research. Professors, graduate students, and a handful of curious outsiders filled the auditorium, ready to hear both the hype and the cautionary notes.

Professor Harish, one of the session’s key speakers, kicked things off with a simple but powerful reminder: research can’t stay locked inside a screen. “It isn’t enough for us to hover over laptops all day,” he said, chuckling lightly. “We need to step out, talk to people, feel the pulse of the community we’re studying.” His point was clear – fieldwork remains the backbone of credible scholarship, even as AI tools become more sophisticated.

He went on to describe AI as a “supportive assistant,” not a master. While algorithms can sort data in minutes, they lack the nuanced judgment that comes from human observation. Harish urged researchers to let AI handle the grunt work—like crunching large datasets—while they focus on interpretation, critical analysis, and original thought. He even nudged students to cut down on screen time and reconnect with real‑world interactions.

Interdisciplinary insights were championed by Professor Anurag Dave, who highlighted how media, cinema, and society intersect with technology. “We can’t study media in a vacuum,” he argued. “Understanding AI’s influence means pulling in sociology, economics, even environmental studies.” His call for cross‑disciplinary collaboration resonated with many in the room, especially those wrestling with the fast‑changing media landscape.

Dr. Bala Lakhendra, the moderator, kept the conversation flowing, prompting participants to share personal experiences where AI either helped or hindered their projects. Several scholars confessed that while AI‑generated summaries saved time, they sometimes missed contextual subtleties that only a field interview could capture.

The gathering wrapped up with a warm vote of thanks from Head of Department Prof. Gyan Prakash Mishra. He thanked the faculty, research scholars, and students—including Prof. Shobhana Nerlikar and Dr. Neha Pandey—for their thoughtful contributions. The consensus was unmistakable: technology must be wielded responsibly, hand‑in‑hand with the age‑old practice of stepping out into the world.