A workshop on “Generative AI in Education and Administration – Concepts and Practice” was conducted on 21st July 2025 at the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus. Organised by the IQAC team of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), the initiative aimed to introduce the transformative potential of Generative AI (Gen AI) to non-teaching staff from various campuses of SSSIHL, hospitals, and allied trust organisations. Around 100 participants enthusiastically took part in this full-day programme.
Gen AI in Education and Administration
Opening Session
The workshop commenced with a soulful Vedam chanting by members from different campuses, setting a spiritual ambience.
Dr. S Balasubramanian, Coordinator, IQAC, delivered the Welcome Address, highlighting the relevance of AI tools in today’s educational and administrative landscapes.
Sri P Balaganesan, Deputy Manager (Finance), SSSIHL, introduced the guest speakers and outlined the objectives of the workshop.
Morning Session: Exploring the Concepts and Ethics of Gen AI
The morning session was led by Sri Rajesh Dhuddu, Partner – Emerging Technologies, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), SSSIHL Alumnus and Gold Medallist, who inspired the audience to reflect on the deeper dimensions of technology. Sri Dhuddu delivered a comprehensive introduction to Generative AI, its capabilities, and its implications in modern professional environments.
Key Concepts Covered:
- The fundamental difference between Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI
- Core features of Gen AI and how these tools function
- Overview of popular Gen AI platforms including ChatGPT, Gemini, Notion, and Jasper
- Understanding the data sources and mechanisms that power these tools
Responsible Use and Ethical Guidelines:
- Exercise discretion and critical thinking when interpreting AI-generated content
- Refrain from sharing confidential or sensitive information
- Use clear and effective prompts for optimal outputs
- Uphold ethical standards and institutional values while using AI tools
Practical Applications in Daily Workflows:
- Idea generation and brainstorming support
- Creative writing and user interaction
- Producing contextual and relevant responses
- Image creation for presentations and reports
- Supporting validation and refinement of ideas
The session concluded with a highly engaging Q&A and open discussion. Participants raised thoughtful queries on how Gen AI could be meaningfully applied in their specific domains such as:
- Healthcare and medical documentation
- Accounting and financial processes
- Ethical, administrative, and social implications of AI usage
Afternoon Session: Practical Applications and Hands-on Training
The post-lunch session focused on practical engagement with Gen AI tools and was facilitated by Sri Sanket Waykar, Manager – Emerging Technologies, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
The session began with the honouring of guest speakers by Prof. B Raghavendra Prasad, Vice-Chancellor, SSSIHL, in a gesture of appreciation for their contributions and continued support to the Institute.
Participants reconvened at the Computer Centre, where they explored the practical use of Gen AI tools through a series of interactive exercises designed to replicate real-world administrative scenarios.
Hands-on Activities Included:
- Drafting professional emails using Gen AI suggestions
- Enhancing productivity through AI-powered Excel functionalities
- Designing logos and visuals using generative design platforms
Participants responded with great enthusiasm, actively experimenting with the tools and showcasing outputs that reflected creativity, functionality, and purpose-driven application of technology.
Conclusion
The workshop concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. A S Vishwanathan, Deputy Coordinator, IQAC. The feedback received from participants was overwhelmingly positive and insightful.
The workshop successfully demystified Generative AI for the non-teaching staff of SSSIHL and its sister organisations. It not only introduced the fundamental concepts and tools but also provided meaningful practical exposure. Participants left with a clear sense of how Gen AI can assist in ideation, communication, and operational efficiency—anchored in ethical usage and value-based practices.
