The English Language Teachers' Association of India (ELTAI) is set to host its 20th International and 56th Annual Conference at the MIT Art, Design & Technology University's Pune campus from October 7 to 10. This significant event will bring together a diverse group of nearly 1,000 national delegates and over 50 international delegates from countries including Nepal, Bangladesh, Iraq, Uzbekistan, Malaysia, and Thailand.
The conference arrives at a pivotal moment for English language and literature education, which stands at a 21st-century crossroads. The global higher education landscape is grappling with numerous challenges, including departmental restructuring, budget realignments, escalating expectations on educators, the complexities of multilingual realities, and the disruptive emergence of generative artificial intelligence (AI).
Addressing Future Challenges in English Education
Organized by the School of Humanities and the School of Holistic Development at MIT ADT University, the conference aims to directly address these profound shifts. It will serve as a crucial platform for national and international participants to engage in robust discussions on the future trajectory of English education.
Dr. Mangesh Karad, Pro-Chancellor and Executive President of MIT ADT University, emphasized the institution's academic vision. "At MIT ADT University, our vision centres on holistic, value-based education that prepares global professionals to lead through technological disruption. Hosting a milestone gathering of this scale reinforces our commitment to driving academic innovation and framing solutions for the future of humanities in an AI-driven era," he stated.
Bridging Policy and Practice
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Rajesh S, Vice-Chancellor, highlighted the conference's role in connecting broader academic thinking with practical classroom applications. "Bringing international scholars together on our campus bridges policy and pedagogical practice at a crucial juncture for Indian and global education," Dr. Rajesh explained.
Dr. Atul Patil, Director of the School of Holistic Development and Dean of the School of Humanities at MIT ADT University, underscored the central inquiry guiding the event: "Across the educational spectrum, a fundamental question confronts us: what remains distinctively human about English education when AI can read, write, translate, and emulate instruction? By hosting this conference, our goal is to empower educators to adapt, innovate, and lead in a rapidly shifting global landscape."
Nurturing a Love for Reading
In addition to the main conference, a parallel non-commercial program called ReadFest will be held for school students. This initiative is designed to foster a lifelong love for books and cultivate a vibrant reading culture among younger generations.