An insightful and engaging panel discussion on the theme “Navigating the Convergence of Business, Technology and Artificial Intelligence” was held on 21st August 2026 as part of FUSION – 2026, the Orientation Programme for the 23rd Batch of MBA and 30th Batch of MCA at I.T.S, Mohan Nagar, Ghaziabad.

The distinguished panel comprised:

• Shri Rajesh Krishnamurthy – Group CIO, Vinmegham
• Shri Manish Srivastava – Sr. Vice President at FinX (earlier BSE)
• Dr. Puja Dhar, Chairperson – MCA Program, I.T.S, Ghaziabad
• Dr. Ashish Jha, Dept. of MBA, I.T.S, Ghaziabad

The panelists brought together valuable perspectives from both industry and academia, highlighting how closely business, technology and artificial intelligence are becoming connected in today’s professional world.

The session was moderated by Dr. Sanjeev Tandon, Professor & Chairperson – MBA Programme, who guided the discussion through thought-provoking questions on employability, technological disruption, future skills, AI adoption, responsible use of technology and the changing expectations of young professionals.

Prof. Shilpi Rana anchored the session by setting the context for the discussion and introducing the distinguished panelists.

Key Perspectives Shared by the Panelists

Shri Rajesh Krishnamurthy

Shri Rajesh Krishnamurthy spoke about the changing nature of businesses and careers and shared his perspective on how professionals can prepare for an increasingly technology-driven workplace.

• On how AI is transforming businesses: He explained that AI is not just about automation. It can also help organizations make better decisions, encourage innovation and create better customer experiences.
• On skills required for future careers: He emphasized the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, problem-solving and the ability to work comfortably with emerging technologies.
• On AI and employment: He noted that while some routine roles may change with the growing use of AI, new opportunities will also emerge for professionals who can combine domain knowledge with an understanding of technology and business.

Shri Manish Srivastava

Shri Manish Srivastava brought a practical, industry-oriented perspective to the discussion and focused on what organizations are looking for in future professionals.

• On successful AI adoption: He emphasized that organizations should first understand the business problem they are trying to solve before deciding which technology to adopt.
• On industry expectations from MBA and MCA graduates: He pointed out that technical or managerial knowledge alone is no longer enough. Communication, collaboration, analytical thinking and the ability to turn ideas into action are equally important.
• On whether AI will replace people: He stressed that professionals who learn to work effectively with AI will be better prepared for the future than those who either ignore the technology or rely on it completely.

Dr. Ashish Jha

Dr. Ashish Jha highlighted the role of education and academia in preparing students for a rapidly changing professional environment.

• On keeping the curriculum relevant: He stressed the need to continuously enrich the curriculum through practical exposure, live projects, case studies and meaningful interaction with industry.
• On the responsible use of Generative AI: He encouraged students to treat AI as a learning partner rather than using it simply as a shortcut to complete assignments without developing their own understanding.
• On the changing role of teachers: He observed that faculty members will increasingly take on the role of mentors and facilitators, helping students develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities and confidence.

Dr. Puja Dhar

Dr. Puja Dhar shared valuable insights into interdisciplinary learning and the skills students will need to succeed in the future.

• On the connection between business and technology: She emphasized that MBA students should have an understanding of technology, while MCA students should develop an understanding of business. As the boundaries between these areas continue to blur, cross-functional knowledge is becoming increasingly important.
• On skills that will remain important despite AI: She highlighted creativity, communication, teamwork, ethical judgment, emotional intelligence and the ability to understand real-world problems as qualities that will continue to matter.
• On preparing for 2030 and beyond: She encouraged students to keep learning, experiment with technology, take part in projects and internships, and build the confidence to become creators and innovators rather than simply users of technology.

A Strong Message for the Future

The discussion brought out a clear message: the future will not belong only to those who understand business, technology or artificial intelligence individually. It will increasingly favour professionals who can connect these areas, understand their wider impact and use them responsibly to address real-world challenges.

The session also saw enthusiastic participation from the students. Their interaction with the panelists gave them an opportunity to understand how the workplace is changing and what they can do during their MBA and MCA journey to prepare themselves for the future.