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Beyond Coding: What Students Must Learn in the AI Era

By RV
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Beyond Coding: What Students Must Learn in the AI Era

Before I begin, I have a question:

Is there anyone here who has never used ChatGPT? Anyone who doesn’t even know what ChatGPT is?

No one? Exactly.

That itself proves a point—AI is everywhere. Everyone is using it. The topic of my speech today is: “Change is the only constant.”

Wherever you look, people are talking about AI. But what can it actually do? It can sing—have you seen AI-generated songs, like Narendra Modi “singing” Why This Kolaveri Di? It can write lyrics, generate images, and even write code. You, as Computer Science students, spend four years learning software development—but today, AI can write software.


AI is Not Just a Toy

However, AI is not just for fun. It is far more powerful and serious.

AI is enabling personalized medicine. Earlier, if ten people had a fever, all of them would receive the same tablet. But imagine a future where medicine is tailored specifically to your body.

AI is also used in strategic decision-making, even in warfare. Whether we like it or not, we must adapt to this technology.

We are called Human Beings. But now, a new kind of entity is emerging—the Artificial Being. Soon, robots may sit beside you as partners and assistants. In fact, we already use robots for tasks like cleaning and household work. We are entering a phase where artificial beings will become part of our everyday lives.


The “Lazy” Human and Decision-Making

I often say that humans are the biggest “lazybones” in the world.

We observe nature and innovate because we want life to be easier. We saw birds and wanted to fly—and eventually, we built airplanes.

But there is another challenge humans have always faced: decision-making.

From the moment you wake up, you experience decision fatigue.
What should I wear? Red or yellow?
Should I turn left or right?
What words should I use while speaking?

Humans have always dreamed of delegating decisions to machines—and today, that dream has become reality. Machines are now capable of making intelligent decisions.


The Shift in Software Engineering

Because AI can make decisions, it is transforming industries.

There was a time when Java programmers were considered exceptional. Knowing Java could even help you settle abroad. But today, programming is no longer a rare skill. If you want to build an app, tools like ChatGPT can generate the code for you.

So, what should you do as students?

  • Understand the “Why,” not just the “How”
    You don’t need to write every line of code manually anymore—but you must understand how systems work.

  • Master the Fundamentals
    Focus on Data Structures and Algorithms. I know many of you avoid these subjects, but they are essential.

  • Domain Knowledge is King
    If you say, “I know Python” or “I know React,” it is no longer impressive—AI knows them too.
    Instead, companies will ask: “What problem can you solve?”
    Whether it’s textiles, agriculture, or healthcare—understanding the domain is what will make you valuable.


The Untapped Opportunity: ML and Mathematics

Today, everyone is busy chatting with AI tools. But there is a huge untapped opportunity in Machine Learning and Data Science.

Companies are ready to pay high salaries, but they struggle to find skilled professionals. Why? Because ML requires Statistics, Probability, and Calculus—and many people avoid mathematics.

But today, learning math is easier than ever. With platforms like YouTube, you can find teachers who explain concepts in engaging ways—even through music and storytelling. If one teaching style doesn’t suit you, try another.

The resources are available. If we don’t learn, the problem is not with the teachers—it’s with us.


Entrepreneurship and Automation

If you want to start a business, think about how AI can help you automate it.

Why do many small food stalls shut down within a few months? Often, they depend entirely on one skilled worker. If that person leaves, the business collapses.

Now consider global brands like McDonald’s. No matter where you go, the taste remains the same. Why? Because their processes are standardized and automated.

If you want to scale a business, identify what can be automated—and use AI to make it happen.


My Two Requests to You

  1. Your Final Year Project
    Look around you. If someone in your family or circle runs a business, try to solve a real-world problem for them using AI.

  2. The AI Summit Book
    A book was released today. I challenge each of you to read at least two pages by this evening.
    If it feels difficult, take a photo, upload it to ChatGPT, and ask:
    “Explain this like I’m five years old” or “Translate this into Tamil.”

Do not fear that AI will take your job. Instead, learn how to use AI to create new opportunities.

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