IISc professor says IIT students are studying shastras to sharpen reasoning in the age of AI

Speaking about the relevance of Sanskrit and traditional texts, Prathosh said some of his students, including high-performing JEE candidates, had approached him to understand how these disciplines could contribute to their intellectual development. He cited the example of a student who had continued studying Nyaya Shastra with him for five years, initially intending to challenge his arguments.

The professor argued that the study of shastras encourages rigorous reasoning, debate and independent thinking. He said he welcomed students reaching conclusions different from his own, provided they arrived at them through logical inquiry. He described the traditional texts as a means of learning how to think and learn, rather than merely acquiring information.

Connecting ancient knowledge with modern technology, Prathosh also raised questions about the ethical responsibilities surrounding artificial intelligence. Referring to the Mahabharata and the concept of dharma, he argued that algorithms and powerful technological tools should ultimately contribute to human welfare.

He cautioned against studying ancient texts merely to claim that they anticipated modern scientific discoveries. Instead, he emphasised their intellectual, social and philosophical dimensions, including their potential to strengthen analytical abilities and encourage reflection on wealth, happiness and human responsibility.

His remarks add to the wider debate over what education should prioritise in an era when AI can perform many tasks traditionally associated with human learning and professional skills.