VTU Vice-Chancellor S. Vidyashankar inaugurates YUKTI cultural program in Mysuru on Thursday. | Photo credit: MA Sriram
S. Vidyashankar, Vice-Chancellor of Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) on Thursday said that students need to become technically empowered to stay relevant in this competitive era where artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the IT sector.
He was speaking after launching the ‘YUKTI 2K26’ cultural program organized by the Mysuru University Regional Centre.
“A significant share of software jobs are increasingly being taken over by AI. By 2030, the entire software industry is likely to become dependent on AI, as several industry leaders have noted,” he said.
Earlier, the university had around 500-600 admissions. Under his tenure, the number has increased to 2500. Accordingly, quality academic programs are being organized to match the rising income, the VC informed.
To support students from economically weaker families, the university has introduced a new program ‘Vidyanidhi’. So far, ₹60 crore has been collected under the fund, which will be used to pay the fees of needy students, Prof added. Vidyashankar.
The ‘YUKTI’ cultural program was launched in 2024 and ₹2.5 million was pre-allocated for the four centres. “Along with celebrating cultural festivals, students must focus on academics. By the time the 2,500 students graduate, they should all be job ready,” he said.
Actor Sharan said that providing opportunities for cultural and sports activities along with academics in schools and colleges is essential.
Actors Dhanya Ramkumar and Sonal Monteiro, Regional Director HM Nanjundaswamy, VTU EC Member MS Shivakumar, Organizing Secretary SN Thimmaraju, Assistant Professor Prasanna Kumar and others were present.
Published – 19 Feb 2026 20:38 IST