EThames Business School (EBS), one of Hyderabad’s well-known institutions for business education, on June 24 announced its transformation into Telangana’s first AI-Native Business School at a special event held at its campus. Marking a significant shift, EBS is integrating Artificial Intelligence into every aspect of teaching, learning, research, innovation, industry engagement, and student development.
To mark the occasion, students and faculty presented a unique skit titled “AI Tools Speak, Humans Decide.” Characters representing leading AI platforms—ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Perplexity, Copilot, and Grok—competed to persuade students to choose/use them. As the students became increasingly confused by the competing claims, professors stepped in to deliver the central message: use AI responsibly, think critically, question intelligently, and never allow Artificial Intelligence to replace Human Intelligence.
Students, faculty members, and institutional leaders also took separate pledges to use AI responsibly, ethically, and professionally. Certificates were presented to faculty and students who completed the institution’s AI-Native transformation programme. A commemorative AI-Native cake was also cut to celebrate the milestone.
Addressing an audience of more than 200 students, faculty members, industry leaders, and ecosystem partners Kali Prasad Gadiraju, Chairman, EThames Business School, said that the institution’s AI transformation journey actually began over a year ago.
“This is not merely the launch of a new initiative. It is our response to one of the most significant transformations in human history. For more than two centuries, educational institutions have prepared students for the world of work. Today, the world of work is changing faster than our educational institutions. If the world has changed so dramatically, how can education remain the same?” he asked.
Dr. Sandeep Kumar Shukla, Director, IIIT Hyderabad, who joined virtually as Guest of Honour, lauded EThames Business School’s pioneering initiative. “AI is no longer a technology of the future. It is a reality of the present. Educational institutions must equip students not only to use AI tools but also to think critically, innovate responsibly, and work effectively alongside AI,” he said.
Bipin Chandra Pendyala, President, HYSEA, highlighted the distinction between AI students and AI-Native students. “AI students learn Artificial Intelligence as a subject. AI-Native students learn, think, collaborate, and innovate with AI as an integral part of their academic and professional journey. The future belongs to AI-Native talent,” he said.
Among those present at the event included V.V. Laxmi Narayana, IPS (Retd), Chief Transformation Officer, EThames Business School; Dr. Raghavendra Hunasgi, Venture Investor / CEO String Metaverse; Murali Bukkapatnam, Former Chairman, Global Board of Trustees, TiE; Bipin Chandra Pendyala, President, HYSEA; Ajit Rangnekar, former Dean ISB and others.
