Pune: In a landmark moment for AI-integrated education, Sandeep Pachpande, Chairman of ASM Group of Institutes, unveiled a hyper-realistic AI Digital Twin that delivered a simultaneous keynote across ten campuses during the launch of ASM AI Fest 2026 on 9 February.
While the real Sandeep Pachpande observed from the wings, his AI-powered avatar addressed thousands of students, faculty members, and administrative staff at the same time – signaling the beginning of a large-scale institutional transformation anchored in artificial intelligence.
The initiative led by Sandeep Pachpande is strategically aligned with the IndiaAI Mission and the broader Digital India vision.
By embedding AI into daily academic and administrative functions, ASM aims to directly contribute to the national objective of building a globally competitive AI-skilled workforce.
Sandeep Pachpande Drives Large-Scale AI Integration at ASM
Running until 28 February 2026, ASM AI Fest is positioned among the region’s largest academic skilling initiatives, engaging more than 6,000 stakeholders through immersive, hands-on learning experiences.
Under the guidance of Sandeep Pachpande, the festival is built around the theme “Learning Today. Leading Tomorrow,” focusing not merely on awareness but on the practical application of AI in teaching, research, learning methodologies, and institutional management.
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A key differentiator of the initiative introduced by Sandeep Pachpande is its inclusive structure. Workshops and training sessions extend beyond students and faculty to include non-teaching administrative teams, acknowledging that comprehensive digital transformation demands institution-wide participation.
Industry experts are leading sessions centered on real-world AI applications, helping participants develop what Sandeep Pachpande describes as an “AI-First” mindset—where artificial intelligence serves as an enhancement to human capability rather than a replacement.
Institutional AI Roadmap Announced by Sandeep Pachpande
The AI Fest marks the beginning of a broader transformation strategy conceptualized under the leadership of Sandeep Pachpande, including:
Formation of institute-wise ASM AI Task Forces to ensure sustained AI implementation
Establishment of the upcoming ASM AI Centre of Excellence (CoE) for advanced AI training and research
Deployment of the Navdrishti App, an in-house automated student lifecycle management platform beginning with AI-enabled placement modules and later expanding into academics and finance.
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Launch of a PGDM Dual Specialisation Program integrated with AI
Collectively, these measures demonstrate that the AI initiative led by Sandeep Pachpande extends beyond a single event and reflects a long-term institutional strategy.
Addressing the audience during the launch, Sandeep Pachpande stated: “The fear is that AI will replace people. Our philosophy is different: people who use AI will replace those who don’t. This initiative ensures that our students and faculty remain on the winning side of that equation.”
AI Integration Across Academic Programs
For prospective students and parents, the initiative spearheaded by Sandeep Pachpande signals comprehensive AI adoption across the academic spectrum. AI integration is being systematically introduced across MBA, PGDM, MCA, Engineering, undergraduate programs, as well as school and junior college education – ensuring learners are future-ready at every stage.
The festival will culminate on 28 February 2026 with a coordinated closing ceremony across all ASM institutions.
Under the leadership of Sandeep Pachpande, and through the collaborative efforts of Directors, Deans, and Principals, ASM has executed one of the most extensive AI-driven academic initiatives in the region – positioning itself as a pioneer in AI-integrated education aligned with India’s national AI vision.
