Dehgam: In an exclusive interaction with Dr. Prerna Gaur, Hitesh Bhatt, Principal of M.B. College of Commerce and Shri G.M.N. Lalji Arts College, Dehgam, Gandhinagar, spoke about his journey in education, the evolving role of teachers, the impact of artificial intelligence on higher education, and his vision for the institution. Bhatt said his journey to becoming a principal has been marked by continuous learning, professional experience and increasing responsibilities. Beginning as a teacher, his focus has remained on the holistic development of students and quality education. Over the years, his academic and administrative responsibilities helped him develop a broader understanding of institutional functioning. “Becoming a principal is not merely attaining a position; it is accepting a greater responsibility,” Bhatt said, adding that a principal must effectively balance the roles of teacher, administrator and mentor. Teachers Must Inspire Students to Learn Speaking about increasing students’ interest in education, Bhatt said teachers should go beyond completing the syllabus and become mentors who cultivate curiosity among learners. He stressed the importance of connecting classroom learning with practical life, technology and real-world situations. According to him, enthusiasm, sensitivity and innovative teaching methods can naturally motivate students to learn. “A good teacher imparts knowledge, but a great teacher creates the desire to learn,” he said. Balancing Quality Education with Changing Needs Bhatt identified the gap between quality education and the rapidly changing requirements of the modern world as one of the major challenges facing higher education. He said a degree alone is no longer sufficient and students must develop critical thinking, communication skills, creativity, employability and ethical values alongside subject knowledge. Preparing students for an increasingly technology-driven and AI-enabled world, he added, has also become an important responsibility of higher education institutions. AI an Opportunity, But Human Values Remain Essential Discussing the growing influence of technology and artificial intelligence in education, Bhatt described AI primarily as an opportunity, while acknowledging the challenges associated with its use. He said AI should not be viewed as a replacement for teachers but as a tool that can enhance their capabilities. Personalized learning, research, content creation, data analysis and understanding students’ learning needs are among the areas where AI can provide valuable support. At the same time, he emphasized the importance of ethical use of technology, originality, critical thinking and human values. “AI can transform education, but it cannot replace human sensitivity in education,” Bhatt said. Vision for a Modern and Student-Centric College Sharing his vision for the coming years, Bhatt said he wants the college to emerge as a modern, quality-driven and student-centric institution where education goes beyond examinations and degrees. He aims to strengthen the institution’s identity in academic excellence, research, innovation, skill development, cultural activities, sports and social responsibility. “Our objective is to create an environment where students feel that this is not merely their college, but an institution that gives shape to their dreams,” he said. Premchand Holds a Special Place in His Literary Journey Talking about his literary preferences, Bhatt said Munshi Premchand holds a special place among his favourite writers. He said Premchand’s works portray society, human emotions, struggles and the realities of life with remarkable depth. He added that literature should not merely be read for enjoyment, but should also inspire readers to understand society and human nature. Several other Hindi and Indian writers have also influenced his thinking, he said. Life Experiences Inspired His Literary Expression Bhatt said his interest in literary creation developed through observing life and society from a sensitive perspective. His interactions with students, social surroundings, human relationships and experiences of everyday life encouraged him to write. “For me, literature is not merely an expression through words; it is a medium to take emotions, thoughts and experiences to society,” he said. Experiences that deeply touch the mind, he added, eventually find expression through words. Message to Students: Dream Big and Work with Integrity Concluding the interaction, Bhatt advised students to stay focused on their goals and understand that there is no shortcut to success. He highlighted consistent hard work, discipline, positive thinking and effective time management as the foundations of achievement. He also encouraged students to view failures as opportunities to learn rather than reasons for discouragement. He urged students to keep learning, use technology positively and preserve human values while pursuing their ambitions. His message to students was simple: Dream big, work honestly to achieve those dreams, and use your success not only for yourself but also for the benefit of society and the nation.