Chitkara University Represents Academic Voice at Express Adda Featuring Sam Altman

Chitkara University participated as an Associate Partner at Express Adda 2026, hosted by The Indian Express at The Leela Palace, New Delhi, on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit 2026. The event brought together policymakers, technology leaders, AI startup founders, and academics for a substantive exchange on artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and their societal implications.

Who was at Express Adda 2026

The session saw Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, in conversation with Anant Goenka, Executive Director of The Indian Express Group. It ranged from all things AI, like AI research acceleration, its regulatory frameworks, global competition in AI development, and AI governance. Altman’s meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders were also discussed, pointing to India’s place in global AI discussions.

Sam Altman on AI progress and employment

Altman spoke openly about how quickly AI systems have advanced, from solving basic academic problems to contributing to the frontier of human knowledge. On the widely debated question of AI and employment, he inspected current worries within the broader arc of technological history. Drawing a parallel with the Industrial Revolution, Altman noted that while disruption is inevitable, societies have historically adapted by generating new categories of work and opportunity.

Chitkara University's question to Sam Altman on AI safety

Chitkara University's participation at Express Adda went beyond attendance. During the audience Q&A segment, the University was invited to pose a question directly to Altman. The question addressed responsible AI development, specifically, what checks and balances are needed to ensure that AI safety frameworks keep pace with the speed of technological advancement.

Altman responded in detail. He described the internal systems that OpenAI continues to build to evaluate risk and reduce unintended consequences. He acknowledged that safety investments sometimes face resistance in fast-moving innovation environments, and reaffirmed that responsible development remains central to OpenAI's long-term approach. The exchange showed why universities matter in global AI policy discussions

Chitkara University's perspective on AI in Higher Education

Dr Madhu Chitkara, Pro Chancellor of Chitkara University, spoke to the significance of the University's engagement at forums of this scale:

"Artificial intelligence is redefining how nations think about growth, governance and opportunity. For universities, the responsibility extends beyond curriculum — it includes participation in global conversations that shape policy and industry standards. Our presence at Express Adda reflects our commitment to academic rigour, ethical inquiry and meaningful industry engagement in the AI domain."

India’s Position in the Global AI Space

The event was organised at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi during the AI Impact Summit 2026 from February 16 to 20, with government leaders, technology executives, and AI researchers in attendance. They discussed AI policy, regulation, global cooperation, and the future of advanced AI. Sam Altman also met Indian officials and industry leaders during his visit, showing India’s role in global AI discussions. Participants discussed India’s digital infrastructure and AI talent development, and their role in shaping global technology standards.

From Campus to Newsroom: A Chitkara Alumni Moment

The event also held a quieter but meaningful moment. Members of the Chitkara delegation connected with alumni across media and technology — among them Anubhav, a BCA graduate from the 2025 batch, now working as a data analyst at The Indian Express. In a room where the CEO of OpenAI was fielding questions about the future of intelligence, it was a grounded reminder of what the journey from classroom to professional contribution looks like in practice.

Chitkara University's AI and Emerging Technology Programs

Chitkara University has developed multidisciplinary programs at the joining of artificial intelligence, data science, computing, management, design, and the social sciences. The University understands that AI is connected to business practices, governance, and cultural settings. Participation in platforms like Express Adda and the AI Impact Summit 2026 keeps the institution connected to where policy, industry, and research are actually converging. The exchange with Sam Altman made it clear that universities have a role in shaping global technology discussions through informed participation.

About Chitkara University

Chitkara University is a UGC-recognised and NAAC-accredited private university in North India, with campuses in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, offering career-oriented UG and PG Engineering, Business, Healthcare, Pharmacy, Design, Architecture, Hospitality, and emerging technology fields. For students planning higher education, the University provides industry-aligned programs designed to combine academic excellence with practical exposure.

The curriculum emphasises experiential learning through internships, industry projects, research opportunities, and global collaborations, with modern infrastructure, advanced laboratories, industry mentorship, and skill-based training that strengthens student employability. Backed by 2,000+ campus recruiters and 300+ international academic and industry collaborations, students gain strong placement support, international exposure, academic exchange, and collaborative research opportunities.

Consistently ranked among leading institutions by national and global frameworks such as NIRF, QS World University Rankings, and Times Higher Education, the University maintains high academic rigour and industry relevance. With strong corporate partnerships and a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary learning, it prepares students for emerging career opportunities in India and abroad.

Note: The views expressed in this article are of Chitkara University and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha.