Even as universities across India seek to implement the National Education Policy, they are confronted with a deeper question: What should higher education look like in the age of Artificial Intelligence? Fortunately, the NEP’s focus on multidisciplinary learning and intellectual flexibility is remarkably prescient. In a world being shaped by AI, the future will be shaped by societies that can think across disciplines, rather than simply excel within a single specialisation. It also revives the importance of liberal-arts education.

Over 25 years, in academic leadership, I have seen recurring waves of anxiety about the relevance of liberal-arts education. Successive eras of doubt about the importance of the liberal arts have been driven by the growing dominance of STEM subjects. Questions about humanities and social science degrees are often posed in terms of “worth” or return on investment; disciplines that are intellectually interesting but economically dispensable. The age of AI has finally exposed the poverty of that thinking.

Liberal-arts education is now — more than ever — India’s key to the future. Here’s why. First, while data may be the new marker of literacy, information alone is not enough. Yes, artificial intelligence can process massive amounts of data at speeds no human can match. Yes, AI can write essays, create computer programs, identify trends, and engage in convincing conversation. But at a time when AI is dangerously masquerading as truth, nothing can substitute judgement informed by history, ethics, culture and politics. The more sophisticated machines become, the more precious distinctly human capacities will grow.

The second reason to embrace liberal arts is that........

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