Prof. S. Raghunath Delivers the 14th N.J. Yasaswy Memorial Lecture’26 on AI and Leadership at ICFAI Hyderabad

Delivering the 14th N.J. Yasaswy Memorial Lecture at ICFAI Hyderabad, Prof. S. Raghunath emphasized that lasting institutions depend on purpose, credibility, and culture. In the AI era, he argued that human judgment, ethics, and character are more valuable than simple knowledge. Read the full article below shared by ICFAI Hyderabad.

“An institution is built on a clear purpose, strengthened by the credibility it earns, and shaped by the culture it creates. Sri N J Yasaswy strongly believed that lasting institutions must stand on these foundations of purpose, credibility, and culture,” said Prof S Raghunath, Chairman, Academy of International Business, South Asia Board, and a former Dean at IIM Bangalore. He was delivering the 14 th N J Yasaswy Memorial Lecture on the topic, “The Legacy Leadership: Building Institutions that Transform Society.”

Also See: ICFAI Hyderabad Admissions

Speaking about the changing world shaped by AI, Dr. Raghunath noted that the pride of simply possessing knowledge is fading. In an era where artificial intelligence can analyze and process information rapidly, human beings will be valued more for judgment, ethics, and moral clarity — especially in situations of uncertainty. AI, he emphasized, will not eliminate meaningful human contribution but will reorganize how institutions function, making humans responsible for guiding decisions with wisdom and conscience.

Prof S Raghunath concluded by stating that the role of educational institutions must evolve from being knowledge transmitters to becoming knowledge navigators. Creativity, imagination, and character will define the future, he said.

Drawing inspiration from Sri N. J. Yasaswy’s legacy, he urged students and educators to focus on creating impact, reminding them that in a human-plus-AI world, it is human values and judgment that will ultimately shape society.

In his welcome address, Dr. T Koti Reddy, Vice chancellor (in-charge) of ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education recalled the life and legacy of Sri N J Yasaswy, and said that he was a nation builder who believed that education must go beyond disciplines and degrees, and must shape character, sharpen intellect and inspire responsibility.

Mrs Sobha Rani Yasaswy, Chair Person, ICFAI Society, V R Sankara, President ICFAI Society, Dr. J Mahender Reddy, Distinguished Advisor, ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education Prof Vijayalakshmi, Registrar, other dignitaries, students and faculty attended the lecture.