The two-week international course "AI: Future of Social Media" recently concluded at C-DAC Mohali with enthusiastic participation from 28 delegates representing 16 countries. Organized under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, the course brought together global learners for intensive knowledge sharing.

The inauguration was graced by the presence of Chief Guest Shri V.K. Sharma, Centre Head, C-DAC Mohali, along with Shri Ajay Mudgil, HoD, ETD; Dr. Sanjay Sood, HoD, DHID; and Dr. Suneet Madan, HoD, HCID.

Week 1

The day opened with an insightful session on Introduction to Artificial Intelligence by Dr. Suneet Madan, followed by discussions on AI Terminologies and Real-World Examples. Ms. Himani then led engaging lectures on How AI Impacts Our Daily Life, concluding with an interactive Quiz & Discussion: AI in Everyday Apps, which helped participants understand how seamlessly AI integrates into daily experiences.

Dr. Suneet Madan further guided learners through AI Content Creation Basics and Writing Public/Professional Posts. Adding a practical dimension, Ms. Preetika conducted a hands-on session on Generating Posts for Public Awareness, along with a group activity to Design a Campaign with AI, where participants creatively applied AI tools.

The afternoon focused on Trends & Sentiment Analysis with Shri. Rahul Atterja, who explained Trend Prediction with AI and conducted a practical exercise on Sentiment Analysis using No-Code Tools. Participants later engaged in an application-based activity: Analyze Reactions to a Real Issue.

The day concluded with Ms. Himani's session on AI-Powered Chatbots for Engagement, which covered use cases, practical platforms like Dialogflow and ChatGPT Bots, and wrapped up with a lively activity-Design a Simple Bot Flow.

Week 2

The programme featured a creative session with Shri. Jasvinder Singh, who blended the art of photography with AI-powered image generation. Participants explored the fundamentals of framing, lighting, and smartphone photography tips, along with hands-on practice using AI image tools. The session concluded with a project on creating AI-based visual campaign posts, allowing learners to apply their skills in a practical context.

A full-day practical module was conducted by Ms. Preetika on Videography and AI in Video Creation. The participants gained insights into scripting for short reels, shooting techniques, and editing. By the end of the module, they had successfully created complete reels enriched with sound, subtitles, and export-ready formats, giving them a comprehensive understanding of end-to-end video content creation.

The course included an insightful discussion day led by Ms. Himani, centered on Fake News, Ethics, and AI Risks. Participants explored techniques for identifying deepfakes and recognizing bias in digital content, while also gaining exposure to tools designed for verification and moderation. A group activity on distinguishing real from fake content fostered critical thinking and hands-on application of the concepts learned.

The programme then moved toward Future Trends and Project Planning. Dr. Suneet Madan shared valuable perspectives on emerging developments in AI, followed by a demonstration by Ms. Himani on leveraging AI with AR/VR for awareness campaigns. In the afternoon, participants collaborated in team-based activities, brainstorming ideas and preparing campaign prototypes that combined video, posts, and captions-guided by Ms. Himani and Ms. Preetika.

Educational Tour: Cultural Immersion in Amritsar

As part of the cultural and educational exchange, participants visited the Golden Temple, a revered symbol of peace and spirituality, and Jallianwala Bagh, a landmark of great historical significance. The tour offered the international participants a meaningful connection with India's rich cultural and historical heritage, creating lasting memories.

The course concluded with a valedictory ceremony graced by esteemed dignitaries. Chief Guest Shri.Sakatar Singh Bal, PCS, Joint Chief Electoral Officer-Punjab, addressed the participants and commended their dedication throughout the programme. Also present at the ceremony were Shri. V.K. Sharma, Centre Head, C-DAC Mohali; Shri Ajay Mudgil, HoD, ETD; Dr. Sanjay Sood, HoD, DHID; and Dr. Suneet Madan, HoD, HCID.

During the session, participants shared their valuable feedback, reflecting on the knowledge gained, the enriching experiences, and the spirit of collaboration fostered across 16 nations. The programme concluded with words of gratitude and best wishes, inspiring continued learning and innovation.