From Writing to Wisdom: My Learning Journey at the National Workshop on Academic Writing (2026)

 

National Workshop on Academic Writing

27 Jan to 1 Feb 2026

What I Learned from the National Workshop on Academic Writing (2026)

The National Workshop on Academic Writing organized by the Department of English, MKBU, in collaboration with KCG, was a six-day learning experience that completely changed my understanding of academic writing and research.

 The Final Schedule of the Sessions:

Inaugural Ceremony:

The workshop was inaugurated by Prof. B.B. Ramanuj (Hon. Vice Chancellor) and Dr. K.M. Joshi (Dean, Faculty of Arts), who highlighted the disparity between India’s high volume of thesis production versus its lower impact in global citations compared to the US and China. The introductory remarks emphasized the evolution of writing from cave walls to digital screens and the need to preserve "the human in the human" amidst the rise of generative AI.

Dr. Paresh Joshi: 

Beyond the Algorithm: What I Learned About Scientific Thinking in the Age of AI

In today’s world, we are used to getting instant answers from AI and social media. However, Prof. Nigam Dave’s session made me realize that research is not about speed — it is about careful and logical thinking. As researchers, we must maintain our scientific temper, even while using AI tools.

One important lesson was that academic writing is different from creative writing. In research, we should focus on facts, clarity, and evidence. Instead of saying “I feel,” we should write “The data suggests.” Research requires objectivity, not personal opinion.

He also explained that before giving our own argument, we must first listen to what others have already said. This means reading previous studies, understanding different viewpoints, and then presenting our ideas. Research is like joining an ongoing discussion   we must listen before we speak.

Another key idea was the importance of clear communication. Complicated language does not make us intelligent. Following the KISS principle (Keep It Short and Simple) makes our writing more effective.

We also learned about prompt engineering how to give clear instructions to AI. A good prompt includes role, task, context, constraints, and output format. Without clarity, AI can give incorrect or confusing answers.

Prof. Dave explained the difference between Buddhi (intelligence) and Vivek (wisdom). AI has intelligence, but it does not have wisdom. It can produce confident answers, but sometimes they are wrong. So, we must always verify information.

This session taught me that AI should support our work, not replace our thinking. True research still depends on human judgment and responsibility.

Advanced Academic Writing

Dr. Kalyan Chattopadhyay:

Mastering Academic Writing: Key Lessons from Dr. Kalyan Chattopadhyay:

In this masterclass, Dr. Kalyan Chattopadhyay helped us understand the real difference between being a reader of literature and becoming a serious researcher. He explained that many students struggle with publishing their research because their writing style does not match international standards.

One important point he made was that strong English skills are necessary before we can write high-quality research. Many PhD theses are completed, but very few get published internationally because they lack proper structure and academic style.

The Four Pillars of Academic Writing:

Dr. Chattopadhyay explained four main qualities every research paper must have:

1. Formality: Academic writing should not sound casual. We should avoid slang, contractions, and emotional language.

2. Objectivity:Research should be based on evidence, not personal opinion. Instead of saying “I think,” we should focus on what the data shows.

3. Clarity:Ideas must be clearly connected. He introduced the TEAL structure: Topic sentence, Evidence, Analysis, and Link.

4. Precision: We should avoid vague words like “many people” or “long ago.” Instead, we must give exact numbers, dates, and clear references.

Research is About Questioning, Not Proving:

Another important lesson was about research attitude. We should not start research with the aim to “prove” something. Instead, we should examine and question it. Like in a fair trial, we must look at evidence before reaching a conclusion.

He also explained the difference between teaching children (Pedagogy) and teaching adults (Andragogy). As adult learners, we must take responsibility for our own learning.

Structure of a Research Paper:

He discussed the IMRAD format:

• Introduction
• Methods
• Results
• Discussion

He also explained that findings (data) and interpretation (meaning of data) are different and should not be mixed.

Important Writing Skills:

We learned about:

• Hedging (using words like “may” or “suggests” instead of making strong claims)
• Proper citation and avoiding plagiarism
• The difference between knowing grammar and actually using it effectively in research writing

Final Reflection Task:

To apply these lessons, we were asked to write a short reflection covering:

• Our hypothesis
• Evidence
• Claims
• Relevance
• Methodology

AI Hallucinations & Research Integrity

Dr. Nigam Dave:

Navigating the AI Age: A Simple Guide to Hallucination and Academic Integrity:

We are living in a time when information is everywhere. Earlier, students struggled to find books in libraries. Today, with AI tools and instant internet access, information appears within seconds. But the real challenge now is not finding information it is verifying whether it is true.

Prof. Nigam Dave explains that we are in the era of Industry 5.0, where humans and machines work together. This system is called the Human–Cyber–Physical System (HCPS). The machine provides speed and data, but the human must remain the final decision-maker. Technology can assist us, but it cannot replace our ethical judgment.

Understanding AI Hallucination:

One of the biggest risks of using AI in academics is something called AI hallucination. This happens when AI generates information that sounds correct but is actually false.

AI does not “know” facts like humans do. It predicts words based on patterns and probability. If it cannot find exact data, it may create something that looks believable. The problem is that AI presents both real and false information in the same confident tone. This creates a dangerous confidence gap — we trust it because it sounds professional.

For example, AI might invent quotations, misattribute references, or create fake citations that appear authentic. If students do not verify sources carefully, they may unknowingly include incorrect information in their work.

Why Humanities Students Must Be Extra Careful:

Students of English and other qualitative subjects are especially vulnerable. Unlike mathematics or science, literary studies do not always have clear numerical proof. AI can imitate academic writing style very smoothly, making fabricated ideas seem genuine.

Phrases like “scholars agree” or “numerous studies show” may appear impressive, but without proper citations, they are meaningless. Humanities research depends on accurate references and careful interpretation.

Using AI the Right Way:

Prof. Dave emphasizes that AI should be used as an assistant, not as a replacement for thinking.

Ethical uses of AI include:

• Improving grammar and structure
• Formatting citations
• Identifying logical gaps
• Understanding submission guidelines

However, every fact must be verified manually. Blind copying is academically dangerous and unethical.

The New Role of the Scholar:

In today’s digital world, scholarship is no longer about memorizing information. It is about critical verification.

The future scholar must:

• Think independently
• Cross-check sources
• Maintain integrity
• Slow down and reflect

Technology is powerful, but it cannot replace human wisdom. In this AI-driven age, the true strength of a scholar lies not in speed, but in careful judgment and ethical responsibility.

Dr. Nigam Dave explained that AI sometimes creates fake facts or citations, which is called AI hallucination. So, we should always fact-check AI content.

He told us to use AI ethically for proofreading, formatting or checking originality not for writing full research papers.

He also introduced the idea of “AI policing AI”, meaning using tools to detect AI-generated text.

From this session, I learned that honesty and careful checking are very important in research.

Publishing in Indexed Journals (Online Session)

Dr. Clement Ndoricimpa:

My Learning on Publishing in Scopus and Web of Science:

In this session, I learned that publishing in Scopus and Web of Science is not just about writing a paper it is about entering a global academic conversation. These indexed journals are highly respected, and publishing in them increases visibility, citations, funding opportunities, and career growth.

One key lesson was the importance of structure. Academic papers must follow the IMRAD format: Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion. This structure helps reviewers clearly understand the research. A well-organized paper shows professionalism and clarity.

I also understood how to write a strong introduction using three steps:

1. Establish the research area.

2. Identify a gap in previous studies.

3. Present the purpose of the current study.

The idea of the “No Free Assertion” rule was especially important to me. Every claim must be supported with proper references. We cannot simply say “many scholars argue” without naming them. Evidence builds credibility and avoids plagiarism.

Another useful point was about ethical use of AI tools. AI can help improve grammar and clarity, but copying AI-generated content is not allowed. Journals expect originality and honesty. I also learned the importance of creating an ORCID iD and using tools like Mendeley to manage references properly.

Finally, I understood that publishing is not just about completing research; it is about making a meaningful contribution to global knowledge. With proper structure, ethical practice, and strong evidence, academic writing becomes more impactful and professional.

This session helped me see research writing as a strategic and disciplined process, not just an assignment task.

Career & NET Preparation

Dr. Kalyani Vallath: 

Dr. Kalyani Vallath shared powerful insights about the future of English Studies. Her message was clear: the traditional way of studying literature is no longer enough. We must move from memorizing notes to developing real skills, critical thinking, and professional adaptability.

She emphasized that education should move from “memorizing notes” to developing critical thinking, creativity, and practical skills. With the impact of NEP 2020 and Artificial Intelligence, English graduates must become adaptable and professionally skilled. Literary knowledge remains valuable, but students must also learn communication, digital tools, and career planning.

One major lesson was that academic writing is a skill, not a natural talent. Good research requires planning, identifying gaps, and organizing ideas clearly. Writing helps develop understanding; we should not wait for perfect knowledge before beginning.

Dr. Vallath also discussed the smart and ethical use of AI. AI can assist with structure, summaries, and clarity, but it should never replace original thinking. Integrity and originality remain essential in academic work.

For competitive exams like UGC NET/SET, she advised focusing on logical reasoning instead of memorizing everything. Understanding question patterns and avoiding extreme options can improve accuracy.

Finally, she encouraged students to diversify their careers. English graduates can explore content writing, publishing, media, ELT, corporate communication, and research. A strong digital portfolio is now more important than a simple CV.

Overall, the workshop inspired me to view academic excellence as a continuous, disciplined journey. Success depends on adaptability, structured learning, and the courage to grow independently in a competitive world.

Multimodal E-Content Creation

Dr. Dilip Barad:

AI-Augmented Learning in Higher Education:

Education is changing under NEP 2020. Universities must move beyond traditional “note-giving” methods and prepare students for a digital future. Barad Sir emphasizes that college students are adult learners, so teaching should shift from pedagogy (child-focused learning) to self-directed learning (heutagogy). Students must explore, question, and take responsibility for their own growth.

AI is not the enemy of education it is a tool. However, it should be used as an assistant, not a replacement for thinking. AI can help with summaries, formatting, and organizing ideas, but students must verify facts and develop their own voice. Critical thinking remains essential.

Among AI tools, NotebookLM is useful because it works only with uploaded sources, reducing misinformation. It can generate summaries, mind maps, and structured study materials. Still, human verification is necessary.

Barad Sir also suggests adding a “fifth quadrant” to digital learning self-study with AI as a sparring partner. Students can use AI for quizzes, debates, and practice questions, making learning active rather than passive.

The main goal is to bridge the gap between degrees and real-world skills. By combining natural intelligence with AI support, students become independent thinkers and creators.

In the end, AI may assist with technical work, but humans remain the true architects of ideas.

In the final phase of the workshop, Dr. Dilip Barad introduced us to the idea of the “Fifth Quadrant” of e-content. He explained that learning should not be limited to reading and writing only, but should include AI-based activities that develop critical thinking and self-learning (Heutagogy).

He demonstrated how to use NotebookLM to create:

• Audio podcasts
• Video scripts
• Infographics

from simple source material.

This session showed us how technology can make learning more creative and interactive. I learned that teaching and learning can go beyond textbooks by using digital tools in a smart and meaningful way.

The National Workshop on Academic Writing (27 January – 1 February 2026) was more than just a training program—it was a transformative learning experience for me. Each session helped me understand that academic writing is not only about language, but about structure, discipline, ethics, and critical thinking.

From Dr. Kalyan Chattopadhyay, I learned the importance of formality, clarity, precision, and objectivity in research writing. From Dr. Nigam Dave, I understood the risks of AI hallucination and the need for research integrity and fact-checking. Dr. Clement Ndoricimpa showed us how publishing in Scopus and Web of Science requires proper structure, strong evidence, and ethical practice. Dr. Kalyani Vallath inspired us to think beyond rote learning and prepare for NET and diverse career opportunities with confidence. Finally, Dr. Dilip Barad introduced innovative digital tools like NotebookLM and explained how AI can support self-learning through the “Fifth Quadrant” approach.

This workshop changed my mindset. I now understand that research is not about proving something quickly, but about questioning carefully, verifying facts, and contributing responsibly to knowledge. In the age of AI, human judgment, honesty, and critical thinking are more important than ever.

Overall, this workshop motivated me to become a more responsible researcher, an ethical AI user, and a lifelong learner.

🎥Video Recordings of the Workshop▶️ 

📸Photo Album of the Workshop🖼️

📚 Social Media Coverage📢 

📌 Brief Report🔍