Kolkata Madrasa Teacher Gets Show Cause: A senior teacher at a government-aided madrasa in Kolkata has been served a show-cause notice after a video showing AI-generated tigers roaming inside the campus went viral on social media. The incident, which has stirred conversation around responsible use of artificial intelligence in educational spaces, occurred at the Katore Madarsa Senior Madrasa in the Kasba area.
The video, reportedly created using an AI tool, was meant to be an educational demonstration on wildlife and digital technologies. However, the school authorities felt it crossed a line, especially considering that the video was not accompanied by any disclaimer clarifying that it was artificially generated content.
The Incident: How AI Tigers Entered the Campus—Virtually
The short clip depicted two tigers walking across the madrasa courtyard. It was realistic enough to cause brief panic among some community members before it was clarified that the footage was synthetic and digitally created using an artificial intelligence image and video generation tool.
According to madrasa authorities, the teacher did not seek prior approval for showing such a video to students, nor did they provide context that it was AI-generated. The result, they said, could have caused unnecessary fear and confusion, especially among younger students.
The head of the institution said:
“We appreciate creativity and new technology, but without proper framing, this kind of content can mislead and distress children. We had no knowledge of this video being shown and were alarmed when it surfaced online.”
The Teacher’s Perspective: Learning Tool Misunderstood
The teacher in question stated that the video was intended to be a visual experiment to teach students about wildlife and digital simulation technologies. According to the teacher, it was shown briefly to a small group of students during a digital media session, and there was no intention to mislead or frighten anyone.
Speaking anonymously, the teacher shared:
“It was an AI experiment. I even explained it was not real. The video was not part of the formal curriculum—it was a demonstration. Unfortunately, someone recorded and circulated it outside.”
The teacher has been asked to respond formally to the show-cause notice within a specified period. Disciplinary action could follow depending on the explanation and the school management’s review.
Broader Issue: AI in Indian Classrooms
This incident has highlighted the urgent need for digital literacy training for educators, especially with the rise of freely accessible AI tools such as MidJourney, Runway, and DALL·E that allow anyone to generate highly realistic images and videos with minimal effort.
Many schools across India are increasingly integrating digital tools into teaching, but most do so without clear guidelines or training on ethical boundaries. Experts point out that teachers should be trained not just to use digital tools but also to frame them responsibly, especially when involving minors.
A 2024 policy brief from UNESCO and the Ministry of Education India emphasized the importance of embedding AI literacy into teaching frameworks. It also stressed the need for mandatory disclosure when synthetic content is used, particularly in schools.
Source: UNESCO AI in Education Policy Brief
Community Reactions: Divided Opinions
The incident has divided opinion among parents and local community members. While some lauded the teacher’s attempt to engage students through modern technology, others were critical of what they perceived as carelessness.
One parent said:
“Children are sensitive. Such things should be shown carefully. Many students didn’t know it was fake. Some came home scared.”
Others, however, were more understanding:
“The intention wasn’t bad. It could have been a creative learning moment. But yes, it needs clarity.”
Kolkata Madrasa Teacher Gets Show Cause: Legal and Policy Framework
India currently does not have a law that explicitly bans the use of AI-generated content in schools. However, the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, do mandate platforms to clearly identify and label synthetic content. This responsibility also trickles down to content creators, including educators.
In May 2024, the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) issued an advisory recommending that all AI-generated content must be marked accordingly to prevent misinformation and protect vulnerable audiences, especially children.
Source: MeitY AI Advisory 2024
What Can Be Done Going Forward?
To prevent such incidents in the future, education experts suggest the following:
- Mandatory teacher training on ethical and safe AI use
- Standard disclaimers before presenting synthetic content to students
- Institutional oversight on use of AI tools in classrooms
- Curriculum-based integration of AI concepts, including how to critically evaluate digital media
Dr. Anuradha Basu, a Kolkata-based education policy researcher, noted:
“We need a framework where AI is embraced but also handled responsibly. Labeling and discussion should be default practices.”
Conclusion: A Teachable Moment
The AI tiger incident from Kolkata is a reminder of how quickly education is evolving—and how institutional policy is still catching up. While the show-cause notice reflects an attempt to maintain decorum and caution, it also highlights the need for schools to develop a forward-looking approach to technology in education.
Rather than stifling innovation, educational institutions should aim to empower teachers with the tools and training they need to engage students safely and responsibly in a digital-first world.
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