Underlining that it was essential to address the ethical dilemmas arising from the use of artificial intelligence (AI), President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday said the technology was fast becoming an essential tool in simplifying human life by bringing improvements in the fields of healthcare, education, agriculture and infrastructure among others.
Speaking on the occasion of the second convocation ceremony of the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Lucknow, the President emphasised that India has the requisite 5Ds — demand, demography, democracy, desire and dream — to become a developed nation by 2047.
Pointing out that the Centre published the “National AI Strategy” in 2018, Murmu, who was the chief guest on the occasion, spoke about the Uttar Pradesh government having initiated efforts to develop major cities as AI and IT hubs. She, however, maintained that it was essential to address the ethical dilemmas arising from the use of AI — whether it be the problem of unemployment due to automation, increasing economic inequality, or human biases in AI outcomes.
Creative solutions need to be sought for every problem, she suggested. “It is crucial to pay attention to emotional intelligence along with AI, treating it not as an end but as a means. The objective should be to enhance the quality of human life. Every decision we make should benefit even the extremely marginalised people,” she added.
Also, she said that “our vision” was to make India a developed nation by 2047 and everyone should participate in the process to contribute wholeheartedly for the realisation of this mission.
“A decade ago, the Indian economy was at the 11th position in the world. But today, ours is the fifth-largest economy, and it aims to become the third-largest by 2030. India is one of the world’s youngest nations, with over 55 per cent of the population below 25 years,” she added.
While giving away degrees and medals to the meritorious students, she asked them to “take a pledge that those born after the country’s 100 years of Independence live in a prosperous India with inclusive development”.
Quoting a Sanskrit verse, the President stressed that “knowledge brings humility while religion brings happiness”. She expressed hope that by aligning with the institution’s guiding principles, the students should contribute to a strong and prosperous future of society and the nation.
She also spoke about the idea of acquiring knowledge in regional languages by making IIITs the foundation of Indian tradition and maintained that the initiative will prove to be significant in overcoming obstacles to knowledge enhancement due to linguistic limitations.
“IIIT Lucknow is committed to preparing students for the challenges ahead in society and industry and meeting the growing demands. Its pioneering step as the first institution in the country to launch an MBA programme in digital business by aligning with the vision of the New Education Policy is noteworthy. The initiative not only aids in preparing students for the digital age but is also in line with the vision of Digital India,” said the President.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the state is fast emerging as a data centre hub in the country and has received investment proposals of Rs 40 lakh crore, including those related to the development of semiconductor and electronics manufacturing during the 2023 UP Global Investors Summit.
He also emphasised the importance of AI, saying that the technology can also be used to develop digital hospitals for the benefit of people living in rural and remote areas.