Rishi Yadav
At the AI Action Summit in Paris, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his insights on the immense potential and challenges of artificial intelligence. He emphasized how AI is transforming society, politics, and the economy while also highlighting the need to be cautious of biases and potential risks. To ensure AI remains accessible to all, he stressed the importance of international collaboration, innovation, and democratization. He advocated for equitable and sustainable AI growth, showcasing India’s contributions to AI and digital public infrastructure. Most importantly, he underscored that human well-being should be the primary focus of AI development.
AI’s Role in the Renewal of Puppetry Art
According to Union International De La Marionnette ,Oral histories trace puppetry back to the 9th century BCE. The Mahabharata, composed around the 4th century BCE, contains the earliest references to puppetry in India. The Sanskrit grammarian Panini described puppets in the 4th century BCE, and Patanjali, the author of the Yoga Sutras, mentioned them in the 2nd century BCE. The Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, also from the 2nd century BCE, stated, “The actions of a person whose wisdom is not sensitive are like the imitation of life by puppets moved by strings.” Richard Pischel (1849–1908), a prominent German scholar, emphasized Indian puppetry’s significance and argued that India was the root of Western puppetry traditions.
Puppetry has been an essential part of India’s rich cultural heritage. Beyond being an entertainment medium, it has played a vital role in tradition, education, and social messaging. However, preserving this ancient art and passing it on to future generations has become increasingly difficult. AI has the potential to revolutionize and expand this art form by aiding in digitization, ensuring the preservation of traditional puppet designs, performance techniques, and folklore. Furthermore, AI-driven virtual experiences, interactive digital performances, and learning systems can introduce classical works to contemporary audiences.
Technological advancements will enable puppetry artists to reach global audiences. AI-powered 3D modeling, animation, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) can elevate their craft to new levels. Additionally, AI-driven e-commerce platforms, online performances, and digital museums could create new employment opportunities for puppetry artists. As a result, AI will not only digitally preserve puppetry but also revitalize it on a global scale, ensuring its relevance in modern times.
Ethics, AI, and Education: The Impact of the Indian Knowledge System
India’s ancient educational system was rooted in the Gurukul tradition, the Vedas, and the Upanishads. It emphasized not only knowledge dissemination but also moral and practical values. In the modern era, AI-powered learning systems can significantly enhance traditional teaching methodologies. Smart classrooms, virtual tutors, and AI-driven personalized learning programs can improve the efficiency of education. By tailoring courses to individual students’ strengths and learning styles, AI can make education more inclusive and accessible.Ethical and conscious development is crucial in AI, a principle that aligns closely with Indian philosophical thought. Indian philosophy can help address AI-related ethical concerns such as justice, data privacy, and the societal impacts of automation. Concepts from the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads, including Dharma (righteousness), Ahimsa (non-violence), and Karma (action), can guide the development of AI in a more responsible and ethical manner. By integrating the Indian knowledge system into AI development, technology can progress while maintaining a balance between ethics and innovation.
AI-Powered Healthcare Solutions and Ayurveda
AI-driven predictive analytics and diagnostic tools have the potential to enhance healthcare efficiency. These technologies can help predict future health issues and improve disease diagnosis. By utilizing machine learning and natural language processing, valuable insights can be extracted from Ayurvedic literature, leading to improved treatment and diagnostic capabilities.
The Computational Efficiency of AI and Vedic Math
Vedic mathematics offers quick and efficient computational methods that can enhance AI and machine learning systems. This can lead to greater efficiency in data processing, cybersecurity, and financial analysis. By applying ancient Indian mathematical principles to mathematical modeling, pattern recognition, and cryptography, AI algorithms can be made more effective and accurate. Thus, integrating AI with Vedic mathematics has the potential to significantly boost computational efficiency.
Natural Language Processing in Sanskrit
Sanskrit, with its logically and mathematically structured grammar, is highly useful for natural language processing (NLP). Panini’s grammatical rules provide a strong foundation for automated language processing. AI-powered chatbots and translation systems based on Sanskrit can greatly enhance language accuracy and efficiency.
The Role of AI in Yoga and Mental Health
Yoga and meditation have long been recognized for their mental health benefits. AI-powered applications can make these ancient practices more accessible and effective. By analyzing physiological data such as heart rate, breathing patterns, and brain waves, these apps can offer personalized yoga and meditation recommendations. AI-driven mental health monitoring systems can also assess emotional states and suggest appropriate practices to manage stress, anxiety, and depression. This technology can make mental health care more personalized and scientifically validated, helping individuals achieve better overall well-being.
AI’s Role in the Indian Economy
According to Price water house Coopers (PwC), AI-driven data economies are expected to contribute $15.7 trillion to global GDP by 2030, surpassing the combined GDP of China and India. However, India’s AI adoption faces several challenges, including a shortage of skilled AI professionals, resistance from the existing workforce, and outdated government systems. Overcoming these obstacles will require advancements in networking, cybersecurity, and data infrastructure.
Challenges and Solutions
While integrating AI with the Indian knowledge system offers numerous benefits, it also presents significant challenges. Standardizing knowledge, digitizing ancient texts, and incorporating traditional teachings into modern AI systems are complex tasks. To achieve this, collaboration among historians, AI researchers, and traditional scholars is essential to ensure technological advancements align with cultural and ethical considerations.
Furthermore, India can establish itself as a global AI leader by implementing transformative changes in governance, healthcare, education, and agriculture. By merging traditional knowledge with modern technology, India can drive AI-led innovation while prioritizing human well-being. This coordinated approach will enable India to play a significant role in shaping the future of AI on a global scale.
(The writer is a mass communication student at Central University of Jammu)