Dec 23: The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, on Tuesday underlined the need for the positive, ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for human welfare while addressing the Flagship National Conclave on “AI Evolution – The Mahakumbh of AI” in New Delhi. The event was organised by Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) in collaboration with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and Outlook magazine at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre.
In his address, the Vice-President highlighted that Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic idea but a powerful reality of the present, influencing diverse sectors such as healthcare diagnostics, climate modelling, governance, education, finance and national security. He said AI is reshaping how societies grow and how individuals live and work, making it essential for nations to adapt swiftly and responsibly.
Drawing a parallel with the early days of computers, which initially faced resistance but later transformed the world, Shri Radhakrishnan observed that every technological advancement brings both opportunities and challenges. He cautioned against pessimism and stressed that the real responsibility lies in harnessing technology for constructive and beneficial purposes rather than allowing its misuse.
The Vice-President noted that India has emerged as one of the leading nations in the field of Artificial Intelligence. However, he warned against complacency, stating that in a rapidly changing global landscape, India must continue to innovate and keep pace with advanced economies to remain competitive in AI development and application.
A major highlight of the conclave was the release of AI curricula, which the Vice-President described as a crucial step towards preparing future generations for a technology-driven world. He strongly advocated for integrating Artificial Intelligence into school and college curricula, emphasizing that early exposure would help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities and future-ready skills.
He further said that educational institutions must evolve into AI knowledge hubs, capable of continuous learning, research and innovation. According to him, universities and technical institutions should serve as centres of excellence that nurture talent and encourage responsible experimentation in emerging technologies.
Highlighting India’s demographic advantage, the Vice-President pointed out that nearly 65 per cent of the country’s population is below the age of 35. If this youthful energy is effectively trained and guided, he said, India has the potential to become a global leader in Artificial Intelligence. He linked AI’s role to the broader national vision of achieving a self-reliant, inclusive and technologically empowered Aatma Nirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Stressing the importance of ethical and responsible AI, Shri Radhakrishnan asserted that no scientific or technological progress should come at the cost of humanity. Technology, he said, must ultimately help people live happier, more dignified and prosperous lives. Artificial Intelligence should augment human intelligence, not replace human values, and must be guided by strong ethical principles to advance social welfare and the public good.
Concluding his address, the Vice-President expressed confidence that India, with its vast talent pool, democratic values and civilisational ethos, will not only adopt Artificial Intelligence responsibly but will also guide the world in shaping the future of responsible AI development.
The conclave was attended by Delhi Education Minister Shri Ashish Sood, Vice-Chancellor of GGSIPU Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Verma, AICTE representative Prof. T. G. Sitaraman, Shri Sandeep Ghosh from Outlook magazine, along with scientists, researchers, academicians and students, making it a significant platform for dialogue on India’s AI journey.
