Experts recently highlighted in a discourse series that artificial intelligence (AI) creates new opportunities that traditional technology could not achieve and could be used for health care and many other present and future challenges in various sectors.

“AI would not replace people but create new opportunities in various fields. It works on data, and if we could train our machines, it could do wonders for us in milliseconds by automating processes. It can be used for diagnostic purposes for various diseases, including COVID-19, and could prove very effective in remote areas where adequate health facilities are unavailable. Key to success in using AI for various problems is to reach out to the maximum number of people,” said Secretary, Department of Science & Technology (DST) Prof Ashutosh Sharma at the online DST Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Discourse Series New India @ 75, organized by National Council for Science & Technology Communication and Vigyan Prasar.

He spoke about how DST has progressed over the last few years, seeding foundational technologies and launching several schemes to tackle the challenges coming at a faster speed with science, technology, and innovation-based solutions. “The emergence of disruptive and impactful technologies poses new challenges and simultaneously greater opportunities. DST is a nursery to help, nurture and grow young talents for the progress and development of the country,” he added.

Anna Roy, Senior Advisor, NITI Aayog, pointed out that AI can effectively address the country’s various challenges.

“India has several challenges, but at the same time, we also have the advantage of being a data-rich country with a lot of IT professionals, educationalists, and a demographic dividend. All this could prove a boon for us if we could use these for the progress and development of the country”, Anna Roy said.

She highlighted NITI Aayog’s role in identifying various problems in the country and suggesting a future roadmap for India. “NITI Aayog,, as the leading think tank for the government and country, is creating policies for widening the science and technology ecosystem and taking industry and academia along for progress and development of the country in every sector,” she emphasized.

Source: Press Release
Release ID: 1741413
Date: August 02, 2021
PIB Delhi
Ministry of Science & Technology