Modi, Gates Discuss AI, Digital Divide & India's Tech Leadership

By siliconindia  |  Friday, 29 March 2024, 03:07:13 PM IST

Modi, Gates Discuss AI, Digital Divide & India's Tech Leadership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a profound conversation with philanthropist and Microsoft Co-Founder Bill Gates, spanning various facets of technology, empowerment, and global development. Their interaction, held on Friday, delved into pivotal topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), bridging the digital divide, and harnessing technology to empower women across India. 
Modi underscored his commitment to democratizing technology, ensuring equitable access to all, especially in rural areas. He emphasized the imperative of eliminating the digital divide, a vision that led to the expansion of digital infrastructure to villages nationwide. The Prime Minister highlighted initiatives like the 'Namo Drone Didi' scheme, showcasing how technology could empower women in unexpected ways, even enabling them to pilot drones despite lacking prior experience.
In praising India's strides in technological adaptation, Gates reflected on his personal journey with technology and the Gates Foundation's impactful work in the country. His admiration for India's role in technological innovation was evident, as he commended the nation's progress during his multiple visits.
The dialogue also touched upon the significance of AI, with Modi cautioning against viewing it as a panacea for societal challenges. He shared instances of leveraging AI, such as speech translation during international summits, while emphasizing the importance of preserving human agency.
During the G20 summit, Modi showcased India's digital revolution, emphasizing its inclusive approach to technology to prevent monopolies. Gates echoed Modi's sentiments, expressing enthusiasm for partnering with India to replicate its successes in other nations.
The discussion extended to India's innovative use of technology for public welfare, notably through the CoWin platform for COVID-19 vaccination. Modi expressed confidence in India's prospects during the current "fourth industrial revolution," driven by digital advancements.
Addressing public health concerns, Modi pledged support for research in cervical cancer prevention and committed to universal vaccination, particularly for girls, underscoring his government's dedication to healthcare access.
On climate change, Modi advocated for redefining development metrics, advocating for concepts like 'green GDP' and 'green employment' over traditional indicators like electricity consumption and steel production. Gates, reflecting on his own journey, emphasized the transformative power of technology and the opportunities it presents for sustainable development.
Gates shared his early passion for technology, reflecting on his decision to drop out of Harvard to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams. Despite the risks, his optimism and thirst for innovation propelled him forward, shaping his perspective on life.
In response to Gates' inquiry about his own fascination with technology, Modi humbly admitted to a childlike curiosity, emphasizing his eagerness to explore its potential.
The dialogue between Modi and Gates epitomized the intersection of technology, empowerment, and global development. Their shared vision for leveraging technology to address societal challenges and promote inclusive growth underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation on a global scale.

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