New Delhi: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) organised a Curtain Raiser event on 23 October to build momentum for its participation in the upcoming Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025. The event, chaired by MeitY Secretary S Krishnan, brought together key stakeholders from academia and government to highlight the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for social impact.
Speaking at the event, S Krishnan said that for India to achieve its vision of becoming a developed nation, it must “ride the wave of technology,” with AI emerging as the most crucial driver of that transformation.
Emphasising inclusivity, he added that mechanisms must ensure equitable access to AI benefits across society. “India’s intent is clear – we must view AI as a force for good and approach it in a positive, transformative way,” Krishnan stated, noting that the theme ‘Artificial Intelligence for Social Impact’ aptly reflects MeitY’s focus on harnessing AI to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Kavita Bhatia, Scientist G and Group Coordinator, AI & Emerging Technologies Division, COO- IndiaAI Mission, MeitY, emphasised that AI serves as a “kinetic enabler,” capable of breaking traditional development barriers and driving large-scale socio-economic transformation. She said the ministry’s vision aligns with the Prime Minister’s inclusive philosophy of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, aur Sabka Prayaas,” positioning ‘AI for All’ at its core.
Dr Ganesh Ramakrishnan, Institute Chair Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, IIT Bombay, highlighted India’s strong digital public infrastructure as a foundation for scalable AI solutions. Citing initiatives like Bhashini and BharatGen, he noted that India’s focus on multilingual and multimodal AI ensures that emerging technologies address last-mile accessibility and empower domestic industries and startups.
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