PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ New Tehri
The two-day international conference on ‘Recent Trends in Artificial Intelligence’ being organised by the Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence of Sri Dev Suman Uttarakhand University commenced in the Swami Vivekananda Auditorium of Rishikesh campus on Wednesday. Addressing the inaugural session, the vice-chancellor, N K Joshi said that AI in India should not simply mean Artificial Intelligence, but the Aarambh of Innovation—the beginning of human progress driven by knowledge, humility and ethics.
He further linked the role of AI to the overall development of Uttarakhand, stating that AI-based precision farming, smart irrigation, and market linkage apps in the agricultural sector could facilitate doubling of income of farmers from the mountainous regions of the State. “Drone technology will open a new chapter in relief and rescue during landslides, floods and disasters. In the tourism sector, AI-based smart tourism platforms will not only ensure environmental protection but also strengthen the local economy. For housewives and ordinary citizens, AI can become a medium of digital empowerment, especially when it is available in local languages like Garhwali and Kumaoni,” he said. He also mentioned the role AI might play in healthcare, education and skill development.
He announced that the university would soon set up the AI Innovation Hub, which will provide a platform for youth, startups and researchers. “Integrating AI with the Indian Knowledge System will be India’s greatest contribution. “Confluence of technology and tradition is naturally possible in Uttarakhand, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas,” he noted.
