Kris Gopalakrishnan outlines three responsibilities for India in AI era

Kris Gopalakrishnan, co-founder of Infosys and chairperson of Axilor Ventures, on Monday outlined three key responsibilities that need to be addressed in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). Delivering the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) Founder's Day lecture on "Intelligence era and science," he emphasised the need for a balanced approach as AI reshapes society.

The first responsibility, he said, concerns the role of humans. Mr. Gopalakrishnan stressed that AI must be treated as an extension of human ability rather than a substitute for human judgement. While AI can process vast amounts of data and identify patterns, the final call should remain with humans, he argued. This distinction, he noted, is vital to ensuring that technological progress serves human interests and values.

The second responsibility revolves around trust. In an era where AI systems can generate content and make decisions with little oversight, the scientific method of testing and verifying becomes even more critical, he said. Rigorous validation and transparency are necessary to ensure that AI remains trustworthy and reliable, particularly in applications that affect people's lives.

The third responsibility, according to Mr. Gopalakrishnan, is sustainability and affordability. He raised the question of whether India can take the lead in using AI to design more efficient computing systems that consume less energy. With growing concerns about the environmental impact of large-scale data centres, building sustainable AI infrastructure is both an opportunity and an obligation.

Mr. Gopalakrishnan also spoke about how AI is beginning to transform scientific discovery itself. He highlighted the responsibilities that accompany this power, and the role India can play in shaping the AI-driven future. He noted that Bengaluru is uniquely placed, both in India and globally, to bring together a vast and diverse tradition of scientific excellence needed to meet this challenge. The city's ecosystem of research institutions, startups, and academic centres could serve as a hub for responsible AI innovation.

The lecture was part of the IIA's 55th Founder's Day celebrations, held on August 10, the birthday of its founder-director, Prof. M.K. Vainu Bappu. This year also marks the centenary birth anniversary of Prof. Bappu, and the institute has planned a series of academic and public engagement programmes throughout the centenary year. The event provided a fitting platform to discuss the future of science and technology, honouring a pioneer whose vision continues to inspire.

As AI continues to evolve, Mr. Gopalakrishnan's message underscores the need for a human-centric, trustworthy, and sustainable approach. His remarks serve as a reminder that technological progress must be guided by ethical considerations and practical realities, especially for a country like India that aspires to be a global leader in the digital era.