Prasoon Joshi Delivers Powerful Message on AI and Human Creativity at Jaipur Literature Festival
Renowned lyricist, writer, and advertising professional Prasoon Joshi captivated audiences at the Jaipur Literature Festival on Saturday. He delivered a thought-provoking address about artificial intelligence and creativity during a session titled ‘Imagine: The New Horizons of Creativity.’ Joshi engaged in a deep conversation with author and playwright Kishwar Desai, focusing on the intersection of technology and human artistic expression.
AI as an Enabler, Not a Replacement for Human Creativity
Joshi presented a clear argument about the role of artificial intelligence in creative fields. He acknowledged AI as a powerful enabler but warned against using it as a shortcut to originality. "True creativity emerges from lived experiences, emotions, inner conflicts, and moral choices," Joshi stated emphatically. He explained that these are dimensions machines cannot genuinely understand or replicate.
The celebrated lyricist elaborated on how art grows from a creator's unique experiences and ability to think outside conventional boundaries. "AI has access to everything that has already been said, but only humans possess the ability to say what has never been said before," Joshi remarked during the session. He emphasized that tools like artificial intelligence operate within a limited scope compared to the boundless nature of human imagination.
The Misleading Nature of "Artificial" Intelligence
Joshi challenged the very terminology surrounding artificial intelligence. He pointed out that calling AI "artificial" is somewhat misleading because it is built entirely on data derived from human experience. "Creativity is born out of emotions and imagination, not from mere language patterns and technical structures," he asserted.
The advertising professional explained that while AI can analyze data, recognize patterns, and generate content, it lacks emotional depth. "Authenticity in art comes from empathy, vulnerability, and personal struggle," Joshi argued. These human qualities, he maintained, remain beyond the reach of even the most sophisticated algorithms.
Personal Reflections and Cultural Observations
Reflecting on his own creative journey, Joshi shared personal influences that shaped his artistic development. He spoke fondly about his parents, revealing how his father worked as an education officer while his mother maintained a deep association with music. "Whatever I am today is because I inherited values from both — education and music," Joshi shared with the audience.
Drawing a beautiful metaphor from nature, Joshi, who hails from Almora in Uttarakhand, compared himself to rocks in hilly regions that appear naturally sculpted. He described himself as "like those stones on a river bank that have been pounded into shape by nature." This poetic comparison highlighted his belief in organic creative development through life experiences.
Distinguishing Innovation from Jugaad
Joshi also addressed a cultural matter close to Indian innovation discourse. He objected to the casual use of the word ‘jugaad' when discussing genuine innovation. "Jugaad may solve short-term problems, but innovation is a serious, well-thought-out and long-term creative process," he clarified. Joshi warned that treating both concepts as identical diminishes the true power and significance of meaningful innovation.
Audience Resonance at JLF
The session resonated strongly with festival attendees, many of whom are navigating the growing influence of artificial intelligence across creative industries. Joshi's message provided a thoughtful framework for understanding how to engage with AI tools while preserving the essential human elements of artistic creation. His insights offered both caution and guidance for creative professionals adapting to technological advancements.
Joshi concluded with a balanced perspective on artificial intelligence. "As long as we treat AI as a tool or an assistant, there is no problem," he stated. "But it does not have the creative imagination that humans naturally possess." This distinction formed the core of his message about maintaining the human soul at the center of all creative endeavors, regardless of technological developments.
