Prasoon Joshi Champions India's Leadership in AI at Global Summit
Veteran lyricist and Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) Chairperson Prasoon Joshi delivered a powerful address at the AI Summit 2026 in New Delhi, offering profound insights on the evolving nature of artificial intelligence and India's strategic role in its future. Speaking on Monday, Joshi highlighted the nation's ambitious vision and the critical need for proactive engagement with this transformative technology.
Praising Government Vision and Industry Anticipation
Joshi commended the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, describing AI as a "great initiative." He emphasized, "Everybody involved with it, especially PM Modi, who is far-sighted about it, and also Ashwini Vaishnaw... I believe the entire film fraternity and other industries are looking forward to the AI Summit because it is unprecedented." This statement underscores the widespread anticipation across sectors for India's leadership in AI governance and innovation.
AI's Impact on Creative Industries: Acceptance Over Denial
Reflecting on AI's growing influence in creative fields, Joshi urged a shift in perspective. "We can already see the impact of AI in the creative industry. First thing is acceptance and not staying in denial," he asserted. He addressed common dystopian fears, noting, "There is a dystopian view that human creation over... It is ultimately our decision what AI will become for us. So, the man should not stop being in the driving seat." This call to action stresses human agency in steering AI's development responsibly.
India's Innovators: From 'Jugaad' to Global Leaders
Joshi challenged the stereotype of Indian innovators as merely "jugaadu," or resourceful but informal problem-solvers. He declared, "India has great minds, we have been unkind to our people by calling our innovators 'jugaadu'... This is a way to say that we are serious and we will go ahead with it." This remark highlights a national commitment to formalizing and scaling innovation, positioning India as a serious contender in the global AI landscape.
Addressing AI Fears and Emphasizing Skill Development
At the event, Joshi addressed unnecessary anxieties surrounding AI's negative impacts. He explained, "Like other corporate businesses, entertainment industry, primarily Indian film industry, is very huge and provides employment to tens of thousands of people. People have to learn new skills to remain relevant." He pointed out the government's substantial efforts to propel India into the realm of AI and advanced nation status, underscoring the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in the workforce.
AI Impact Summit: Showcasing India's Sovereign AI Vision
The AI Impact Summit, which commenced on Monday in New Delhi and runs from February 16 to 20, marks a significant milestone as the first international AI summit hosted in the Global South. It showcases New Delhi's ambition to shape an AI future that is:
- Inclusive, ensuring broad participation and benefits.
- Responsible, adhering to ethical standards and governance.
- Impactful, driving tangible progress across sectors.
At its core is India's audacious vision for sovereign AI, aiming to develop indigenous capabilities and reduce dependency on foreign technologies. This summit represents a pivotal step in asserting India's leadership on the global stage, fostering collaboration, and setting benchmarks for AI development that prioritize human-centric values and economic growth.
