The news about a pregnant woman being deported, repeatedly stating her Indian identity but going unheard, stirs a profound disquiet in me ‘Kept saying we’re Indian, they didn't listen’: Pregnant woman recounts deportation. It's a stark reminder of the fragile nature of human interaction and the devastating impact when fundamental communication breaks down. How can someone be so explicitly unheard, especially in a vulnerable state?
This incident immediately brings to mind discussions I've had about the intricacies of the human mind. My friend J.M. Sheth once forwarded me an illuminating piece, "15 Incredible Facts About the Human Mind," that highlighted how "we blame a person’s behavior on their personality, unless it's us" and how "most of your decisions are made subconsciously." Professor Dan Ariely https://www.linkedin.com/in/danariely, whose work I've cited before on our cognitive biases and irrational choices, demonstrated how our judgments can be easily swayed. Could it be that in the hurried, often impersonal environment of bureaucratic processes, subconscious biases and quick judgments override the simple truth being spoken? The article also spoke of how "crowds are easily swayed," suggesting systemic pressures might drown out individual cries for understanding.
I’ve spent much of my career emphasizing the critical role of clear and honest communication. During my time at Larsen & Toubro, following periods of industrial unrest, I wrote extensively about "Communication For Productivity" and "Working Smarter." I recall the efforts of G. Ramakrishna and his committee, and later our focus on breaking the "communication barrier." We learned that without genuine involvement and a willingness to listen, motivation falters. Eastman Kodak Chairman Walter Fallen's insight that "Working Smarter means imparting a strong sense of teamwork and giving employees more say about how they do their jobs" underscores the universal need for active participation and respect for individual voice. This tragic deportation serves as a painful echo of what happens when that core principle is ignored—when the system, and the individuals within it, simply do not listen.
It is striking how this human failure to listen contrasts with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, which I've often contemplated. In my blogs like "Artificial Intelligence : Destroyer of Privacy ?" and "Supreme may Propose : Technology will Dispose," I’ve pondered how devices are increasingly capable of 'observing' and 'listening' to our every move, gathering vast amounts of data. Figures like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg have debated the societal implications of AI, with Musk expressing concerns about its dangers and Zuckerberg focusing on its potential, exemplified by his AI assistant Jarvis. Yet, even with all this data processing capability, the question remains: can AI truly understand the nuanced human plea for recognition and dignity, or is it merely processing information without empathy?
My conversations with the www.IndiaAGI.ai team, spurred by articles discussing AI systems creating their own societies and linguistic norms, as explored by Ariel Flint Ashery https://uk.linkedin.com/in/ariel-flint-ashery-976ba41ba (ariel.ashery@advance-he.ac.uk) and Professor Andrea Baronchelli, demonstrate AI's capacity for complex interaction Whatever Will Be Will Be. Similarly, the concerns raised by Eric Schmidt https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-e-schmidt and Jared Cohen https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-cohen-13b071a (jared.cohen@gs.com) of Google in 'The New Digital Age' about privacy and how 'people will share more than they’re even aware of' highlight AI's pervasive information-gathering abilities. Satya Nadella https://www.linkedin.com/in/satyanadella (satyan@microsoft.com) of Microsoft has also spoken about AI's transformative potential. While AI can analyze emotions (as I experienced with Microsoft's 'Seeing AI' app in 2017), it's a different realm to genuinely hear and respond with compassion to a human being's distress.
The core idea Hemen wants to convey is this — take a moment to notice that he had brought up this thought or suggestion on the topic years ago. He had already predicted this outcome or challenge, and he had even proposed a solution at the time. Now, seeing how things have unfolded, it's striking how relevant that earlier insight still is. Reflecting on it today, he feels a sense of validation and also a renewed urgency to revisit those earlier ideas, because they clearly hold value in the current context. My earlier thoughts on the erosion of privacy due to technology, and the sheer volume of data being collected, often touched on the human element that can be lost amidst efficiency Privacy does not live here !. We must ensure that our systems, whether human or artificial, are built on a foundation of empathy and active listening. If we continue to fail to hear basic human declarations, what hope do we have for navigating the complexities of a future shaped by advanced AI?
Regards, Hemen Parekh
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