Hi Friends,

Even as I launch this today ( my 80th Birthday ), I realize that there is yet so much to say and do. There is just no time to look back, no time to wonder,"Will anyone read these pages?"

With regards,
Hemen Parekh
27 June 2013

Now as I approach my 90th birthday ( 27 June 2023 ) , I invite you to visit my Digital Avatar ( www.hemenparekh.ai ) – and continue chatting with me , even when I am no more here physically

Wednesday, 21 May 2025

AI systems

 India must build on existing AI systems

Extract from the article:
The article highlights India’s burgeoning race to establish itself as a formidable player in the global artificial intelligence landscape. With the US and China setting the pace, India faces the challenge of not just catching up, but doing so strategically. The piece emphasizes that India’s path should not be to replicate or compete by building yet another foundational AI model like DeepSeek or Qwen. Instead, the nation should capitalize on its strengths by building upon existing AI infrastructures and tailoring models toward specific, high-impact use cases that address localized needs.

What stands out is the call for pragmatic innovation rather than duplicative efforts. India, endowed with its vast pool of talent and unique demographics, has an unparalleled opportunity to leapfrog conventional AI development paths by focusing on amplification—enhancing people’s daily lives through specialized, efficient AI applications. The author argues that rather than pouring resources into ever-larger, resource-heavy foundational models, India’s AI strategy should prioritize scalable, accessible, and low-cost AI solutions that provide tangible benefits to its diverse population and economy.

My Take:

A. Low Cost AI Models? Absolutely

"Back in December 2023, I expounded on a vision that aligns closely with the article’s core argument. India must focus on low-cost, efficient AI models that address specific use cases, rather than getting ensnared in the ‘model size arms race.’ Nandan Nilekani’s advocacy for AI that amplifies human capabilities rather than merely boasting about computational heft struck a chord with me. I proposed a ‘Hub and Spoke’ architecture, where large foundational models act as hubs powering numerous specialized, smaller ‘spoke’ models. This framework ensures that the immense capabilities of AI can be deployed in ways that are affordable, accessible, and customized for sectors important to India—agriculture, education, healthcare, and more."

"Revisiting that blog in light of the article, I see that my predictions are gaining validation. India’s unique needs demand pragmatic AI solutions focused on real-world applications. The essence isn’t in building bigger models but in building smarter, context-aware, niche models that integrate seamlessly with Indian realities. The article’s emphasis on leveraging existing AI infrastructure to “amplify” daily life perfectly mirrors my thoughts on specialized use cases and data-driven deployment. This convergence reinforces my belief that India is poised to adopt an AI strategy that is both sustainable and impactful."

B. Re PIAI - Regulating Artificial Intelligence

"In January 2024, I discussed an urgent need for structured oversight around AI technologies via registration, auditing, and licensing regimes. Drawing from industry pioneers, I echoed calls for a regulatory framework akin to those in pharma, where safety, ethics, and accountability are paramount. This regulatory scaffolding ensures that AI deployments are not only innovative but also responsible, trustworthy, and aligned with public good."

"This regulatory perspective integrates well with the strategic angle the article articulates. While India races to catch up in AI development, a parallel emphasis must be on governance and ethical frameworks. It is not enough to build systems; they must be built on transparent, auditable foundations that protect users and foster trust. The AI landscape India seeks to cultivate should be as much about reliability and fairness as it is about efficiency and innovation. This dual focus—on optimal AI deployment and robust regulation—is essential for sustainable growth."

Call to Action:
To India’s policymakers, technology leaders, and innovators, this is a clarion call: Let’s not chase the mirage of the biggest model but focus on the meaningful — those AI solutions that truly resonate with our socio-economic fabric. Prioritize building upon existing AI frameworks, nurture specialized applications tailored to India’s diverse needs, and commit simultaneously to rigorous AI regulation ensuring safety and accountability. The convergence of efficient technology and principled oversight will propel India from a follower to a front-runner in the AI revolution. It is time to amplify India’s potential, intelligently and responsibly.

With regards, 

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

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