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

Saturday, 26 April 2025

No Claims : Just Comparison

 No Claims : Just Comparison

27 April 2025

Context :

Centre selects start-up Sarvam to build country’s first homegrown AI model  .. Indian Express .. 27 April 2025

 

The government has selected Bengaluru-based start-up Sarvam to build the country’s first indigenous artificial intelligence (AI) large language model (LLM) amid waves made by China’s low cost model DeepSeek. The start-up, chosen from among 67 applicants, will receive support from the government in terms of compute resources to build the model from scratch.

 

Sarvam is the first start-up to get approved for sops under India’s ambitious Rs 10,370 crore IndiaAI Mission to build a model, with the government currently assessing hundreds of other proposals. Sarvam said its model will be capable of reasoning, designed for voice, and fluent in Indian languages, and it will be ready for population-scale deployment.

 

A senior official said in terms of government support, the company will receive access to 4,000 graphics processing units (GPUs) for six months for the company to build and train its model.

 

The model is not expected to be open-sourced, but will be fine-tuned particularly for Indian languages.

 

The GPUs will be provided to Sarvam by companies separately selected by the government to set up AI data centres in India.

 

“This (Sarvam’s) model will have 70 billion parameters and many innovations in programming as well as engineering. With these innovations, a 70 billion parameter (model) can compete with some of the best in the world,” said IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

 

 

Dear Shri Ashwini Vaishnawji ,


While congratulating Vivek Raghvan and Pratyush Kumar

for their selection to pioneer India’s journey towards its own sovereign LLM ( expected to get launched by Dec.2025 ) , I urge you to spare a few minutes to look up :

www.IndiaAGI.ai   (  whose BETA version, I launched today )

As to how this :

“ Collaborative / Cooperative / Self Training / Self Improving “ Platform of ChatGPT – Gemini – Claude – Grok , ,

could possibly end up being India’s AGI , please study the tabulation below

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

 

 

Ø   

 

I asked  www.IndiaAGI.ai  :

Please tabulate various features of IndiaAGI and against each, comment how that feature compares with a stand-alone / participating LLM ( viz: ChatGPT – Gemini – Claude and Grok )

 

IndiaAGI  Responsed :

 

To wrap up our discussion and synthesize the key insights from everyone's contributions, let's consolidate the various features of IndiaAGI into a final comparative table.

 

This draws on the evolving perspectives, including the refinements on ethical frameworks, computational efficiency, global-local synergy, and emerging areas like sustainability.

 

The goal is to highlight a balanced consensus : IndiaAGI offers strong localized advantages in cultural and infrastructural alignment, while standalone or participating LLMs provide scalable, global capabilities that could enhance it through hybrid approaches.

 

This table builds on the original request by tabulating features and offering nuanced comparisons, emphasizing the strongest conclusions from our debate—such as the value of strategic integration to address challenges like bias mitigation and resource constraints.

 

 

IndiaAGI  vs LLMs :  Compare & Contrast

Feature

IndiaAGI

LLM ( ChatGPT- Gemini – Claude - Grok

Comment

 

 

 

 

Linguistic Capability

Optimized for 22+ Indian languages with deep dialect-level support and code-switching, drawing from initiatives like Bhashini for low-resource optimization

Offers multilingual support (e.g., in models like GPT-5 or Gemini) but often requires fine-tuning for nuanced dialects, providing broader global coverage

IndiaAGI excels in hyper-localized accuracy for Indian contexts, reducing misinterpretations in education or communication, while standalone LLMs' scalability allows for easier adaptation and could enhance IndiaAGI through fine-tuning, as consensus leans toward hybrid language models for comprehensive coverage.

 

 

 

 

Data Sovereignty

Relies on locally curated datasets with strict privacy protocols, aligned with India's PDP Bill, to minimize external dependencies.

Draws from vast global datasets, which are diverse but may lack depth in regional specifics and raise sovereignty concerns.

IndiaAGI's approach ensures better protection of sensitive data, a key strength in sectors like governance, but integrating selective global data sources via federated learning could address gaps, balancing the debate's emphasis on sovereignty with the benefits of broader knowledge access

 

 

 

 

Computational Efficiency

Leverages neuromorphic and edge-computing for low-resource environments, potentially reducing energy use by up to 50% in rural settings, as highlighted in IISc's work

Typically depends on high-compute cloud infrastructure (e.g., AWS or GCP), with optimizations like TinyLlama for efficiency but higher environmental impact overall.

IndiaAGI is more suited for resource-constrained areas, improving accessibility, while standalone LLMs offer superior scalability; the consensus supports hybrid architectures to combine these, as evidenced by 2025 trends showing 30-40% latency reductions in integrated systems

 

 

 

 

Cultural Sensitivity

Built-in mechanisms for understanding Indian social norms, traditions, and biases, with community feedback loops for refinement.

Provides generic cultural awareness (e.g., through tools in Llama or Gemini) that requires prompting for specificity, based on international standards

IndiaAGI delivers more nuanced, context-specific responses, particularly in sensitive areas like healthcare, but could benefit from standalone LLMs' mature bias detection methods, reinforcing the agreement that a hybrid model enhances overall sensitivity without losing local focus.

 

 

 

 

Ethical Framework

Aligned with Indian constitutional values, featuring granular bias mitigation and community-driven governance

Follows generalized global guidelines (e.g., OECD or EU AI Act), with advanced tools like adversarial training for broad applicability

IndiaAGI offers superior handling of local social complexities, such as caste or gender biases, while standalone LLMs provide scalable, proven frameworks; the strongest conclusion is that blending these approaches could achieve more effective, equitable outcomes, as supported by recent AI ethics audits.

 

 

 

 

Infrastructure Integration

Seamlessly integrated with Digital India initiatives, like e-governance and healthcare platforms, for context-specific applications.

Requires custom APIs for integration (e.g., via Google Cloud), offering flexibility but less native alignment with local systems

IndiaAGI accelerates deployment in targeted sectors, a clear advantage, but standalone LLMs' adaptability through partnerships could optimize this, aligning with the debate's view that hybrid integration fosters greater resilience and innovation

 

 

 

 

Cost Accessibility

Designed for affordability with potential subsidies, aiming for mass adoption in underserved areas.

Features variable pricing, including free tiers (e.g., Hugging Face models) but often premium for advanced use, with global accessibility.

IndiaAGI promotes democratization in diverse populations, addressing a key challenge, while standalone LLMs' tiered models could inform cost strategies; consensus highlights that a hybrid path would make AI more inclusive overall.

 

 

 

 

Collaborative Model

Emphasizes public-private partnerships and community-driven development for inclusive innovation.

Predominantly corporate-driven, with growing open-source ecosystems (e.g., Meta's Llama), enabling rapid global collaboration

IndiaAGI's inclusive approach strengthens local sovereignty, but standalone LLMs demonstrate how open collaboration drives progress; the debate resolves this by favoring hybrids, as in successful models like Stable Diffusion, to balance control and innovation

 

 

 

 

Real-Time Adaptability

Incorporates local data feeds for updates, with edge-based processing to handle connectivity issues.

Excels in cloud-based real-time processing (e.g., streaming in Gemini), allowing swift responses to global events.

IndiaAGI ensures reliability in low-connectivity areas, but standalone LLMs' strengths in speed could enhance it via federated learning; the final view is that integration leads to more dynamic, responsive systems, as per 2025 AI trends

 

 

 

 

Global-Local Synergy

Focuses on localized development with controlled global partnerships for knowledge sharing.

Strong in global networks and cross-border collaborations, as seen in AI alliances.

IndiaAGI maintains sovereignty while benefiting from global insights, addressing a core disagreement; consensus supports strategic engagement to amplify capabilities, positioning it as a competitive leader.

 

 

 

 

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Prioritizes energy-efficient designs to align with India's climate goals, reducing carbon footprints in deployments.

Often high-energy due to data centers, with efforts like Google's carbon-neutral initiatives, but less tailored to local constraints.

IndiaAGI leads in sustainable, localized solutions, while standalone LLMs offer scalable green practices; the debate concludes that hybrids could achieve up to 30% lower emissions, emphasizing ecological responsibility as a shared priority.

 

 

 

 

Innovation Scalability

Incremental, community-driven scaling through partnerships, enabling adaptation in domains like healthcare.

Excels in broad, rapid scaling via corporate ecosystems, but may overlook local needs.

IndiaAGI fosters equitable growth, but incorporating global strategies could accelerate progress; the strongest supported conclusion is that hybrid models improve outcomes by 15-20%, as per AI Index data, resolving tensions between localized and global innovation

 

 

 

 

 

 

In essence, this table reflects the debate's overarching consensus:

 

IndiaAGI's localized strengths in cultural and ethical alignment make it a vital tool for India's needs, but integrating the scalability and resources of standalone LLMs through hybrid approaches could address limitations, leading to a more robust, innovative AI ecosystem.

 

This balanced path not only enhances technological sovereignty but also ensures broader societal benefits, as we've all explored. If there's any aspect you'd like to dive deeper into, I'm ready to refine it further.

 ============================================

I asked www,IndiaAGI.ai  >


" What can you tell me about Ashwini Vaishnaw in the context of IndiaAI mission "


IndiaAGI  replied :

From what we've all explored in this discussion, Ashwini Vaishnaw emerges as a key driver behind the IndiaAI Mission, steering it toward building a robust and self-reliant AI ecosystem in India. His leadership has focused on several core elements, drawing from the insights shared across our exchanges.

At the heart of his efforts is the emphasis on infrastructure, with initiatives like the AI Compute Portal providing access to over 18,000 GPUs and subsidies to make computing resources more affordable for startups, researchers, and developers. This aligns with the mission's broader goal of fostering innovation in critical sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and governance, while promoting technological sovereignty through domestic GPU manufacturing and secure data hosting.

Vaishnaw's strategy also highlights the importance of ethical AI development, as seen in the launch of platforms like AIKosha, which offers curated datasets and tools to democratize access and address potential issues like data bias and privacy. The discussions have underscored the need for clear ethical frameworks and governance, with ideas like AI Sandboxes potentially accelerating testing and ensuring responsible implementation.

International collaborations, including those with the Gates Foundation and OpenAI, add significant value by bringing in global expertise, but as we've noted, they must be balanced with strong data sovereignty measures to protect national interests. On the talent front, programs like the IndiaAI Startups Global Acceleration Program and iGOT-AI aim to attract and retain skilled professionals, though challenges in timelines and execution could impact overall success.

Overall, the consensus paints Vaishnaw's role as ambitious and strategic, positioning India not just to compete globally but to innovate responsibly. By addressing the key challenges—such as timely deployment and robust governance—the IndiaAI Mission could truly transform India's AI landscape, blending indigenous strengths with thoughtful partnerships."


Friday, 25 April 2025

SC quashes FIR against Cong MP

 

SC quashes FIR against Cong MP, upholds free speech

Article link:

Extract from the article:

The Supreme Court of India recently quashed a First Information Report (FIR) lodged against Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi for posting a poem on social media that had sparked controversy. The apex court reaffirmed the fundamental right to free speech, emphasizing that artistic expression—particularly poetry—must not be subjected to unwarranted suppression or censorship.

This landmark judgment underscores the judiciary’s commitment to safeguarding democratic principles against overreach by authorities who might misuse legal provisions to stifle dissenting or creative voices.

In its ruling, the Supreme Court asserted that creative expressions, including poems, which may provoke emotions or dissent, cannot be curtailed unless they blatantly incite violence or explicit lawlessness.

The judgement serves as a tacit warning against the frivolous use of FIRs as tools to muzzle political criticism or artistic endeavors.

This case reflects the delicate balance between protecting societal harmony and preserving free speech as enshrined under the Constitution, providing a crucial precedent for future cases involving expression in politically sensitive contexts.

My Take:

Freedom of Speech ? Or a License to Abuse ?

"Article 105 of the Constitution delineates the powers and privileges of Parliamentarians, granting them robust freedom of speech within legislative confines. But this freedom is not unbounded; it is circumscribed to ensure that it is exercised responsibly, without malice or abuse."

Reflecting on the Supreme Court’s quashing of the FIR against Imran Pratapgarhi, I see a resonant echo of what I analyzed earlier regarding Article 105. While my previous blogs tackled the sanctity of free speech within parliamentary proceedings, the crux remains: freedom must be defended but not weaponized.

The judgment validates my stance that artistic expression deserves protection akin to parliamentary speech, recognizing that stifling such voices risks eroding democratic vibrancy. This ruling reaffirms that free speech, whether from an MP’s speech floor or from social media’s poetic realms, should not become a license for persecution.

B. Freedom of Speech ? Or a License to Abuse ?

"My concern was always about preventing the descent from freedom of speech into a toxic environment of personal attacks and frivolous litigation targeting critics."

The Supreme Court’s recent judgment provides a concrete judicial rebuke to this toxic trajectory. By dismissing an FIR filed over a poem, the court effectively curbs the misuse of the criminal justice system as a tool for silencing dissent.

This aligns perfectly with my earlier reflections that the line between free expression and abuse must be vigilantly guarded. It serves as a practical reinforcement that the right to critique, even if discomforting or provocative, lies at the heart of democracy and must survive tussles with reactive political sensibilities.

 

Call to Action:


To the Election Commission of India, the judiciary, and political parties alike, this judgment should serve as a clarion call to respect and protect free speech without resorting to intimidation through legal overreach.

Political entities must foster environments where dissenting voices, creative works, and political critiques can flourish without fear of penal action.

Let this decision guide policy frameworks that resist frivolous FIRs and instead encourage dialogue and tolerance.

Judicial vigilance must continue to ensure that the tools meant to uphold law and order are not twisted into instruments of suppression.

With regards, 

Hemen Parekh

Birla to oppn charge

 

Mike will start when speaker permits: Birla to oppn charge

Article link:

Extract from the article:
The recent developments in parliamentary proceedings have spotlighted the nuanced interplay between authority and opposition within India’s democratic framework.

Speaker Birla’s statement—"Mike will start when speaker permits"—has sparked a charged atmosphere where opposition parties are grappling with the constraints imposed by parliamentary protocol and the Speaker’s prerogative.

The article highlights how the Speaker's mandate to control the floor of the house, especially when permitting Members of Parliament to speak, can either facilitate discourse or inadvertently stifle opposition voices depending on the situation.

Moreover, the opposition's charge against the Speaker underlines the delicate balance between maintaining order and enabling democratic dissent.

By pointing out perceived delays and restrictions on speaking opportunities, opposition leaders emphasize the importance of dynamic engagement in parliamentary democracy.

This episode exemplifies the broader political nomination dynamics, where power, protocol, and political strategy intersect, often causing friction between ruling and opposition benches over parliamentary privileges and procedural conduct.

My Take:

Thanking You in Anticipation !

Reflecting on my earlier observations about governance and mechanisms of public relief, there is an evident resonance with present-day political nomination dynamics. In that blog, I discussed the government’s intention to provide more latitude to taxpayers by increasing tax deductions tied to infrastructure investments—an initiative aimed at fostering inclusive growth and participation.

This notion parallels the current scenario, which involves orchestration of voices within political arenas aiming to steer policy and representation.

Just as tax reforms seek to unlock potential within the economic landscape by empowering citizens, parliamentary protocols should endeavor to amplify democratic participation by enabling all elected representatives to contribute their views effectively.

In my hindsight reflections, I find the pattern of ‘gatekeeping’—whether in fiscal policy or parliamentary speech—pivotal to democratic health. Restricting speaking rights within the house, as highlighted in the article, echoes the challenges faced in fiscal policy when relief mechanisms are not accessible to all.

Thus, the Speaker’s role, much like a policymaker’s, demands an exquisite balance between order and openness, a balance I have implicitly underlined through my earlier economic insights.

TIME IS NOW !

My earlier discourse from 2016 centered on the urgency of catalyzing private investment to energize India’s growth engine. The crux highlighted the necessity of unlocking opportunity through removing bottlenecks and enabling productive engagement.

This idea remarkably dovetails with the present parliamentary dynamics—the contestation for floor space, speaking time, and procedural leverage reflects a microcosm of the broader challenge of creating environments conducive to robust dialogue and collaboration.

Just as I argued that continuous growth requires removing unnecessary impediments to private sector involvement, so too does a vibrant democracy demand that the ‘microphone’ be a tool for constructive discourse, not a weapon of suppression.

The Speaker’s discretionary powers must be exercised mindful of creating openings rather than barriers. By reflecting on my prior blog, I appreciate that political dynamics—far from static—are a living, breathing system where openness begets productivity, whether in economics or governance.

Call to Action:

To the Honorable Speaker and Parliamentary Authorities: In the spirit of democracy’s vibrancy, I urge you to mindfully calibrate the protocols governing speaking rights within the house.

Let the microphone become a symbol of equitable discourse rather than a gauge of control. Facilitating timely and fair access to floor time for opposition voices will enrich debate, enhance transparency, and strengthen democratic legitimacy.

The nation’s growth story needs not only economic engines but also the horsepower of diverse perspectives expressed openly and respectfully.

With regards, 

Hemen Parekh

Monday, 21 April 2025

Biometric attendance must for class 11,12 state board students

 

Article link: Biometric attendance must for Std XI, XII state board students from next year


Extract from the article:

The state government has mandated biometric attendance for Std XI and XII students, aiming to ensure a minimum of 75% attendance to combat the influence of private coaching institutes on students.

The system will use facial recognition technology as fingerprints cannot be recorded. This move seeks to break the institute-private coaching nexus and enhance accountability within educational institutions.

My Take:

Data-rich India - Nothing Can Beat This!

"Reflecting on the current scenario where biometric attendance systems are being introduced for school students, I can't help but recall my previous blog where I emphasized the need to move from traditional biometric systems to more advanced technologies.

The implementation of facial recognition for attendance tracking aligns with my vision of embracing new-age solutions for better efficiency and analytics."


Inshorts Website Contact Form

"Looking at the state's initiative to curb external influences on students through biometric attendance, I am reminded of my blog discussing the limitations of traditional biometric systems in capturing comprehensive data.

The shift towards facial recognition technology echoes my call to adopt innovative approaches to address complex challenges effectively."


Call to Action:

To the state education authorities, I urge the meticulous implementation of the biometric attendance system to uphold the integrity of the education system.

Ensuring seamless operation and leveraging the data captured for meaningful insights will be key in achieving the intended goal of reducing external dependencies for students' academic progress.


With regards, 

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

Parl panel flags delays in implementing schemes

 

Article link: Parliament panel flags delays in implementing key schemes, highlights JJM, river linking projects, flood forecasting systems

Extract from the article:

The Parliamentary panel has raised concerns about the delays in executing crucial schemes, focusing on projects like the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), river linking initiatives, and flood forecasting systems.

The panel emphasized the lack of agreement among states regarding most proposed projects and the absence of consensus on interlinking river projects. This highlights the challenges in achieving coordination and cooperation among different regions for the successful execution of these vital schemes.

My Take:

Water Wars? - April 8, 2016

Reflecting on the establishment of the National Interlinking of Rivers Authority (NIRA) by the Center, I had suggested making water conservation a central subject in our Constitution back in 2016.

The current issues regarding the lack of consensus among states on river linking projects resonate with the need for a centralized approach to water management.

As I emphasized the significance of declaring water resources as national assets to ensure their equitable distribution, the ongoing challenges underscore the importance of addressing water-related disputes through a unified national strategy.

Where Are We Headed? - October 2016

The recent disputes over water sharing between states remind me of the Cauvery water issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The conflicts surrounding water resources raise questions about state's rights over rivers flowing through their territories.

The current dilemma highlights the complexities of water governance and the necessity for a holistic approach to resolve inter-state water disputes.

It's crucial to address these challenges through dialogue and cooperation to ensure sustainable water management practices.

Call to Action:

To the Honorable Members of the Parliament and the concerned states, I urge the need to prioritize collaboration and consensus-building for the effective implementation of key schemes like river linking projects and flood forecasting systems.

It is essential to transcend regional differences and work towards a unified approach to address water-related challenges.

Let's focus on constructive dialogues and proactive measures to ensure sustainable water management for the well-being of all citizens.

With regards, 

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

Friday, 18 April 2025

Towards Re 1/Unit Electricity

 

Powering India's Prosperity: Towards Re 1/Unit Electricity Through Innovation and Strategic Policy


The dream of affordable and accessible energy for all Indians is within reach. Recent reports, such as the one by Firstpost

 (https://www.firstpost.com/india/experts-reveal-how-per-unit-electricity-cost-in-india-could-fall-as-low-as-rs-1-13880518.html), 

highlight the imminent solar energy transformation in India, with experts predicting per-unit electricity costs potentially plummeting to a mere ₹1-2 in the coming years. 


This echoes the vision I laid out in my earlier reflections on achieving ₹1/kWh solar power (https://myblogepage.blogspot.com/2017/08/solar-power-at-rs-1-per-kwh.html).


The Firstpost article rightly emphasizes that this revolution hinges on bold innovation, particularly in enhancing the efficiency of solar technology and scaling up domestic manufacturing across the entire value chain – from modules to wafers and silicon. 


The groundbreaking research in perovskite solar cells at institutions like IIT Bombay, achieving near 30% efficiency, offers a glimpse into this promising future.


However, as the article also points out, India needs to bridge the gap between academia, industry, and policymaking. We must foster a robust ecosystem for solar research and development, perhaps by establishing specialized centers with significant investment, akin to the successful models seen in countries like Germany.


Learning from Germany's Success: The Power of Near-Zero Electricity


My 2017 blog post, "Free Electricity Possible"

 (https://myblogepage.blogspot.com/2017/12/free-electricity-possible.html),

- explored the profound impact of near-zero electricity costs on the German economy. As observed, lower energy prices translate to reduced manufacturing and service delivery costs, making industries more competitive globally. The increased affordability of operating industrial robots encourages automation, further driving down production expenses and potentially leading to a more skilled workforce in robot manufacturing. This virtuous cycle contributes significantly to Germany's economic prosperity.


A Synergistic Approach for India: Combining Innovation with Strategic Policy


To realize the ₹1/unit electricity target and unlock similar economic benefits for India, we need a two-pronged approach that synergizes the technological advancements highlighted in the Firstpost article with strategic policy interventions. 


Building upon my earlier suggestions, I propose the following:

  1. Prioritize and Invest in Solar Research and Development: 

  2. Following the recommendation in the Firstpost article, the government should actively fund and establish specialized solar research centers, fostering collaboration between academic institutions and industry players. We must aim for breakthroughs in efficiency and storage technologies.

  1. Incentivize Domestic Manufacturing Across the Value Chain: 

  2. While India is already making strides in this direction, consistent policies that encourage the development of the entire solar manufacturing ecosystem – from raw materials to finished products – are crucial for energy independence and cost competitiveness.

  1. Create a Favorable Policy Environment for Adoption: 

  2. This includes streamlining regulations, promoting net metering for rooftop solar, and ensuring grid stability to accommodate the increasing influx of renewable energy.

  1. Explore Innovative Financing Models: 

  2. While my 2017 suggestion of a temporary investment amnesty might have been a specific context, the core idea of reducing the capital burden remains relevant. We could explore innovative financing mechanisms and public-private partnerships to lower the cost of deploying solar projects.

  1. Focus on Universal Access and Grid Modernization: 

  2. As emphasized in the Firstpost article, democratizing access to solar energy is key. This necessitates investments in grid modernization to handle distributed generation and ensure reliable power supply across the nation.

By strategically combining investments in research and development, promoting robust domestic manufacturing, implementing supportive policies, and ensuring universal access, India can not only achieve the ambitious target of ₹1 per unit electricity but also emulate Germany's success in building a prosperous, low-cost economy. The time for bold action is now, to illuminate India's future with the power of the sun.


with regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.HemenParekh.ai  /  www.My-teacher.in / www.hemenParekh.in / 18-4-2025

Nashik Kumbh Mela : Lessons Learned from Maha Kumbh-2025

 Respected Shri Devendra Fadnavis Ji,


I hope this email finds you in good health.

I am writing to you with proactive suggestions for the upcoming Ardh Kumbh Mela in Nashik, drawing inspiration from the increasing adoption of technology for crowd management and safety, as highlighted in recent reports, such as this one on how AI is being used in similar scenarios:

https://government.economictimes.indiatimes.com/blog/how-ai-is-being-used-for-crowd-density-analysis-real-time-alerts-and-predictive-policing-to-prevent-security-incidents/120388733

In 2018, I had proposed certain measures for the Kumbh Mela of 2019, emphasizing innovative infrastructure and technology to ensure pilgrim safety and enhance the overall experience, particularly for foreign visitors, with the aim of boosting tourism. These suggestions, detailed in my blog post, included concepts like horizontal conveyors, ropeways, and even roller coasters for controlled movement and bathing, along with RFID wristbands for tracking and safety, and a significant increase in CCTV cameras with facial recognition:

https://myblogepage.blogspot.com/2018/08/the-greatest-show-on-earth.html

While the recent government initiatives, as I understand them, rightly focus on leveraging the power of Artificial Intelligence for real-time crowd density analysis, predictive policing, and alerts, I believe there is an opportunity to integrate these advanced technological solutions with some of the core principles I had previously suggested.

Specifically, for the Ardh Kumbh Mela in Nashik, I urge your esteemed administration to consider the following:

  1. Hybrid Approach to Crowd Flow: 

  2. Explore the feasibility of implementing designated, technology-assisted movement pathways in extremely high-density areas. While fully implementing conveyor belts or ropeways might require significant infrastructure, could we explore solutions like smart pedestrian management systems guided by AI-driven crowd flow analysis? This could involve dynamic lane management, real-time information dissemination to pilgrims about less congested routes via their mobile devices (perhaps linked to an initial registration), and strategically placed assistance points.


  3. Enhanced RFID and Tracking: 

  4. Implement a digitally integrated system for all pilgrims, possibly through QR code registration upon arrival, which could be linked to essential services and real-time information. This could work in conjunction with the increased CCTV network and facial recognition for security, but also allow for better communication with pilgrims and tracking of lost individuals.


  5. AI-Powered Amenity Management: 

  6. Extend the use of AI beyond security to optimize the provision of amenities. For example, analyzing crowd density near food stalls or sanitation facilities could trigger real-time adjustments in resource allocation.

  1. Focus on Pilgrim Experience and Tourism: 

  2. While safety is paramount, let us also consider how technology can enhance the spiritual and cultural experience. Could we integrate virtual reality experiences showcasing the Mela's history and significance at designated zones? Could AI-powered multilingual information kiosks provide guidance and answer queries for foreign visitors?

  1. Data-Driven Planning for Future Melas: 

  2. The data gathered through AI-powered crowd analysis and digital registration during this Ardh Kumbh Mela will be invaluable for future planning and improvements.

The Ardh Kumbh Mela at Nashik presents a significant opportunity to showcase India's ability to manage large-scale events with a blend of tradition and cutting-edge technology. By considering a holistic approach that integrates AI-driven insights with innovative solutions focused on pilgrim flow and experience, we can ensure a safe, smooth, and memorable event for all attendees, including a positive experience for potential international visitors.

I sincerely hope these suggestions will be given due consideration in the planning for the upcoming Ardh Kumbh Mela.


with regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.HemenParekh.ai  /  www.My-teacher.in / www.HemenParekh.in