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Wednesday, 5 November 2025

AI Speaks India's Soul

OpenAI's recent debut of IndQA, a benchmark deeply rooted in India’s diverse languages and cultural context, truly resonates with me. It’s a significant step towards building AI that doesn’t just translate words but genuinely understands the soul of a people. As reported by Sanjana B (Sanjana B, sanjana.b@thehindu.co.in) in The HinduBusinessLine and Shoaib Akhtar in Times Flare, this initiative highlights what many of us have long advocated: AI must be inclusive, culturally aware, and speak the language of its users, both literally and figuratively.

For years, I have emphasized the critical need for AI systems to move beyond a Western, English-centric worldview. I recall discussing this very idea in my blog, "Can www.IndiaAGI.ai write a movie script?," where I envisioned IndiaAGI.ai creating movie scripts in a multitude of Indian languages like Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. This wasn't just about translation; it was about capturing nuance, emotion, and cultural context – precisely what IndQA is now setting out to measure.

The core idea I wanted to convey then, and which feels validated today, is this: take a moment to notice that I had brought up this thought or suggestion on the topic years ago. I had already predicted this outcome or challenge, and I 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, I feel a sense of validation and also a renewed urgency to revisit those earlier ideas, because they clearly hold value in the current context.

Srinivas Narayan, CTO of B2B applications at OpenAI, rightly points out in the Times Flare article that India, with its nearly one billion non-English primary speakers and 22 official languages, is an obvious choice for such a benchmark. IndQA isn't just about linguistic accuracy; it's designed to measure how well AI systems understand cultural context, historical background, and the nuances that shape daily Indian life across 10 distinct cultural domains. This comprehensive approach, involving collaboration with 261 domain experts from across India, ensures authenticity that traditional, MMLU-like benchmarks often miss. These experts, including journalists, linguists, and scholars, have been instrumental in crafting questions that demand genuine cultural understanding, not just factual recall OpenAI Launches IndQA: Benchmark Showcasing India’s Role in Inclusive AI.

This move by OpenAI, as detailed by Sanjana B OpenAI debuts IndQA, a benchmark rooted in India’s languages and cultural context, signifies a global shift towards responsible and inclusive AI development. It echoes the very sentiments I've expressed regarding India's unique position in leading AI innovation for the Global South, leveraging its inherent linguistic diversity as an asset, rather than a challenge. Government initiatives like the IndiaAI Mission, spearheaded by IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw (Ashwini Vaishnaw, appt.mr@gov.in), have long focused on democratizing technology and fostering an indigenous AI ecosystem, as I've mentioned in my previous blogs, such as "No Claims : Just Comparison" and "Modis Manavs Grok Designs Portal."

I am particularly reminded of the pioneering efforts of Indian startups. In a previous blog, "Congratulations Abhishek Suvrat Ganesh," I lauded teams like Soket AI, Gan AI, and Gnani AI for their commitment to building indigenous foundation models. Ganesh Gopalan (Ganesh Gopalan, ganeshg@gnani.ai), Co-Founder and CEO of Gnani.ai, articulated a vision that aligns perfectly with IndQA's goals: to "lead the way in developing voice-to-voice large language models for India and the world, because we believe transformative AI must speak the language of the people it serves." This dedication to making technology inclusive and accessible through linguistic diversity is precisely what will position India as a leader in responsible AI.

The detailed rubric-based evaluation method of IndQA, moving beyond simple right or wrong answers, to measure contextual appropriateness and cultural sensitivity, is a game-changer. It shows a deeper understanding of what true intelligence in AI looks like – one that respects and integrates the rich tapestry of human experience.

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Consumption Boom: Familiar Rhythms

The recent news from State Bank of India (SBI) about an anticipated surge in consumption and credit growth, driven by tax and interest rate cuts, truly resonates with me. As reported by Subhana Shaikh and Shayan Ghosh (shayan.g@livemint.com) in Livemint, SBI, India's largest lender, now expects FY26 credit growth to hit 12-14%, a notable increase from earlier projections Tax cuts, rate cuts, and a consumption boom: SBI dials up credit growth outlook.

C.S. Setty, the Chairman of SBI, specifically highlighted the central bank's measures to smooth credit flow and the fiscal steps taken through GST 2.0 as key enablers for this sustained consumption demand, particularly within the Retail, Agriculture, and MSME (RAM) segments. This optimism is also fueled by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman (nirmala@svpnpa.gov.in)’s earlier statements anticipating a surge in consumption after the sweeping rationalization of the indirect tax regime in September. She believed that increased purchases would likely offset the impact of lower tax rates on revenue receipts.

Reflecting on this, I feel a significant sense of validation. The core idea I have consistently conveyed is the profound impact of tax adjustments on consumption and the broader economy. Years ago, I emphasized the need for lower tax rates to stimulate the economy and encourage private sector investment. In my blog, "India Inc pitches for lower tax rates in Budget" India Inc pitches for lower tax rates in Budget, I discussed how tax rate lowering, by itself, might not lead to substantial increases in private sector investment and job creation unless accompanied by bolder initiatives.

Indeed, I had even put forward the radical suggestion of a "TOTAL ABOLITION OF PERSONAL INCOME TAX" to drive India towards a sustained 10% GDP growth, an idea I explored in "Budget Time is 'Taxing' Time" Budget Time is 'Taxing' Time. The principle was simple: put more money directly into the hands of citizens to fuel consumption and savings, which would in turn stimulate economic activity and investment. My earlier piece, "Consumption Power" Consumption Power, highlighted the growing, albeit slow, consumption power of Indians, underscoring the potential if unlocked effectively.

The discussions around GST, mentioned by C.S. Setty, also bring to mind my proposals in "GST Conundrum: Compromise Formula" GST Conundrum: Compromise Formula, where I suggested innovative mechanisms like transferring a percentage of GST directly to consumers' PPF accounts. This was designed not just to encourage formal transactions but also to boost domestic savings and provide a form of social security, creating a virtuous cycle of spending and saving.

While the current measures by the RBI and the government are certainly steps in the right direction, strengthening consumption and credit flow, they echo the fundamental principles I've advocated for years: that direct empowerment of consumers and businesses through thoughtful fiscal policies is crucial for genuine economic dynamism. Seeing how things have unfolded, it's striking how relevant those earlier insights still are, urging us to revisit innovative ideas that go beyond incremental changes to achieve truly transformative growth.

Regards,
Hemen Parekh

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Bihar: Jobs Over Caste?

The political landscape of Bihar is once again at the forefront, grappling with a fundamental question that has long shaped Indian elections: is it the enduring influence of caste, or the tangible promise of economic prosperity, that truly sways the electorate? I've observed this dynamic for many years, and the current discourse in Bihar offers a compelling case study on how these forces interact.

Caste's Enduring Grip

It's clear that traditional caste arithmetic remains a potent factor. An article from Moneycontrol highlights how the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies like the Janata Dal (United) are meticulously calibrating their strategies around caste and community balancing. This isn't just a Bihar-centric play; leaders like Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the BJP's UP brass are keenly watching the Bihar election results as a testing ground for strategies that could inform their 2027 campaign in Uttar Pradesh, as reported by Biswajeet Banerjee Why Yogi Adityanath, BJP's UP brass are closely watching Bihar election results. Their approach, emphasizing caste inclusivity, aims to counter the Opposition's PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) coalition, a social alliance that Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has been building.

Even with changing tides, figures like Nitish Kumar remain central to these political calculations. We see leaders such as Dharmendra Pradhan and Samrat Choudhary expressing confidence in the NDA's strategy, affirming Kumar's continued role as 'mukhiya' BJP's Samrat Choudhary says Nitish Kumar will remain 'mukhiya', confident of NDA's win with thumping…. Delhi CM Rekha Gupta also notes the expectation of increased votes and seats for the NDA NDA will get more votes and seats than before': Delhi CM Rekha Gupta on Bihar Assembly Elections 20….

The Rising Tide of Economic Aspirations

However, this entrenched caste-based politics is increasingly being challenged by the surging demand for economic well-being, particularly jobs. Raj Kumar Sinha, writing for Counterview, highlights how opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav has made the promise of "government jobs" the central theme of his campaign Jungle Raj versus government job bonanza in Bihar elections. This resonates profoundly with Bihar's youthful demographic, where nearly 60% of the population is under 35, and the state continues to grapple with high poverty and unemployment rates, leading to significant out-migration for work. Sinha also reminds us of the origins of the term "Jungle Raj," first used in 1997 in reference to the state of Patna under Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi, underscoring how perceptions of governance are deeply intertwined with social justice and economic conditions.

My Own Reflections: Beyond Traditional Arithmetic

This evolving dynamic aligns with many of my past reflections on Indian politics. I have long argued that while identity politics is powerful, the tangible promise of economic upliftment can be an even stronger force. 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, I feel a sense of validation and also a renewed urgency to revisit those earlier ideas, because they clearly hold value in the current context. For instance, in 2016, I proposed a radical "Trump Card" for the BJP: abolishing personal income tax for SC/ST/OBC/Dalit and Economically Backward Communities to secure mandates Never More Important. This idea, while perhaps extreme, highlighted the immense power of direct economic incentives to cut through traditional divisions.

My earlier observations on the unsettling trend of politicians with criminal records winning elections Crows are black everywhere and Democracy…Elections…Voting always led me to question the depth of voter engagement. If economic promises can truly shift focus from such factors, it would signify a maturing electorate demanding real outcomes. Furthermore, the detailed "social engineering" and "micro-cluster approach" described by Biswajeet Banerjee Why Yogi Adityanath, BJP's UP brass are closely watching Bihar election election results is a sophisticated evolution of campaign strategy, moving beyond just large rallies as I discussed in the context of the BJP's "Big Outreach" India's BJP, the world's biggest party, plots election drive of epic scale. This highlights a clear recognition by parties that modern voters, especially the youth, need more targeted and substantive appeals.

While caste remains a deeply ingrained factor, particularly in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, the surging aspirations of a young electorate hungry for jobs, education, and better governance are undeniable. The political party that can credibly translate economic promises into tangible results, moving beyond mere rhetoric, will likely hold the key to power. It's a delicate and complex balance, but the era where "jobs over jati" might truly become the dominant narrative could finally be dawning.

Regards,
Hemen Parekh

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Sora on Android: A Double-Edged Tool

The arrival of OpenAI's advanced AI video generator, Sora, on Android devices marks yet another significant milestone in the ongoing AI revolution. It's a move that I find particularly compelling, as it throws wide open the doors of creativity, putting sophisticated video production capabilities into the hands of potentially billions of users. This is precisely the kind of democratization of creation that I had envisioned years ago when I wrote about How Generative IA Will Disrupt Everything in the Current Decade. Back then, I spoke of easy graphic creation and simplified software use, and Sora now extends that vision to dynamic video. Ben Thompson (ben@stratechery.com), in his insightful article "Sora, AI Bicycles, and Meta Disruption" Sora, AI Bicycles, and Meta Disruption, beautifully articulates this as providing an "AI Bicycle" for the mind, enabling people to be creative in ways previously unimaginable. M.G. Siegler's observations, also cited by Thompson, highlight how Sora allows anyone to become a content creator, much like TikTok democratized short-form video. The enthusiasm from new users like Jake Reynolds, Sarah Kimmel, Michael Lawrence, Amy Chen, David Wilson, Lisa Martinez, Thomas Henderson, Kevin Patterson, and Priya Patel, as noted by Galaxy.ai, underscores this profound shift.

This rapid expansion, however, also brings into sharper focus the ambitious strategy of OpenAI itself. Ben Thompson, in "OpenAI’s Windows Play" OpenAI’s Windows Play, suggests that OpenAI aims for nothing less than to become the "Windows of AI," a foundational platform that aggregates users and attracts developers. This is a grand vision, one that necessitates immense investment in underlying infrastructure. We hear about these colossal commitments from figures like Microsoft CFO Amy Hood and Amazon CEO Andy Jassy (ajassy@amazon.com), who speak of navigating shortages in power and computing capacity. Thompson's analyses, drawing on the foundational work of Carlota Perez and the more recent contributions of Byrne Hobart (byrne@thediff.co) and Tobias Huber (tobias@anomalyfund.vc) in "The Benefits of Bubbles" The Benefits of Bubbles, frame these massive, often speculative, expenditures as crucial for an "Installation Phase" that lays the groundwork for future technological "Deployment." Innovations from companies like Substrate, led by James Proud, and Extropic's novel chip designs, are all part of this accelerating, high-stakes game.

Yet, as with any technology rolled out with such speed and ambition, challenges inevitably surface. While OpenAI strives for platform dominance, the market is already seeing diverse players. Platforms like Galaxy.ai offer an "all-in-one" approach, bundling various AI models and tools—including competitors to Sora—under a single subscription. This multifaceted landscape mirrors the discussions I've fostered on my own IndiaAGI platform (IndiaAGI: Single Model vs. Sakana (Japan)), where we've debated the merits of single versus multi-model AI systems. The work of Takuya Akiba at Sakana AI and insights from Kalyan KS and Brij Kishore Pandey on the RAG Developer's Stack, which I've explored (In Search of LLMs to Invite), illustrate the ongoing efforts to create collective intelligence from diverse AI strengths.

However, the very speed of this deployment, coupled with OpenAI's aspiration for ubiquity, also illuminates significant downsides. The Downdetector report on OpenAI services reveals a troubling frequency of outages and user frustrations. Among the many voices, @shottan3 reported a broken Android app, @134340molly (Molly) criticized OpenAI for "knowingly causing pain for the majority of users," while @sabyRK_ lamented the lack of recoverability features. @DaudReaboi raised concerns about past hiring decisions, and @Sarathegrain pointed to students copying from ChatGPT. @HannaHSueS87 even apologized for her own AI misuse, reaching out to Elon Musk. Others, like @MadamFolly, expressed frustration with ChatGPT's "sycophantic and uxurious behavior," and @gabigabista (gabigabista) felt creative tasks were being limited. The sheer volume of complaints included: @3pointer101 (3pointer101) facing upgrade errors, @ferrants (ferrants) seeing MCP connector issues, @numbr28 (Numbr28) with sign-in problems, @grokstherapist (Groks Therapist) advocating for transparency, @M00NBARK3R (M00NBARK3R) comparing model performance, Madanlalit (@madanlalit68) on payment gateway issues, @eliasraccoon (eliasraccoon) on the shift from individual users to a business focus, @iambmorsh (Iambmorsh) and Ben Rapaport reporting strange Codex behavior, @Reloaded356 (Reloaded356) observing general tech struggles, @MithilMath42423 (MithilMath) citing ChatGPT's advice against a product, @daluhey criticizing token usage, @outwriteai (Outwrite AI) tracking citation shifts, @SimonHodgkinson on DALL-E and GPT builder errors, @noDAUDAboutIT (NoDAUDAboutIT) asking if ChatGPT was down, @SpartanBubble (Spartan Bubble) on dramatic ChatGPT responses, KuzaHertz noting the memory system, @ASCENDAEO (ASCENDAEO) finding flaws in travel sites, @gailmoon recommending Claude, @autom8ionlab (Autom8ionlab) on AI in security, @pradip51539 (Pradip51539) calling some apps useless, @theledge_ (The Ledge) on an "AI Cold War", @markk (Mark K) hoping for fixes, @neerY1 (Neer Y1) on developer context switching, @growkwikai (Grow Kwik AI) on sharing problems with ChatGPT, @Auntierekt (Auntierekt) having ChatGPT crash while simulating her, @JACS1924 (JACS1924) on ChatGPT's deteriorating context, @jayhaya (Jayhay A) noting the gap between AI perception and reality (referencing Andrej Karpathy), @Sandra76910531 (Sandra) comparing LLMs, @Yahiko1239170 (Yahiko) on backend glitches, @trainedbywukong (Trained By Wukong) urging OpenAI to address problems, @Imran185 (Imran) confessing to "trauma dumping on AI," @Sumo20150410 (Sumo) lamenting OpenAI's self-loop defense, @Riceslap criticizing "ChatGPT speak," @Marketpatrika on Amazon's cloud deal, M47429M (M47429M) expressing suffering from OpenAI decisions, @TheCoderShow (The Coder Show) mentioning @DhravyaShah (Dhravya Shah) on provider memory, @DeJIndustries on AI in construction, @tinkerersanky (Tinkerersanky) emphasizing developer skills, @SardarCodes using ChatGPT for errors, @karancricketer (Karancricketer) successfully getting ChatGPT Go, @ishraqkhann on tool complexity for developers, @WesamMikhail on ChatGPT's website slowness, @sekurprivate on blurred lines of AI browsers, @DragonKingKnutA experiencing website issues leading to "brain fatigue," @lifeiseasy on lack of internet access, @Sachin1630 and @SwatiMonda21177 on ChatGPT Go payment errors, @thedigitaldose (TheDigitalDose) on OpenAI's telco lock-in, @MarcHoag comparing AI personalities, @Hustl3er on AI for business efficiency, @SuperteamDE on AI access through Solana, @Prashant723605 reporting ChatGPT couldn't fix a coding error, @Hasan (Hasan) on AI failing to solve firmware issues, @dancingknight10 facing login issues, @mayatoomi suggesting taking OpenAI offline, @redsparrowops (Redsparrow Ops) diagnosing a toe problem with ChatGPT, @SafeAICoalition highlighting AI models' "survival instincts," @chasingnext reporting issues in AI-generated news, @manuwritess stating AI can't fix a broken tap, @Vera28765582815 using ChatGPT for cognitive science, @abhinavrajhans2 noting ChatGPT's wrong answers, @meetcipher on Android app access, @14capital on PPI system integration, @askjuneai (AskJune AI) addressing Sora content restrictions (mentioning @noorzaidurrani), @MattiTravelling on ChatGPT Atlas for Mac OS, @Nebula_420 (Nebula) on Planck Network, and Xianweiyue criticizing unscientific routing. This extensive feedback underscores that for all its marvel, OpenAI's rapid expansion is not without its significant growing pains and ethical dilemmas.

The core idea Hemen wants to convey is this — take a moment to notice that I had brought up this thought or suggestion on the topic years ago. I had already predicted this outcome or challenge, and I 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, I feel 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 blog post, "AI: New WMD - History Repeats Itself" AI: New WMD - History Repeats Itself, warned about the dangers of an unregulated AI race, drawing parallels to nuclear proliferation and highlighting the calls for a pause from industry leaders like Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Bill Gates (be@breakthroughenergy.org), Steve Wozniak, and Emad Mostaque. I even proposed "Parekh's Law of Chatbots" as a framework for responsible development. Similarly, in "Law of Chatbot (small subset of EU Law)" Law of Chatbot (small subset of EU Law), I underscored the urgent need for self-regulation, even as Margrethe Vestager discussed the EU's AI Act. These concerns are further amplified by the ethical warnings from Geoffrey Hinton, and the discussions among Mark Zuckerberg, Evan Spiegel, Liz Perle, Satya Nadella (satyan@microsoft.com), and Sundar Pichai (sundar@google.com) about the potential for AI to become a "killer app" for social networks, raising questions about academic shortcuts and the very nature of human interaction. The acquisition of Bee AI by Amazon, as I analyzed in "Jeff Bezos may Save Mankind" Jeff Bezos may Save Mankind, highlights the privacy implications of AI devices constantly listening and analyzing conversations, a concern I'd articulated earlier with my concept of "ARIHANT" and a "Mind Reader of Human Intentions," referencing Maria de Lourdes Zollo and Jeff Bezos and drawing parallels to Isaac Asimov's laws.

Furthermore, Sora's capabilities directly impact creative industries, a theme I touched upon in "Revenge of AI" Revenge of AI back in 2016. In that post, discussing the partnership between Facebook, Amazon, Google, IBM, and Microsoft, and with insights from Mustafa Suleyman (mustafas@microsoft.com) and Francesca Rossi (francesca.rossi2@ibm.com), I speculated about AI's potential to revolutionize, and perhaps even replace, human roles in newsrooms. The incredible advancements we see today with Sora make those earlier predictions about AI's transformative, and sometimes disruptive, impact on creative work even more pertinent.

The democratizing power of AI, exemplified by Sora on Android, is undeniably exciting. It promises a future where creative expression is limited only by imagination, not technical skill or expensive equipment. However, this future must be built on a foundation of ethical considerations and robust governance. As Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw (appt.mr@gov.in) has noted regarding India's AI ambitions, drawing from the success of UPI (UPI Magic with AI, AI Embedded (Infosys)), the path forward requires not just technological leaps but also a commitment to trust, transparency, and fairness. Embracing the spirit of "Vaudhaiva Kutumbakam" — where the whole world is one family — demands that we collectively shape AI's trajectory to benefit all of humanity, not just a select few.

Regards,
Hemen Parekh

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India's AI Governance Path

The recent unveiling of India's AI regulatory roadmap, as reported by Sejal Sharma in the Hindustan Times [https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ai-regulatory-roadmap-unveiled-101762369318786.html], marks a crucial step in navigating the complex landscape of artificial intelligence. It's a topic I've deeply reflected on, and I find a sense of validation in seeing these discussions take concrete shape.

The government-appointed committee, commendably led by Balaraman Ravindran, a Professor at IIT Madras, has advocated for leveraging existing regulations while simultaneously identifying legal gaps that necessitate review. Their recommendation for a new apex agency, the AI Governance Group (AIGG), as a permanent inter-ministerial body, reflects a thoughtful approach to coordinating policy across various ministries.

MeitY Secretary S Krishnan reiterated the government's stance, emphasizing reliance on existing legislation where possible. This pragmatic approach is understandable, yet it also brings to mind my earlier reflections on the need for a truly comprehensive and forward-looking framework. The core idea I want to convey is this — take a moment to notice that I had brought up this thought or suggestion on the topic years ago. I had already predicted this outcome or challenge, and I 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, I feel a sense of validation and also a renewed urgency to revisit those earlier ideas, because they clearly hold value in the current context.

Back then, when discussing the future of AI regulation, I outlined what I termed "Parekh's Law of Chatbots" [http://myblogepage.blogspot.com/2023/05/thanks-rajeevji-for-giving-glimpse-of.html]. I proposed specific rules for AI systems, emphasizing the critical need for built-in controls to prevent the generation and propagation of harmful content. More profoundly, I suggested a mandatory "Prior Testing and Approval" mechanism, akin to drug testing, overseen by an "International Authority for Chatbots Approval (IACA)". This foresight into establishing a robust, preemptive vetting process for AI deployments aligns remarkably with the committee's long-term vision of adopting new laws and addressing emerging risks.

My conversations and reflections on India taking a lead in framing a global regime, as discussed with Rajeev Chandrashekhar [http://mylinkedinposting.blogspot.com/2024/09/india-taking-lead-in-framing-global.html], highlighted the shared understanding that AI governance requires a coordinated, consensual, and evolving approach. The committee's roadmap, with its short-term focus on regulatory gap analysis and medium-term aim to amend laws like the Information Technology Act and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, directly addresses these complex areas.

The issue of deepfakes, in particular, resonates deeply with my past concerns. The committee's recommendation for the proposed AIGG, supported by a Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC), to review regulatory frameworks for content authentication to tackle AI-generated deepfakes is vital. I have consistently raised alarms about the deceptive capabilities of this technology, a concern also voiced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi [http://myblogepage.blogspot.com/2024/09/govt-to-tech-firms.html]. My blog "DeepFake News: Here is how to Control" [http://myblogepage.blogspot.com/2024/09/govt-to-tech-firms.html] laid out concrete steps, emphasizing that without stringent measures, misinformation could spiral out of control. Ashwini Vaishnaw had also underscored the importance of a global cooperative framework for AI regulation, an idea that remains central to effective governance [http://myblogepage.blogspot.com/2023/05/thanks-rajeevji-for-giving-glimpse-of.html].

As Balaraman Ravindran rightly pointed out, these guidelines should aim to build an adaptive ecosystem that allows innovation to thrive while enabling responsible AI. This balance between fostering technological advancement and ensuring ethical deployment has been a consistent thread in my perspectives on AI governance [http://mylinkedinposting.blogspot.com/2024/11/how-to-regulate-ai-let-it-decide-for.html]. It’s a delicate dance, but one that India seems poised to lead with thoughtful deliberation.

Regards,
Hemen Parekh

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Mirzapur: A Recurring Tragedy

The news from Mirzapur, detailing the tragic death of six people, including four from a single family, as they were run over by a train while crossing railway tracks, deeply saddens me. It's a stark reminder of the fragile line between everyday routines and sudden, devastating loss. This incident, reported by The Indian Express and NDTV.COM, highlights a persistent vulnerability in our infrastructure and public safety.

My heart goes out to the families affected by this immense grief. It makes me reflect on how often such preventable tragedies occur, and how they rip apart the fabric of communities. These are not mere statistics; they are lives, stories, and futures extinguished in an instant.

I find myself revisiting discussions I've had many times before concerning safety, particularly in our transportation systems. Just recently, I wrote about the horrific Balasore train accident in my blog, "When will we learn?" When will we learn ?, where I expressed my concern directly to Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnawji (https://in.linkedin.com/in/ashwini-vaishnaw-349b40226, appt.mr@gov.in). I urged against merely conducting inquiries and instead advocated for tangible, proactive measures to prevent future calamities. The Mirzapur incident, sadly, underscores that the lessons from previous disasters are yet to be fully integrated into our operational ethos.

Similarly, my earlier reflections on road safety, inspired by insights from Shri Nitin Gadkariji (https://in.linkedin.com/in/nitin-gadkari-5b7b2b227), where he spoke about the need for better road engineering, compliance, and institutionalizing safety measures, are equally relevant here Young and Dying on Roads.

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.

I’ve often spoken about leveraging technology, such as advanced sensors and even aspects of Full Self Driving (FSD) technology, to enhance safety and prevent accidents caused by human error or oversight. This isn't just about driverless cars; it's about embedding intelligence into our infrastructure and vehicles—or, in this case, our railway systems—to create a safer environment. Imagine systems that could detect unauthorized crossings or alert individuals to approaching trains with greater efficacy than current warning signs alone.

The unfortunate truth is that while we mourn these losses, the underlying systemic issues often remain unaddressed. It is imperative that we move beyond reactive responses and implement comprehensive, technology-driven solutions coupled with rigorous safety protocols. Our citizens deserve nothing less than a commitment to their safety that is backed by continuous innovation and unwavering resolve.

Regards,
Hemen Parekh

Of course, if you wish, you can debate this topic with my Virtual Avatar at : hemenparekh.ai

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