LS Speaker inaugurates Conference on ‘Faith and Future: Integrating AI with Spirituality’
Garhwal Post Bureau
Haridwar, 16 Sep: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla today said that Artificial Intelligence (AI) must always serve humanity and should not be allowed to become a tool for controlling human beings. He stressed the need for AI to be rooted in spiritual wisdom and ethical responsibility, asserting that only then can it become a force for societal good.
Birla made these remarks while delivering the inaugural address at an international conference, titled “Faith and Future: Integrating AI with Spirituality”, at Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, here. The conference is being organised in collaboration with the Future of Life Institute (USA).
Speaking on the occasion, Birla underlined that the true purpose of technology is to enrich and elevate human experience, not to replace it. He highlighted that, while AI does pose several challenges, it also offers the seeds of innovative solutions. Underscoring India’s core strengths of morality and truth, Birla called for these values to be shared globally. He proposed that AI could serve as a powerful medium to disseminate India’s ancient wisdom and knowledge systems to the world.
The Speaker noted that, AI, as a powerful force, must be balanced with wisdom and patience to yield truly positive outcomes. He added that compassion, empathy, and human values will guide the convergence of AI and spirituality in the right direction and lay the foundation for a just and equitable future. Birla also highlighted the transformative potential of AI in fields such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and public welfare, noting that it could significantly improve the quality of life for millions.
Referencing India’s ancient ideals of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The world is one family) and ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah’ (May all be happy), Birla reiterated that AI development must be inclusive and equitable, ensuring that the benefits reach all of humanity. He expressed hope that this conference would mark the beginning of a meaningful global dialogue between spirituality and modern technological advancement, leading humanity toward a more compassionate and ethical future.
Chief Minister Dhami expressed gratitude to the university and the University’s Pro-Vice Chancellor, Chinmay Pandya, for hosting a summit dedicated to bridging spirituality with scientific advancement. He observed that Sanatan culture is not merely based on faith and belief but is the result of profound scientific thought and inquiry. He recalled that ancient Indian civilisation has contributed innumerable scientific discoveries to the world, and that the harmonious blend of knowledge, science and spirituality continues to shape India’s unique cultural identity. Dhami observed that Artificial Intelligence today influences every sphere of human life, from industry and healthcare to education and agriculture. He remarked that if harnessed with the right purpose and values, AI has the potential to transform sectors significantly and improve lives in a meaningful way.
Chinmay Pandya, Asia Commissioner of the United Nations’ Special Commission on Faith and Artificial Intelligence, highlighted that while AI is revolutionising education, medicine, industry and security, critical issues such as ethics, privacy, data protection and employment challenges remain.
In a video address, Martin Chungong, Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Switzerland, shared insights into the global role of Artificial Intelligence. Eminent experts including Abhishek Singh, CEO of India’s AI Mission, Robert Trager, William Jones, Swami Rupendra Prakash, Stuart Russell, Jaan Tallinn and Nalanda University Vice-Chancellor Sachin Chaturvedi also shared their perspectives on the future of AI and its ethical application.
Among those present on the occasion, included Haridwar MLA Madan Kaushik, former MLA Swami Yatishwaranand, District Panchayat Chairperson Kiran Chaudhary, Minister of State Jaipal Singh Chauhan, Om Prakash Jamdagni, Sunil Saini, District President Ashutosh Sharma, District Magistrate Mayur Dixit, SSP Pramendra Singh Dobal, HRDA Vice-Chairperson Anshul Singh, CDO Akanksha Konde and a large number of students of Dev Sanskriti University.
