Preserve Creativity In AI Age: IIT-Kanpur Director Calls For ‘Cognitive Gym’
IIT-Kanpur director proposes ‘Cognitive Gym’ to keep minds active and preserve creativity in AI era.
Prof Manindra Agarwal, director of IIT-Kanpur, on Wednesday introduced the concept of a “Cognitive Gym,” emphasizing the need for mental exercises to preserve creativity and original thinking in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Speaking at the one-day event AdhyAI: AI Summit at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), he warned that the easy accessibility of AI tools could lead to mental lethargy if not complemented by conscious intellectual effort.
Drawing an analogy with physical fitness, Prof Agarwal said, “Just as a gym is necessary for physical health, in the era of AI, we will need a ‘Cognitive Gym’ to preserve our mental capacity, thinking power, and creativity.” He highlighted that AI development in India has been gradual but is gaining momentum through the establishment of ‘Centres of Excellence’ across the country.
The summit, jointly organised by Think India, Meta, the Department of IT and Electronics (UP), and IIT BHU, brought together over 350 delegates from premier institutions nationwide. Discussions focused on the evolving dimensions of AI and its potential role in nation-building, education, and rural development.
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UP Minister for IT and Electronics, Sunil Kumar Sharma, joined virtually and underscored the state government’s commitment to using AI to bridge the digital divide and solve rural problems, promoting a truly inclusive “Viksit Bharat.” Prof Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, BHU Vice-Chancellor, advocated a conscious approach towards AI, urging students to exercise social responsibility and avoid becoming “mindless consumers.”
Other speakers included Prof Amit Patra, Director of IIT BHU, who said India is well-positioned to lead in AI, and Omkar Rai, former DG of STPI, who highlighted India’s transition into a global AI hub, powered by abundant data and talent. Prof Sanjay Srivastava and Prof AK Tyagi stressed the importance of preserving human sensibilities and developing AI in Indian languages to ensure grassroots accessibility.
Representing the youth perspective, Abhay Pratap Singh, National Secretary of ABVP, urged young innovators to align technical expertise with a “Nation First” mindset. The summit concluded with a call for active mental engagement alongside technological adoption to ensure India’s AI future is both innovative and socially responsible.
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