Prof.

Manindra Agrawal Proposes 'Cognitive Gym' Concept to Combat AI-Induced Mental

Lethargy

Varanasi,

April 8 (HS): A one-day mega event, 'AdhyAI: AI Summit', was successfully

organized through the joint collaboration of Think India, Meta, the Department

of IT and Electronics (UP), and IIT BHU. The summit witnessed the participation

of over 350 delegates from prestigious institutions across the country,

focusing on the emerging dimensions of Artificial Intelligence and its role in

nation-building.

In

the inaugural session, Chief Guest Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT

Kanpur, introduced the concept of a 'Cognitive Gym', stating that just as

physical gyms are necessary for bodily fitness, a mental counterpart is now

essential to preserve original thinking in the age of AI. Sunil Kumar Sharma,

Hon’ble Minister of IT & Electronics, joined virtually to emphasize that

the government is committed to using AI to bridge the 'Digital Divide' and

solve rural problems to achieve a truly inclusive 'Viksit Bharat'.

Prof.

Amit Patra, Director of IIT BHU, noted the symbolic significance of the letters

'AI' appearing within the word 'INDIA', suggesting it as a sign of India's

destined leadership in the sector. Meanwhile, Prof. Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, VC

of BHU, advocated for 'Conscious AI', warning students that technology must be

used with a sense of social responsibility to avoid becoming 'mindless'

consumers.

The

valedictory session featured insights from Omkar Rai (Former DG, STPI), who

highlighted India's transition into a 'Global AI Hub' fueled by a wealth of

data and talent. Prof. Sanjay Srivastava (VC, MG Central University) and Prof.

A.K. Tyagi (VC, MG Kashi Vidyapith) both stressed the importance of maintaining

human sensibilities and developing AI in Indian languages to ensure grassroots

accessibility. The summit concluded with a panel discussion featuring Advocate

Varun Pratap Singh, Prof. V.K. Singh, and Prof. Saurabh Rai.

Representing

the youth perspective, Abhay Pratap Singh (National Secretary, ABVP) urged

young innovators to synchronize their technical skills with a 'Nation First'

mindset. The event, supported by key members of Think India and ABVP, marks a

significant step toward guiding the next generation of Indian tech leaders.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi