Team Blitz India
AS expected of a true leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised crucial issues on use of technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), for the betterment of human lives during a highly anticipated meeting with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates in New Delhi.
The meeting, held at the Prime Minister’s residence, dealt with the use of technology – like Artificial Intelligence – for the good of people, using data without violating privacy, and the impact of digital revolution on healthcare, education, and agriculture. In a 45-minute discussion – held indoors and outside – they also shared their views on climate change. The conversation was simultaneously telecast across various platforms on March 29.
More inclusive G20
The conversation began with PM Modi welcoming Bill Gates and reminding him of their last meeting at G20 New Delhi Summit.
“Well the G20 is way more inclusive and so it’s fantastic to see that India hosting it really raised things like digital innovation and how the South-South collaboration can be far more than just the dialogue with the North, it can actually be a system that improves health.
And you know our foundation is so excited about the positive results that you’ve achieved here in India that we will be a partner in trying to take that into many other countries,” stated Bill Gates.
“You are right, when I went to Indonesia to participate in the G20, the curiosity of all the countries of the world was how you brought about this digital revolution. Then I explained that I have democratised this technology, it will not remain anyone’s monopoly,” PM Modi asserted.
To a question from the Microsoft cofounder on digital governance – where “India is not only adapting technology but is actually leading the way” – and what some of the things about it that he is excited about, PM Modi answered, “Health, agriculture, and education”.
He spoke about the two lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs he has built, especially in villages. These health centres are directly connected with the best hospitals having modern technology. Under his leadership, the Government is striving to make medical services accessible to all citizens. The Government issued Telemedicine Practice guidelines on March 25, 2020 which comprehensively prescribe norms and protocols covering various practices. On Independence Day the same year, the PM announced the National Digital Health Mission. Under this scheme, Health ID will be given to every Indian.
“Initially, they used to think that the doctor is not there, how he can tell me without seeing me. But later he understood that the technological instrument and the doctor sitting hundreds of kilometers away were also giving him the right diagnosis and advice. So people’s confidence is increasing,” shared PM Modi. He also reminded that the issue of data security needs closer look.
Two lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
Reevaluating development definition
At another point, PM Modi quipped in a lighter vein, “In India, we call mother ‘aai’ in many states, and now some advanced kids are saying AI as their first word…” He said it to show the similarity in the pronunciation and perhaps to stress on the adaptability of the nation’s children with technological advancement.
Speaking on climate change, PM Modi initiated a thought-provoking discussion on the concept of a green GDP. He emphasised that conventional markers used to measure economic growth, such as steel consumption and energy usage, may inadvertently contribute to increased carbon emissions. Recognising the urgency of climate action, the PM advocated for reevaluating how we define development and success. His vision is to align economic progress with environmentally conscious choices.
Gates, in response, commended the Indian Government’s initiatives, particularly the ‘Mission Innovation’ launched during the 2015 Paris climate conference. This collaborative effort, involving 23 countries and the European Commission, aims to accelerate the transition to clean energy and achieve the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement, including net-zero emissions. India’s active participation in this mission underscores its commitment to sustainable development. The meeting transcended mere formalities. It was a dynamic exchange of ideas, where two influential leaders explored innovative solutions for global challenges. Their dialogue underscores the importance of collaboration and forward-thinking strategies in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future.
