In a thought-provoking post shared by Ian Bremmer, President of Eurasia Group, on LinkedIn on March 10th, he expressed a concern that strikes at the core of our current existential dilemma: “I fear we’re closer to making Humans into computers than making computers into Humans. This sentiment echoes loudly in today’s rapidly advancing technological landscape, a reality that Ajendra finds deeply resonant.
We are indeed living through the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), where our collective preoccupation lies in crafting algorithms to empower machines to take over the helm of our world. The pursuit of mastery in programming languages such as BASIC, C, C++, HTML, Java, and Python consumes significant time and resources. Yet, one can’t help but wonder, do we invest equally in understanding the intricate programming of our own minds? Are we as diligent in exploring our internal algorithms and how we navigate the myriad situations life throws our way?
The market’s incentive structures have, to some extent, blinded us to the potential perils AI and biotechnology may unleash. It begs the question: When will we begin to truly explore the vast, uncharted territory of our own consciousness? The urgency for humanity to adapt and evolve in tandem with the dizzying pace of global changes cannot be overstated.
These reflections form the backdrop of my motivation in embarking on a project under the JSW Foundation Fellowship. As I pen my first blog, it’s crucial to share the journey that has led me to dedicate two pivotal years of my life to this endeavour.
My academic and personal journey, from receiving a merit-based rural scholarship at VIDYAGYAN school to pursuing a BSc in Economics from the Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence—courtesy of the Shiv Nadar Foundation—has been less about monetary pursuits and more about understanding the value and impact of education. My experiences, ranging from coordinating at the Career Development Center to administering a university sports fest, SURGE, and participating in a transformative 15-day train journey across India, have all converged to cement my foundational values and purpose: to serve others.
Thus, I found myself in Vasind – Thane, committed to working on education through the fellowship. My life’s transformation through education, granting me new perspectives and a profound purpose, has convinced me of its power as a tool for social mobility and change.
Yuval Noah Harari, in his book “21 Lessons for the 21st Century,” warned of three potential global conflicts: the AI Revolution, biotechnological warfare, and climate change. Inspired by his foresight, my aim is to contribute to the self-development of marginalized students at the Ashram school in Dahagaon. I am optimistic about our brain’s capacity to rise to the challenges posed by AI, believing firmly in our ability to unlock and harness the undiscovered potential within humanity.
Ashram School – Dahagaon
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