Producer: Priyanka Das Editor: Aparna Singh
PM Narendra Modi and Bill Gates engaged in an interactive chat on Friday which was livestreamed online for the public.
The interaction between Modi and Gates at the former’s official residence saw discussions over a range of topics, including artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure and climate change.
Modi illustrated India’s adoption of artificial intelligence in the fields of governance, economy, education and medicine, quipping that ‘AI’ is among the first words of children born in the country today.
“AI is very important. In our country, we call mothers ‘aai’ in many states and languages. Sometimes I jokingly say that now when a child is born in India, he says ‘aai’ and ‘AI’,” the PM said in a lighter vein.
During the conversation with Gates, the PM also shared recent practical use-cases of AI, particularly during the G20 event.
Gates also talked about his origin into the tech industry, for which he feels very lucky and excited in equal measure.
The Microsoft co-founder then touched upon his passion for tech and what inspires him to keep going in this arena.
PM Modi also described the digital boom as the fourth industrial revolution. “…Historically, during the first and second industrial revolutions, we lagged behind because we were a colony. Now, in the midst of a fourth industrial revolution, the digital element is at its core. I am confident that India will gain a lot in this,” he noted.
The PM also encouraged Gates to take a selfie using the Photo Booth on the NaMo App, which recently introduced a new AI-powered feature that allows users to find their pictures with the Prime Minister using facial recognition technology.
Calling PM Modi one of the most hard-working leaders in the world, Gates asked him what he does to relax, to which the Prime Minister replied saying that relaxation remains for him in autopilot mode.
“It is always inspiring to meet with @narendramodi and there was a lot to discuss. We talked about AI for public good; DPI; women-led development; innovation in agriculture, health, and climate adaptation; and how we can take lessons from India to the world,” Gates had posted on X.