Interconnecting the technological advancement in India with the concerns of Mahatma Gandhi, Justice U.U. Lalit, former Chief Justice of India opined that AI is another level of advancement which needs to be embraced and at the same time keep access and inclusivity as a guiding principle.
Delivering the 3rd Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Lecture on the theme Law & Ethics in an Era of Artificial Intelligence: A Gandhian Perspective at the Hidaytullah National Law University on the Martyrs Day, Justice U.U. Lalit, former Chief Justice of India & Distinguished Jurist Professor, HNLU explained that Mahatma Gandhi was not against technology but wanted it to be accessible and human centric. He said the picture of Mahatma Gandhi looking into a microscope with abundant joy will make one understand his view on technology.
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Justice Lalit said that Balagangadhara Tilak laid the foundation for the freedom movement but was often found on the wrong side of the British Laws, whereas Mahatma Gandhi advanced the movement with a strategic action plan within the British legal framework to remove the imperial rule. He touched upon how technology has impacted and benefitted a vast majority which is in a way addressing the concern of Mahatama’s philosophy of inclusiveness.
The Former Chief Justice of India who is a Distinguished Jurist Professor at HNLU had a free wheeling discussion with the students answering various questions relating to social inclusion, potential of Artificial Intelligence to replace human labour, Gandhi’s Perspective on Technological Advancement, amongst others. Later he interacted with the HNLU Faculty in a special meeting on the curriculum and teaching techniques.
The event had Prof. (Dr.) V. C. Vivekanandan, Vice Chancellor of HNLU delivering the Opening Remarks observed that Mahatma Gandhi was opposed to modern technology to have mastery over nature. Instead, he wanted man to have mastery over himself. He touched upon the key Ethical issues arising out of the Juggernaut of AI discussed in the World Economic Forum and noted that Gandhi was Prophetic long back on the ethical issues of future technologies.
Prof. (Dr.) Yogendra Srivastava, Dean, PG Studies delivered the Welcome Address and Dr. Vipan Kumar, Registrar (I/c) delivered the Vote of Thanks. The programme was seamlessly anchored by Ms Garima Panwar, Assistant Professor. This momentous occasion also saw the release of HNLU Gazette – The 2nd Edition of the Bi-annual Newsletter of HNLU by Justice U.U.Lalit, Chief Guest for the day.
The 3rd Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Lecture is a part of HNLU ongoing annual tradition, initiated in 2022, to honor and disseminate the teachings of the Father of the Nation. This series of lectures have become a cornerstone in HNLU efforts to inspire and educate future leaders in the principles of enlightened governance and leadership, as espoused by Mahatma Gandhi.
The Lecture was attended by Faculty, students, staff of HNLU, ITM University & Kalinga University.