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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's address at the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) highlighted a critical need to re-evaluate the global order and its underlying principles. His central argument revolves around the idea that true democratization extends beyond mere political and economic independence, requiring a deliberate effort to amplify diverse voices, traditions, heritage, ideas, and creative expressions. Jaishankar contends that historical suppression of pluralism, perpetrated by colonialism and big power dominance, has created an imbalance that must be actively corrected to foster a more equitable and representative international system. This corrective action necessitates a conscious commitment to providing platforms and opportunities for marginalized or historically silenced perspectives to be heard and valued. This stance directly challenges the notion of a homogenous global culture imposed by dominant powers, advocating instead for a multifaceted and inclusive landscape where diverse narratives contribute to a richer understanding of the world. Jaishankar's emphasis on cultural and intellectual independence aligns with a broader movement toward decolonization of thought and knowledge, urging nations to reclaim and celebrate their unique identities rather than passively adopting Western-centric models. This assertion carries significant implications for global governance, cultural exchange, and the shaping of international norms and policies. His call to action underscores the importance of actively dismantling systemic barriers that hinder the free expression of diverse voices and promoting policies that foster genuine cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
Jaishankar’s discussion extended to the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) while simultaneously emphasizing the crucial need for responsible development and deployment of these technologies. He acknowledged the immense possibilities AI presents across various domains, recognizing its capacity to redefine our understanding of the past, present, and future. However, he also cautioned against the potential pitfalls of irresponsible use, stressing the importance of addressing biases, democratizing content, and prioritizing ethical considerations within the AI ecosystem. This dual perspective – embracing innovation while mitigating risks – reflects a pragmatic approach to technological advancement. Jaishankar’s concern about bias in AI stems from the recognition that algorithms are often trained on data that reflects existing societal inequalities, potentially perpetuating and even amplifying discriminatory practices. Democratizing content within the AI realm involves ensuring that the benefits of AI are accessible to a wide range of stakeholders, rather than being concentrated in the hands of a few powerful corporations or governments. Prioritizing ethics necessitates the development of clear guidelines and frameworks for the ethical design, development, and deployment of AI systems, addressing issues such as privacy, accountability, and transparency. Jaishankar’s call for responsible AI resonates with a growing global movement advocating for human-centered AI, which prioritizes human well-being and societal benefit over purely economic or technological gains. This perspective underscores the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration among policymakers, researchers, and the public to ensure that AI is developed and used in a manner that aligns with human values and promotes a just and equitable society.
Central to Jaishankar's vision is the concept of harmonious coexistence between technology and tradition. He argues that modernity should not be viewed as a rejection of the past but rather as a continuous quest built upon human achievements. He asserts that technology can strengthen awareness of heritage, deepening its relevance for younger generations. This perspective challenges the often-perpetuated notion of a binary opposition between tradition and modernity, instead suggesting that they can be mutually reinforcing. By leveraging technology to preserve and promote cultural heritage, societies can ensure that their traditions remain vibrant and relevant in a rapidly changing world. Jaishankar also highlighted the importance of fostering innovation to achieve the goal of a developed India by 2047, an initiative dubbed 'Viksit Bharat.' He emphasized the role of digital connectivity and physical logistics in creating a global workplace and workforce, but also underscored the need for accompanying shifts in mindsets, frameworks, policies, and practices. This holistic approach recognizes that technological advancements alone are not sufficient to drive progress; they must be accompanied by supportive institutional and cultural changes. Jaishankar further emphasized the importance of smoother mobility for talent, arguing that it can contribute to stronger creativity. He noted the surfeit of information in the current era and the challenge of capturing attention, highlighting the need to cultivate creative communication skills and foster creative collaborations. This perspective underscores the importance of investing in education and training that equips young people with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Examining the Minister's complete statements and the circumstances surrounding his presentation, we can see the core of his message is a promotion of India as a key player in the evolving global dynamic. By stressing the importance of pluralism and the incorporation of tradition with technology, Jaishankar is positioning India as a leader of the global south; a nation that is rapidly adopting and developing cutting edge technology, but is not abandoning its unique cultural identity in the process. This sentiment is further amplified by the emphasis on ethical AI development, suggesting India can lead the way in developing AI systems that are more inclusive and less biased than those being developed in Western nations. Furthermore, the reference to the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, a developed India, paints a picture of the nation as an emergent economic and technological superpower. All these points tie together to form a narrative where India is not just participating in the evolution of the world order, but actively leading the charge towards a more balanced, diverse, and technologically advanced future. The speech is not simply a commentary on current world events, but an announcement of India's ambitions and intentions in the global arena. It's a carefully crafted statement, designed to present the nation as a responsible, innovative, and culturally rich leader for the 21st century.
Source: "Pluralism Suppressed In Past, Need To Give Voice To Creativity": S Jaishankar