AI, Digital Transformation in North-East India Spotlighted at Seminar by SHARE

A high-level seminar titled “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and North-East India” was held in the national capital on July 2, underscoring the transformative potential of AI in reshaping the governance, economy, and cultural landscape of the region. The event was organised by the Society for Harmonising Aspirations for Responsible Engagement (SHARE) and brought together prominent figures from government, industry, academia, and the media.

Chairing the session, former Foreign Secretary of India and Head of Global Affairs at SHARE, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, emphasised the geo-strategic significance of the North-East. "North-East India is the gateway to South-East Asia and ASEAN nations. Technological advancement and Al's integration in governance will change the course of administration in the region," he said.

Shri Angshuman Day, IFoS, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and Chair of the Steering Committee for AI in the North-East, highlighted the implications of the ongoing Fourth Industrial Revolution. "Industry 4.0 is transforming rapidly, and it will redefine the economic and technological landscape of the North-East," he remarked. He also noted that MDoNER is actively working on a comprehensive roadmap for AI integration across various sectors in the North-Eastern states.

Representing the global technology industry, Shri Vishal Dhupar, Managing Director - Asia South, NVIDIA India, spoke about harnessing the unique strengths of the region in the context of AI development. He expressed interest in supporting the establishment of an AI Factory in North-East India, which would focus on creating AI tokens and nurturing indigenous innovation.

Shri Arvind Bajaj, CEO of Eviden India, addressed the practical potential of AI in solving persistent regional challenges. “The North-East continues to face issues related to water and food security. AI-based strategic interventions can offer scalable and sustainable solutions,” he said.

Shri Amit Sharma, IAS, Secretary of the Department of ICT, Government of Mizoram, shared insights on the state’s proactive steps towards enhancing digital governance and AI readiness.

The seminar was moderated by Shri Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, Secretary of SHARE, while discussions were steered further by Shri Subimal Bhattacharjee, Treasurer and Head of Critical and Emerging Technologies at SHARE.

The event witnessed vibrant participation from a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including ministry officials, industry experts, members of the academic community, startup representatives, and senior media professionals.

ALSO READ: AdtU Hosts Seminar on Insurance Policy Innovations, Digital Shift