Rapporteur’s Report

172nd SEMINAR of Global Millets Foundation (GMF) & Sustainable Development Forum (SDF)

Prepared by: Sree Varsha. R, Goodwill Ambassador, Global Millets Foundation – Women Wing

Date: 29th April 2025

Venue: Mel Mana Gardens, Ooramana

Theme: Artificial Intelligence and Its Importance

INTRODUCTION

The 172nd Seminar of the Global Millets Foundation (GMF) and Sustainable Development Forum (SDF) was convened at Mel Mana Gardens, Ooramana, focusing on the highly relevant and transformative theme: “Artificial Intelligence and Its Importance.”

The event was inaugurated by Hon. Member of Parliament Shri Francis George, who emphasized the inevitability and growing significance of AI, declaring it as “unstoppable and the order of the day.”

The seminar was presided over by Dr. KPP Nambiar, Executive Chairman of the Global Millets Foundation, and brought together academicians, technocrats, policy experts, and professionals for a productive discourse on the implications of AI across sectors.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

By Hon. Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ajay Kapoor

Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth

Prof. Dr. Ajay Kapoor delivered a thought-provoking and visionary keynote address, underscoring AI’s growing influence in shaping innovation, governance, education, and sustainable development.

• Key Highlights from the Address:
• Transformational Role of AI: Dr. Kapoor illustrated how AI is revolutionizing industry operations through automation, machine learning, and intelligent analytics.
• AI in Education: He emphasized the power of AI to personalize learning, increase administrative efficiency, and democratize education across geographies.
• Ethical Considerations: A note of caution was issued on algorithmic bias, data privacy, and the urgent need for regulatory oversight.
• Policy and Collaboration: He called for inclusive, multi-disciplinary policy frameworks and public-private-academic collaboration for sustainable AI integration.
• AI for Social Good: Dr. Kapoor highlighted how AI can serve rural empowerment, healthcare access, and climate action when responsibly deployed.

INSIGHTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Following the keynote, a structured discussion yielded pragmatic recommendations for AI deployment in the Indian context:

• Establish AI Ethics Frameworks to ensure transparency and accountability
• Promote AI Literacy through public education and professional training programs
• Foster Collaborative Research involving academia, government, and industry
• Invest in AI Infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas
• Support AI Startups via funding, incubation, and regulatory facilitation

PANEL DISCUSSION AND OTHER SPEAKERS

The seminar featured a diverse and distinguished panel of experts who enriched the discourse with multi-sectoral insights.

Panelists and Contributors Included:

• KM George
• PO Abraham
• EM Muralidharan
• Abin Abraham
• Ernayakulam
• Mathew Abraham
• Ajikumar Nayar
• AM Muhamad
• Sree Varsha, Goodwill Ambassador, GMF – Women Wing
• KP Thankachan
• Thomas Paul

The panel discussion addressed technological innovation, AI governance, educational applications, and societal preparedness, ensuring a comprehensive and forward-looking dialogue. Speakers collectively emphasized the urgency of capacity building, ethics in AI, and rural inclusion.

PROFESSIONAL VIEW

The 172nd GMF & SDF Seminar was a timely, relevant, and strategically significant event. The keynote by Prof. Dr. Ajay Kapoor was especially impactful, offering a clear blueprint for ethical and inclusive AI development.

This seminar successfully highlighted:
– The opportunities of AI in public and private sectors
– The challenges such as regulatory gaps, education gaps, and rural inclusion
– The need for coordinated, cross-sectoral action moving forward

The contributions from the diverse expert panel and the emphasis on practical, actionable outcomes solidified this event as a cornerstone in the ongoing national dialogue on AI.

With Regards,

Sree Varsha. R

Goodwill Ambassador, Global Millets Foundation – Women Wing

Date: 29th April 2025