First session of Illume, for this academic year was conducted on 5 July 2023. The session was conducted by Dr. Anand Kulkarni, a renowned AI researcher, on the “Importance of AI in the 21st Century.” It proved to be an enlightening and thought-provoking experience. The session aimed to raise awareness about the growing significance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our modern world and its potential to revolutionize numerous sectors.

Dr. Anand started the session by explaining his own journey of becoming an AI researcher and which degrees he earned to be able to get qualified as AI researcher also he talked about various books he as written on AI technology. He also highlighted the history of AI and what Artificial Intelligence actually means. Students were introduced to how AI is being utilized in healthcare, finance, transportation. The presenter highlighted AI’s ability to process vast amounts of data, make predictions, and automate complex tasks, resulting in increased efficiency and productivity. Additionally, the students were informed about the role of AI in tackling global challenges such as climate change, disease detection, and resource optimization.

The discussion further delved into the implications associated with AI. The session emphasized the importance of responsible AI development. Students were encouraged to contemplate the potential biases and risks that may arise from AI algorithms. The session served as a catalyst for students to recognize the transformative power of AI and motivated them to contribute to its responsible development, ultimately shaping a future where AI augments human capabilities while preserving human values. The session ended with the question-answers round.