Abstract: This presentation explores the conceptualization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) through the philosophical and metaphysical frameworks of Hinduism. Rather than viewing AI solely through contemporary technological or Western philosophical lenses, this presentation interprets AI within Hindu constructs such as prakriti (nature/matter), purusha (consciousness/spirit), maya (illusion/simulation), and karma (causal agency). The presentation explains, Human Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence, the interconnectedness and then examines AI as a manifestation of prakriti shaped by human intention (karma) and questions whether synthetic intelligence can ever approach the state of chit (pure consciousness) or atma (self). It investigates parallels between AI and Hindu narratives of intelligent beings, such as yantras, astras, and mythological automata, exploring whether AI may be situated within the continuum of sentience envisioned in Hindu cosmology. The presentation aims to initiate a dialogue between dharmic ontologies and modern AI ethics, suggesting that ancient Indian thought offers valuable insights into the moral and spiritual implications of creating artificial minds.
About the speaker: In an illustrious career that spans more than 40 years, Dr Shankar S Mantha held several important positions both in Academics and Public Administration. Dr. S S Mantha, former Chairman of the National Regulator (AICTE), implemented several e-governance initiatives and facilitating regulations over a six-year stint. He was also the President of the National Board of Accreditation for three years. Earlier, a Professor of Robotics, Control theory and AI at VJTI, he now is an Emeritus Professor. His work at IBM, Poughkeepsie, New York on TIVOLI is also noteworthy. He has more than 280 publications in National and International Journals and Conferences besides authoring three books. He is the author of NVEQF, now renamed the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) and the Regulations for ‘Blended Learning’. He was member, Karnataka Skill development Authority and advisor to Government of Andhra Pradesh. He is a certified Arbitrator with Indian Institute of Arbitration and Mediation (IIAM) He was the Pro Vice Chancellor of SNDT Woman’s University, the Chancellor, KL University, both of which he served for three years. Further, he served as the CEO of MAHAPREIT Start-up Knowledge Centre, a Government of Maharashtra Company for over two years. Currently, he is Adjunct Prof. at the National Institute for Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bangalore, and the Chancellor of RB University, Nagpur. He is also the Chairman of Technical Committee, National Cyber Safety and Security Standards (NCSSS), and IT expert, for the Government of Maharashtra.