In February, I had the privilege of attending the prestigious NASSCOM Technology and Leadership Forum in Mumbai, India. This renowned event brought together industry leaders, technology experts, and thought innovators from around the globe to discuss the latest trends and advancements shaping the future of technology and leadership. Among the diverse range of enlightening sessions, several stood out as personal favorites, each offering invaluable insights and learnings that I am eager to share. In this article, I am excited to explore these sessions and reflect on the knowledge gained during this enriching forum.
Future Icons: Spotlight on Young Achievers
The first session that captivated my attention during the forum was an inspiring showcase of young achievers making waves in their respective fields. The session featured two remarkable speakers, each demonstrating exemplary leadership and innovation at a remarkably young age. The first speaker to take the stage was Prasiddhi Singh, whose extraordinary journey as a social entrepreneur and environmental activist left an indelible impression on the audience.
Prasiddhi Singh, hailing from the Chengalpattu district of Tamil Nadu, is well noted for having led the plantation program of thousands of trees and fourteen forests all across India, with a specific focus on the derogated Tamil region, through the ‘Prasiddhi Forest Foundation’ she has established. In Puducherry, Prasiddhi had regularly been carrying out environmental activities.
Currently undergoing her primary studies at the Mahindra World School in Chennai, Prasiddhi started environmental activism in 2016 after Cyclone Vardah uprooted trees in her neighborhood and destroyed villages and farmlands.
Milestones of Prasiddhi Singh:
- Youngest faculty member at RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards)
- Ridley Turtle Ambassador for the marathon
- Green Ambassador for Mahindra World School, Chennai
- Young Achiever Award from Lions Club International
- Eco Warrior Award from Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.
- Certificates of recognition from Times of India, Hero Motocorp, Ministry of Tamil Nadu Fishery
- India Book of World Record holder for soap carving in the 2020 group of students (event-driven towards saving the turtles)
The next speaker, Heman Bekele, a freshman at Woodson High School in Northern Virginia, garnered national attention with his pioneering efforts to combat cancer during his summer break. Recognized as “America’s Top Young Scientist,” Bekele earned this prestigious title for inventing a bar of soap specifically designed to combat low-grade skin cancer.
“I wanted to try to find a way for the entire world to be able to have an equitable and accessible form of skin cancer treatment,” Bekele remarked. Dubbed skin cancer-treating soap (SCTS), the 14-year-old’s creation replenishes the skin with dendritic cells, effectively aiding in the fight against cancer. Bekele explained that, with a prescription, the soap can be applied to the skin every couple of days, yielding visible progress.
Before developing the soap, Bekele sought assistance from University of Virginia professors for research. Subsequently, he entered Discovery Education’s 3M Young Scientist Challenge in St. Paul, Minnesota, emerging victorious among nine finalists and securing the top prize of $25,000, solidifying his status as America’s Top Young Scientist.
Empowering the Next Generation at NASSCOM
Children are indeed the future, holding the potential to shape the world and drive progress in various fields. Investing in their education, well-being, and development is crucial for building a better tomorrow. By nurturing and empowering them today, we lay the foundation for a brighter and more prosperous future. It is essential to prioritize their needs, provide opportunities to learn and grow, and instill values of empathy, compassion, and resilience. By supporting and empowering children in their dreams, we help them realize their full potential and create a brighter future for themselves and the world. Recognizing children as the future reminds us of the importance of safeguarding their well-being and supporting their potential to create positive change.
Reclaiming our Humanity in the Age of AI and Automation
This session, featuring Nathalie Nahai, an expert in psychology, persuasive tech, and human behavior, left a lasting impact on me. Known as “a rare polymath with deep expertise in tech, marketing, and psychology,” Nathalie draws upon her rich background in human behavior, web design, and the arts to offer a unique vantage point from which to examine the complex challenges we face today.
Having studied psychology and worked as a web designer early in her career, Nathalie’s frustration at the lack of a comprehensive framework through which to understand online behavior led her to write what has since become an international bestseller, “Webs of Influence: The Psychology of Online Persuasion.”
During the session, Nathalie addressed the mental health situation of the young generation, specifically Gen Z. She highlighted that young people today may be experiencing higher rates of depression due to various factors such as academic pressure, social media influence, economic uncertainty, and lack of emotional support.
The constant pressure to excel in school or work, coupled with the fear of missing out on social events or not measuring up to unrealistic standards portrayed on social media, can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Additionally, economic challenges and uncertainty about the future can exacerbate feelings of stress and anxiety.
Nathalie also discussed the concept of the “hallucination of AI,” where artificial intelligence systems generate outputs or responses not based on real data but on internal algorithms or models. She emphasized the importance of recognizing that behind each data point provided by AI/technology lies a person yearning for connection, meaning, and belonging.
In essence, the desires for connection, belonging, and meaning reflect fundamental human needs for social connection, identity, and purposeful existence. By acknowledging and addressing these needs, we can strive to maintain our humanity in the age of AI and automation.
Humanizing AI for Ethical and Empathetic Engagement
To humanize AI, our focus lies in designing systems that prioritize empathy, understanding, and ethical decision-making. This entails integrating emotional intelligence into AI algorithms, ensuring transparent decision-making processes, and fostering diversity and inclusivity in development. Moreover, fostering collaboration between humans and AI, along with promoting open communication and feedback, can enhance human-like interaction with AI. Ultimately, we aim to create AI systems proficient not only in task efficiency but also in comprehending and responding to human emotions and values.
Staying Current: Navigating Generational Shifts
In the next session, Anil Kapoor, a distinguished Indian actor and producer with a career spanning over 40 years, took the spotlight. Renowned for his versatility and significant contribution to Hindi cinema, Kapoor’s insights promised to illuminate the discussion on “Staying Current: Navigating Generational Shifts.” With his extensive experience and cultural influence, Kapoor’s perspective undoubtedly enriched our understanding of navigating the evolving landscapes of generational change.
Born to film producer Surinder Kapoor, Anil Kapoor made his Bollywood debut with a small role in the romance “Hamare Tumhare” (1979) before starring in the Telugu film “Vamsa Vruksham” (1980) and Kannada film “Pallavi Anupallavi” (1983). Kapoor’s profound belief in God and conviction that everything comes from Him have guided his journey. He considers himself fortunate to have known his life’s calling from an early age, embracing love as the cornerstone of his existence – love for God, family, art, and the talents bestowed upon him.
In sharing his wisdom with younger actors, Kapoor emphasizes the importance of embracing one’s craft with love, giving it their all, and living passionately while seizing every opportunity. Even when not cast as the lead actor, Kapoor’s conviction in his abilities never wavers. He believes he embodies the essence of the main character, infusing each role with his best efforts, confident in his ability to deliver excellence. With Kapoor’s insights, our understanding of generational shifts and the importance of staying current in the ever-changing landscape of cinema deepened significantly.
Moreover, as Kapoor shared his experiences, it became evident that while AI enhances storytelling by reducing trial and error in filmmaking, the essence of creativity remains inherently human. It’s about merging AI’s advantages with our unique human qualities for content creation, emphasizing the collaboration between technology and the human touch in creative industries.
Anil Kapoor’s life offers valuable lessons, notably the importance of hard work and perseverance. With a successful career in the film industry, Kapoor’s dedication to his craft and continual efforts to improve have played a significant role in his success.
Navigating the Future: Reflections and Learnings from NASSCOM
As we reflect on the insightful sessions and valuable lessons shared during the NASSCOM Technology and Leadership Forum, I’m grateful for the opportunity to have learned so much. Each session provided unique perspectives and practical insights that have broadened my understanding of technology, leadership, and the future of various industries. From the inspiring stories of young achievers to the thought-provoking discussions on humanizing AI and navigating generational shifts, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the complexities and opportunities in our rapidly changing world. Moving forward, I am inspired to apply these learnings in my endeavors and contribute to shaping a better future for all.
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