New Delhi [India], December 7 : Astronaut and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on Sunday called for increasing the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in various space programs and research, as he urged on the younger generations on people to use such emerging technologies to solve the problems of society, and take responsibility for achieving the dream of Viksit Bharat (developed India) by 2047.
While speaking at the curtain raiser event of 'Delhi AI Grind' event, Astronaut Shukla said "During my stay of 20 days, we did a lot of science. For the first time, Indian scientists got the chance to do experimentation in microgravity. We had taken 7 experiments with us, and got them back. I saw that AI is engraved in each and every aspect. It is a tool to do things, accomplish things, whether it is earth observation, conducting science on station, or reducing the workload of astronauts."
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Minister Ashish Sood were also present at the event.
Astronaut Shukla also highlighted an example of how AI could be used to sort through terabytes of data, especially after he collected multiple pictures and videos from his experiments on the space station.
He said that AI could significantly reduce the time it took to process the data, something that had taken NASA a month.
"One example I have in mind is that when I was in the (space) station, we took lots of videos to share. I collected around 6 terabytes of data. I had 4 others, so you can understand we had 20-22 terabytes of data total. NASA took one month to determine whether it meets the guidelines and whether it is okay to release these photographs. This process was manual; this is where AI can come in, replace this entire process and can become very effective," Group Capt Shukla said.
"These are the unique ways in which you (younger generation) has to think, the problems of society how they can be solved," he added.
Quoting Vikram Sarabhai's vision for India's advancement in technology, Shukla added, "When our space program was starting, our visionary Vikram Sarabhai's motto was 'India should be second to none in application of advanced technologies for the benefit of society'. I think this is where we are standing even today."
Similarly, Shukla highlighted the importance of political will and a focus on such issues, saying that initiatives like the Delhi AI Grind could help achieve the dream of Viksit Bharat.
"When I completed my mission and landed in Delhi, I think on 17 August, then our CM came herself to receive me at the airport. Even today, when I came here I was not aware what the event is for, but when I saw her, the education minister and all senior people, I cannot help but think where our leaders are focusing on. These are the areas where we need to focus, and it will get us to our dream of Viksit Bharat 2047," he said.
While calling on young people to take responsibility for building a developed India, he said that the young generation needs to take ownership of developing the country themselves, solve societal problems, and advance technology.
"We have already said that Viksit Bharat 2047 will happen, but how will it happen? You, younger generations, children sitting here, will do it. My call to action to all of you is this, you need to take responsibility, it is not anyone else, it is my job. If our younger generation takes the responsibility of fulfilling this dream, we will achieve it much before 2047," he added.
Delhi AI Grind is the country's first city-centric AI innovation engine, on its scale and design. The six-month movement will connect classrooms, communities, and industries through geography-locked and problem-locked challenges, according to Delhi's department of education.
Powered by art, empathy, and algorithms, it empowers over five lakh students to become thinkers, tinkerers, and transformers, shaping an AI-driven future.