The Department of Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence hosted a guest lecture by Dr. B. Damodaran, Advocate and Trainer in Soft Skills, as part of their fresher’s day celebrations. The theme “Manam, Mozhi, Mai: The Way to AI” explored the growing field of Artificial Intelligence, drawing parallels with Tamil and Indian philosophical concepts.

Highlights:

-Dr. Damodaran emphasized the importance of communication with AI, highlighting prompt engineering as a crucial aspect of implementing “Manam” (thought) in future AI developments.

– He addressed concerns about AI causing unemployment, instead stressing that AI will change employability conditions, creating a high demand for AI engineers.

– The speaker showcased the vast scope of Tamil language in AI, encouraging students to explore this emerging field.

Key Takeaways:

– AI has the potential to transform human thought, language, and existence.

– Effective communication with AI is essential for future developments.

– AI will create new job opportunities, particularly in AI engineering.

– Tamil language has significant potential in AI applications.

The event was well-received by students, who actively engaged in the discussion, exploring the intersection of culture and technology. The session successfully motivated students to delve deeper into the ever-evolving landscape of AI, inspiring them to contribute to its limitless potential.

Detailed Descriptive Report: “Manam, Mozhi, Mai: The Way to AI”

Event Overview:

• Event Title: Manam, Mozhi, Mai: The Way to AI
• Date: September 14, 2024
• Time: 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 Noon
• Organized by: Department of Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence
• Guest Speaker: Dr. B. Damodaran, Advocate and Soft Skills Trainer

Introduction:

The Department of Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence organized a special guest lecture as part of the fresher’s day celebrations for the academic year 2024. The event, titled “Manam, Mozhi, Mai: The Way to AI,” aimed to introduce students to the exciting and rapidly evolving field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) while exploring the philosophical dimensions rooted in Tamil and Indian thought. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. B. Damodaran, a well-regarded advocate and expert in soft skills training, known for his proficiency in Tamil literature and its intersections with modern technological advancements.

Event Theme and Purpose:

The overarching theme of the lecture was the interplay between Manam (thought), Mozhi (language), and Mai (existence) and how these concepts can be seen in the development of AI. The title itself reflected a philosophical approach to Artificial Intelligence, drawing attention to the ways in which human thought, language, and existence can shape and be shaped by AI technology. The event sought to engage students not only in the technical aspects of AI but also in its cultural and ethical dimensions.

Key Highlights:

1. Importance of Communication in AI: Dr. Damodaran began his lecture by emphasizing the critical role of communication in the development and interaction with AI systems. He highlighted the emerging field of “prompt engineering,” where effective communication with AI models, such as language models and chatbots, is key to unlocking their full potential. According to Dr. Damodaran, prompt engineering serves as a manifestation of “Manam” (thought) in AI, where human inputs guide the AI’s responses and actions. This idea resonated deeply with students as they recognized the power of clear and precise instructions in shaping AI behavior.
2. AI and Employment: A significant portion of the lecture was dedicated to addressing concerns about AI and its potential to displace jobs. Dr. Damodaran tackled this issue head-on, arguing that while AI may lead to shifts in the job market, it is not necessarily a threat to employment. Instead, AI will transform employability, creating a surge in demand for AI engineers, data scientists, and technology specialists. He reassured students that mastering AI-related skills would open new career opportunities, particularly in fields where AI complements human abilities rather than replaces them.
3. Tamil Language in AI: One of the most inspiring sections of the lecture revolved around the application of Tamil language in AI systems. Dr. Damodaran passionately discussed the vast potential of Tamil in contributing to the AI landscape. He urged students to explore how regional languages like Tamil can be integrated into AI models, enhancing their relevance in diverse linguistic contexts. The idea that AI could be trained to understand and process Tamil texts and speech was especially motivating for students, encouraging them to consider the cultural implications of AI development.

Key Takeaways:

The lecture offered several important takeaways for students, encouraging them to approach AI from a multidimensional perspective that incorporates both technical proficiency and cultural awareness:

• AI’s Transformational Potential: AI has the capacity to reshape human thought, language, and existence, influencing everything from communication patterns to the very nature of human work.
• Communication with AI: Effective communication, particularly through prompt engineering, will be a crucial aspect of future AI developments. Clear instructions and thoughtful interaction will play a major role in determining how AI systems operate.
• AI and Employment: While AI may change the nature of employment, it will create new job opportunities, especially in AI engineering and related fields. Students are encouraged to acquire skills that will prepare them for these new opportunities.
• Cultural Integration in AI: Regional languages like Tamil have immense potential in the AI space, and there is a growing need for AI systems that understand and interact with local languages. This opens up avenues for innovation, particularly in creating inclusive and accessible AI applications.

Student Engagement:

The lecture was well-received by the audience, particularly the freshers who found the discussion on the intersection of culture and technology thought-provoking. The interactive nature of the event allowed students to engage with Dr. Damodaran on various topics, from the ethical concerns surrounding AI to the practical implications of AI in everyday life. Many students were inspired by the idea that AI is not just a technological tool but a field that touches upon deep philosophical questions related to human thought and existence.

Conclusion:

The guest lecture on “Manam, Mozhi, Mai: The Way to AI” successfully blended the technical and philosophical dimensions of AI, leaving a lasting impression on the students. Dr. B. Damodaran’s insights into the evolving landscape of AI, its impact on employability, and the role of Tamil language in AI applications provided students with a holistic view of the field. By drawing connections between AI and concepts from Indian philosophy, the event encouraged students to think critically about their future in AI while remaining rooted in their cultural heritage.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks, and students left with a renewed enthusiasm for exploring the limitless potential of AI, both as a technology and as a tool for societal transformation.