AI leaving little time for human reaction, says Padma Shri Prof. Deepak Phatak

Global experts participate in industry-focused discussions

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

“AI should not be treated as a threat but as a capable assistant. However, its rapid advancement is leaving humans with little time to react,” said Padma Shri Prof. Deepak Phatak of IIT Bombay at the inauguration of the two day Silicon Plains International Summit on Applied AI–2026, organised by MGM University in collaboration with Discover Labs AI at the Rukmini Auditorium on Friday.

The summit is being described as India’s first industry-focused Applied AI gathering, emphasising the practical implementation of artificial intelligence. During the morning session on Healthcare AI, several problem statements were presented, including “Turning any smartphone into a frontline diagnostic assistant” and “AI that detects every polyp to ensure nothing is missed.” Under the theme of Governance AI, discussions focused on the concept “One Nation, One AI Framework – Total Trust.” Discover Labs AI founder Madhup Mudiraj emphasised the importance of local innovation.

“AI is not a robot replacing jobs but a tireless digital brain that helps solve real problems locally. If solutions are built in Sambhajinagar, the world will come here,” he said.

A CMIA representative praised MGM University for organising the summit and highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between academia and industry to attract investment, generate local employment, and retain talent in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Municipal commissioner G. Sreekanth, MGM Medical College and Hospital vice-dean Dr Pravin Suryawanshi, Endress Hauser India managing director Kailash Desai, GrindMaster CEO and R&D head Sameer Kelkar, Raj Gore, Dr Vilas Sapkal, Utsav Machhar, Madhup Mudiraj, and Dr Parminder Kaur shared their views during various sessions. On the occasion, a book titled “Service to Solution: India’s Blueprint for 2030 Applied Frontier” was also unveiled. The programme was moderated by Hrishikesh Kakade and Simran Kaur. Among those present at the inaugural session were municipal commissioner G. Sreekanth, scientist Dr Dilip Kushwaha, educationist Bhausaheb Rajale, vice-chancellor Dr Vilas Sapkal, CMIA president Utsav Machhar, Advent operating partner Raj Gore, registrar Dr Ashish Gadekar, Discover Labs AI founder Madhup Mudiraj, and summit coordinator Dr Parminder Kaur.

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AI reducing human reaction time; ‘Reverse Pitch’ praise

Padma Shri Prof. Deepak Phatak said AI systems operate through centralised control with minimal communication, but humans must understand the underlying principles and apply sound judgment. He noted that rapid AI advancements are reducing the time humans have to react and adapt. Prof. Phatak also praised the ‘Reverse Pitch’ concept presented during the summit, describing it as highly effective. He added that in the AI era, human values, responsibility, and decision-making will distinguish people from machines. The conference is open to all students free of cost, with registration being the only requirement to attend.