PNN

Pune (Maharashtra), India — On April 17, the IIT Alumni Council’s World Wisdom Workshop #1 for FY 2025-26 emphasized the critical necessity of speeding up technological advancements to address climate change , lifestyle diseases and potential risks from rogue frontier technologies like cyber-attacks, gene editing and agentic AI. Angel fund supported startups and eminent scientists working in this space looking for knowledge support and venture capital funding assistance may contact [email protected] In addition to providing information about their previous experiences, research publications, and patents, interested parties should submit their proposals. This opportunity is available to members of the IIT Alumni Council, family members affiliated with these council members—referred to as alumni next members—and organizations backed by Distinguished Fellows or corporate members. Proposals must be received by April 30, 2025.

Natural disasters intensified by climate change The potential for AI-driven gene editing to spawn new life forms might accelerate the decline of human supremacy faster than anticipated. It’s crucial to address these dangers while seeking feasible solutions such as underwater habitats, extraterrestrial colonies, and less congested city centers. Decision-makers in affluent countries could be overlooking the impacts of unregulated advancements in autonomous AI and biotechnologies. To combat potentially catastrophic rogue innovations—arguably even deadlier than nuclear weapons—we should utilize supportive AI, collaborative robotics, and traditional knowledge to boost overall human endurance, encompassing mental and physical health. A laboratory-created pathogen similar to SARS-CoV-2 has the capacity to wipe out humankind within mere days.

Solace2Self, a comprehensive four-day workshop led and developed by Parag Shah—the Distinguished Fellow of the IIT Alumni Council specializing in analytical algorithms—gathered technologists, doctors, intellectuals, and mentors, along with aspiring IIT students, alumni groups, and information technology experts. Grounded in Shah’s 25-year approach aimed at boosting internal lucidity and mental rejuvenation, this event embodies his dedication to reflective education. Notably recognized as a victor in the Global COVID Test Optimization Challenge (2020), Shah is also renowned for his remarkable skill of playing chess without sight during his time at IIT.

The insightful workshop delved into quantum science to examine the influence of free will and fate on human actions. It became evident from the discussions that certain nations' disregard for entropy control and environmental stewardship has pushed countries such as India towards developing localized measures to protect coming generations. These efforts encompass rapid advancements in understanding aquatic ecosystems, implementing zero-emission technology, utilizing small-scale nuclear options, expanding forest coverage extensively, and transforming preventative health care approaches. Swami Suryanil, who earned his PhD in Artificial Intelligence back in 1993, noted this during an interview. He also discussed individual coaching sessions focused on whether human awareness can mitigate the impact of autonomous artificial intelligence systems and pondered upon our species’ significance within the vast universe’s framework.

The 100-hour workshop took place at Jalmeen Orchard Hill—a tranquil, alcohol- and smoke-free environment located within the Western Ghats, only half an hour away from the Mumbai Expressway. This thoughtfully crafted campus features more than 5,000 fruit-bearing trees and will act as the fixed location for upcoming Solace2Self sessions. Dr. Minakshi Borate, who chairs the Samarth Foundation and serves as the host of the Jalmeen campus, offered insight into her experience; she previously managed a 50-bed intensive care unit facility. She stated, “Treating headaches with medications that harm your kidneys—or pursuing work that jeopardizes your family life—serves little purpose. Our current healthcare approach isn’t working effectively anymore. What we require is nothing short of a comprehensive reset—for our minds and bodies alike. Now’s the moment to adopt a scientifically proven well-being program that harmoniously combines traditional knowledge with modern advancements—particularly considering escalating concerns like reproductive health challenges, stroke incidences, chronic illnesses driven by lifestyles, and neurodevelopmental conditions.”

Dr. Srinivas Padmanabhuni, an IIT Kanpur Gold Medalist from 1990 and distinguished fellow at the IIT Alumni Council, stated, "As autonomous learning and programming systems become increasingly common, the human mind needs to recalibrate and improve itself—boosting abilities, decreasing stress levels, enhancing well-being, and utilizing assistive artificial intelligence for greater efficiency." He will be heading the second installment of this workshop.

"Technology—which plays a crucial role in tackling issues ranging from socioeconomic progress to extending healthy lifespans—is also our most effective means to control unregulated advancements. In today’s global landscape, dominance in cutting-edge technology will define a nation’s position. Thriving innovation requires proper education, common standards, and backing for deep-tech start-ups. The World Wisdom Workshops within the MegaSpheres program address these needs. We urge more alumni to emulate leaders like Parag Shah. Being a nonprofit dedicated to harnessing financial and technological assets for public benefit, we consider the rapid advancement of such technologies both significant and imperative," stated Ravi Sharma, President and Chief Volunteer at the IIT Alumni Council.

Regarding MegaSpheres and the World Wisdom Forum

The world is at a pivotal moment-- climate change poses a risk to global equilibrium, whereas advancements such as artificial intelligence and genetic engineering pose challenges to humanity’s control over its destiny. Instead of merely adjusting our current systems, what is required is an entirely novel operational blueprint. MegaSpheres provides this—a dynamic structure aimed at fostering regeneration, ethics, and forward-thinking change. The World Wisdom Forum (WWF), which convenes annually, serves as its premier event—bringing together visionary leaders, researchers, innovators, artists, and caretakers who come to reassess perspectives, recalibrate their approaches, and devise fresh frameworks.

As the interactive component of MegaSpheres, the WWF establishes an annual direction via the compass and maintains this throughout the year with World Wisdom Workshops (WWW). These workshops, which include retreats, residencies, laboratories, and dialogue sessions, transform visions into actions, fostering resilient systems.

Satish Mehta, Convenor of the IIT Alumni Social Impact Fund, stated: "The World Wisdom Workshops act as gateways into the broader domain known as MegsSpheres—a realm focused on transformative change. These workshops, when meticulously designed, do more than just provide insights; they inspire us to take an active part in shaping the future. With MegsSpheres, we've established a cohesive structure that blends contemplation, creativity, and holistic well-being—whereas the World Wisdom Foundation serves as its yearly kickoff event. As we approach the first-ever World Wisdom Forum, our collective effort gains even greater unity—an essential turning point where purpose, understanding, and ingenuity align to construct a robust and restorative tomorrow."

About IIT Alumni Council

The IIT Alumni Council, established in 2019, stands as the premier worldwide organization for alumni from all 23 Indian Institutes of Technology and their partnering institutions. This council plays a pivotal role in fostering India’s technological resurgence through advancements in interdisciplinary studies, innovations, and public projects focused on sustainability, healthcare, and cutting-edge technology. By leveraging technology-driven approaches to address social issues, they connect knowledge, skills, resources, and entrepreneurial spirit. www.iitalumnicouncil.org

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