The voice of inclusion: Leading a mindful AI revolution from the heart of Bihar

The hosting of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam marks a ground-breaking moment in the global technological narrative. As the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South, it signals that the discourse on Artificial Intelligence is shifting from mere computation to meaningful human impact. For India, AI is not just an industry; it is a strategic enabler for the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, designed to strengthen governance and improve public service delivery at a scale the world has never seen before. 

A mindful approach to technology and leadership

At the Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya, we view this transition through the lens of our core mission: developing mindful business leaders with social responsibility. We believe that a "mindful" approach to technology requires a focused awareness of how algorithms affect the most vulnerable members of our society. This philosophy aligns with the Summit’s foundational "Sutras" of People, Planet, and Progress. It is not enough to innovate for the sake of progress; innovation must be anchored in social, economic and environmental stewardship and inclusive participation.   

This commitment to responsible progress is why IIM Bodh Gaya has taken the pioneering step of making AI and Sustainability mandatory components across all our academic subjects. We want our future leaders to understand that every data-driven decision has a footprint—both social, economic and ecological. Our recent International Conference on Data Analytics and Cyber Security (DACS 2024) further reinforced this, highlighting that with the use of AI, security of our digital systems is inseparable from the trust of the citizens who use them. 

Making AI accessible in regional languages

However, the most significant barrier to the Summit’s goal of "Inclusion for Social Empowerment" is often invisible to those in urban tech hubs: the digital literacy gap and inclusive growth. In our training programs for the Panchayati Raj, we encountered a profound reality—the traditional "keyboard-centric" digital world remains a barrier to millions who cannot type or are unfamiliar with computer interfaces. To address this, we have prioritized Multi-modal and Multi-lingual AI systems. By utilising Voice Recognition system, and Optical Character Recognition (OCR), we have enabled grassroots leaders in rural Bihar to interact with complex data using their natural voice and regional languages. When technology "listens" to a village head rather than requiring them to master a keyboard, the "Human Capital" Chakra of the India AI mission truly comes to life.   

This "applied AI" philosophy is the driving force behind our aim to establish a Center of Excellence in AI focused specifically on the Intersection of AI and Society. Our vision is to build a hub where data analytics experts work alongside policy makers to solve real-world challenges. This is already being prototyped through our collaboration with the Government of Bihar for the Chief Minister’s Fellowship Scheme (CMFS). We are also planning to teach AI tools and generative AI application to the public servants of Bihar through our executive programme. A proposal is already under consideration. By embedding AI-literate professionals within the state's administrative machinery, we are creating a direct pipeline for innovation in governance, from streamlining agriculture through real-time advisories like Kisan E-Mitra.   

Training leaders for an AI-driven future

Our commitment to national-scale capacity building is further reflected in the AICTE–QIP PG Certificate Programme (2026–27), a flagship national initiative hosted by our institute. This, alongside our Executive Certificate Programme in AI and Machine Learning for Business and our specialised 6-month course in AI for Public Policy, ensures that we are training leaders at every level—from students to senior government officials.   

Ultimately, the "Progress" Sutra of the India AI Impact Summit reminds us that AI must serve the long-term wellbeing of all inhabitants. This includes the physical and mental health of the workforce. At IIM Bodh Gaya, we are exploring how AI can support Mindfulness and Mental Health through personalized health monitoring, ensuring that the leaders of tomorrow remain resilient and compassionate in an automated age. 

As global leaders like Sundar Pichai and Bill Gates gather to discuss the future of the global AI landscape, the real success of India's mission will be measured in the villages of India and beyond. By moving toward voice-driven, inclusive, and mindful AI systems, we are ensuring that the digital revolution is not a privilege of the few, but a powerful tool for all. From the heart of a region defined by ancient enlightenment, we are now aiming to lead a new kind of intelligence—one that is as compassionate as it is capable. 

(The author is director, IIM Bodh Gaya. Views are personal.)