AI integration can lead to a quiet crisis, say faculty

Koneti Bhuvana Kruthi

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into education and professional sectors can bring a “quiet crisis,” said a faculty member from the Department of Computer Science & Engineering.

“There is a significant risk that over-reliance on machines may lead to erosion of original thinking and critical analysis,” said Dr. V.B. Narsimha, when asked about potential concerns regarding the recently announced AI policy.

“The danger exists that students may transition from being creators to mere users, losing the capacity for imagination that is essential for long-term national growth,” Dr. Narsimha explained.

The Union Budget 2026 has made an allocation of ₹1,000 crore to the ‘India AI Mission’. This initiative is focused on the India AI Compute Portal, a platform designed to democratise access to high-end computational power. By providing start-ups and researchers with the same technological resources as global tech giants, the mission aims to level the playing field for innovation.

However, Dr. Narsimha said that true success of the India AI Mission will not be measured by the speed of its 38,000 GPUs or the scale of its funding, but by the quality of human intelligence it fosters.

“The policy must ensure that AI serves as a partner in creativity rather than a substitute for thought. To achieve a sustainable technological revolution, India must balance its investment in hardware with a renewed focus on critical thinking. Ultimately, human intelligence and imagination remains the primary engine of a nation’s progress,” he said.