AI in Telangana: Policies, infrastructures, & practices explored at GITAM talk

Hyderabad: The GITAM School of Humanities and Social Sciences (GSHS) on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, had the distinct honor of hosting Dr. Preeti Raghunath, Lecturer in Digital Media and Society at the University of Sheffield, UK, for a thought-provoking lecture titled “Policies, Infrastructures, and Practices of AI in Telangana: Early Impressions.” The event, organized by the Department of Political Science, highlighted the school’s commitment to fostering dialogue on critical contemporary issues.

Dr. Preeti Raghunath presented initial findings from her pilot research study, offering an insightful exploration of the evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Telangana. Her talk highlighted two case studies from Nizamabad and Hyderabad, contextualizing these local examples within broader national and international AI development frameworks.

Throughout her presentation, Dr. Preeti Raghunath examined the diverse stakeholders involved in the evolution of AI in Telangana, providing a critical analysis of the region’s trajectory in this rapidly developing sector. Key themes included the complex interplay between livelihoods and development, socio-ecological considerations, and the implications of AI in the Global South.

Dr. Preeti Raghunath addressed several pressing issues, including the balance between economic growth and sustainable development and the importance of recognizing local contexts within the global narrative of AI. She highlighted the significance of acknowledging historical business and technology narratives, advocating for a departure from Euro-American perspectives and a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of 'Frontier Lives' in the context of technological advancement.

The event began with a warm welcome from Prof. Sunny Gosman Jose, Director of GSHS, who introduced Dr. Preeti Raghunath to an engaged audience of students and faculty. Dr. G. Ashok, Convenor of the program, concluded the session with a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing appreciation for the valuable insights shared by Dr. Preeti Raghunath.

The GITAM School of Humanities and Social Sciences remains committed to promoting intellectual discourse and interdisciplinary research, and this lecture marks a significant contribution to understanding the implications of AI and its development in Telangana.