20/01/2026
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Imphal, Jan 19: NASSCOM Director Nirupam Chaudhuri on Monday said artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved into a democratic force, with its future to be written not only in major metropolitan centres but also in small towns and emerging regions across India.
Speaking at a pre-summit event ahead of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Chaudhuri said Manipur has the potential to emerge as a βliving labβ of inclusive AI, where innovation responds to local challenges while contributing to global solutions.
βAI is no longer a futuristic concept; it is a present-day reality and a democratic force,β Chaudhuri said. βManipur stands at a unique juncture where grassroots AI initiatives can directly lead to global employability, inclusive growth and tangible societal impact.β
Highlighting the need to decentralise innovation, he said the future of AI in India would not be confined to metros alone. βIt will also be shaped in places like Imphal, Churachandpur, Ukhrul and Thoubal,β he said, underlining the role of district headquarters and smaller towns in Indiaβs digital transformation.
Chaudhuri said NASSCOM firmly believes that AI capability building must begin at the grassroots level. βThis means empowering students, start-ups, faculty members, MSMEs and community groups to learn and apply AI by addressing real-world local problems,β he said.
He further stressed that as Manipur moves forward in the AI era, data privacy, cybersecurity and inclusivity must be treated as foundational principles. βManipur should not merely consume AI; it should create, adapt and lead with AI,β he said.
Reiterating his vision, Chaudhuri said grassroots AI goes beyond technology alone. βIt is about unlocking confidence, building capability and establishing global relevance from within our own communities,β he added.
