AI in Weaponry Growing Rapidly: Former Army Chief Gen Naravane Warns Against Unchecked Autonomy
Former Army Chief Gen Manoj Naravane warns about AI autonomy in weapons and launches 'Forever Young KSLF' at the Khushwant Singh Literature Festival.
Former Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane has sounded a cautionary note regarding the rapid integration of AI in weaponry, emphasizing that while technology evolves, the level of autonomy granted to these systems must be scrutinised with extreme care.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 15th Khushwant Singh Literature Festival (KSLF) in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, General Naravane highlighted the accelerating pace at which artificial intelligence is being embedded into weapon systems and platforms. He stressed that the military and policymakers must carefully weigh the extent of adoption and, more importantly, determine how much decision-making power should be handed over to autonomous AI systems.
The Art of Disagreement
The festival, hosted at the historic Kasauli Club amidst the serene rolling hills, centered on the theme 'The Art of Disagreement: Conversations Across Divides'. General Naravane reflected on this theme, noting that there is a distinct skill in expressing dissent without descending into hostility.
"There is, indeed, an art to expressing disagreement. It does not mean that you should start attacking the person you are speaking with,"he remarked, urging participants to keep their focus strictly on the issues at hand rather than launching personal attacks on individuals.
Empowering Young Writers: 'Forever Young KSLF'
During the event, General Naravane launched 'Forever Young KSLF', a dedicated advisory initiative designed to guide aspiring and young writers. Drawing a parallel between military life and the literary world, he emphasized that discipline is the cornerstone of success in both fields.
He noted that just as a soldier maintains a daily diary, a writer must commit to the habit of writing every single day. Addressing the responsibility that comes with the pen, he advised budding authors to tackle serious subjects without malice. "Write fearlessly, but write responsibly," he stated, adding that the pen, much like the sword, must be wielded with honor.
A Celebration of Literature and Dialogue
The festival opened with a "Melodious Preface" by Sarbpreet Singh, followed by a welcome address from Festival Director Rahul Singh. Remembering his father, the legendary Khushwant Singh, Rahul described him as a disciplined man and a master of humor who wrote consistently for nearly seven decades and remained fearless in his convictions. Veteran journalist Bachi Karkaria also shared reflections on her long association with the late author.
Diverse Perspectives on Rights and Politics
The KSLF featured a wide array of intellectual discussions covering various societal and political landscapes:
- Gender Equality: In a session titled "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun-damental Rights," author and lawyer Mihira Sood, in conversation with Anna M Vetticad, argued that legal reforms alone are insufficient to achieve true gender equality.
- Mizoram's Evolution: Journalist Sanjoy Hazarika discussed the transition of Mizoram from a site of armed insurgency to a democratic state. Drawing from his book on Lal Thanhawla, Hazarika explored the impact of the 1986 Mizo Peace Accord and the state's humanitarian response to the displacement of people from Manipur following the 2023 ethnic violence.
- Culinary Journeys: Chef and author Rahul Akerkar shared his transition from biochemical engineering to the culinary arts, discussing authenticity and experimentation based on his autobiography, 'Biting More Than I Can Chew'.