AI Appreciation Day 2025: Honouring the Intelligence that Transforms Our Lives BIJU DHARMAPALAN

Dr.Biju Dharmapalan

Artificial intelligence, once confined to the realms of imagination and academic discussion, has transformed into a formidable and ubiquitous presence that influences almost every facet of our existence. AI has revolutionised our communication, learning, food production, and health care, fundamentally altering our interactions with the world and one another.
Artificial Intelligence has evolved beyond just smart machines; it now focusses on amplifying human capabilities. Addressing intricate challenges with unparalleled swiftness, accuracy, and ingenuity is the focus here. Crucially, this initiative focusses on making resources and services accessible to all, breaking down barriers that previously kept them out of reach for many individuals. As we take a moment today to recognise this technological wonder, we should also honour the subtle transformation it has ignited in essential areas—communication, healthcare, agriculture, and education.

Transforming Communication: Making the World Smaller and Closer

The initial and arguably most prominent effect of AI has manifested in the realm of communication. In an increasingly interconnected world, the capacity to comprehend and convey messages across various languages, cultures, and abilities has emerged as both an essential skill and a feasible endeavor—thanks to advancements in artificial intelligence.
By 2025, the convenience of AI tools translating spoken or written language in real time has become a standard expectation. Video conferencing applications enhanced by cutting-edge neural machine translation enable users to communicate in their own languages, while receiving replies in their chosen language, either through audio or text. This innovation has broken down the linguistic divides that previously kept communities apart, transforming global collaboration from a cumbersome task into a seamless endeavour. From cross-border business meetings to international student group discussions, dialogues now unfold effortlessly and organically.
The advancements in AI have significantly enhanced accessibility in communication. Innovative tools for speech recognition and advanced natural language processing empower individuals with disabilities to engage in communication effortlessly. Voice assistants and screen readers have evolved to be more context-aware and emotionally intelligent, enhancing the quality of digital interaction to be more humane and intuitive. Individuals who previously experienced exclusion from the digital landscape because of physical or cognitive challenges are now active participants, with AI serving as their pathway to inclusion.

Social media platforms employ artificial intelligence to identify and eliminate harmful content, enhance digital moderation, and translate cultural subtleties to avoid misunderstandings. During times of crisis, whether due to natural disasters or public health emergencies, artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in swiftly sharing accurate information. This helps to minimise panic and allows for a prompt response to the situation at hand. Amidst these developments, artificial intelligence has not supplanted human interaction; rather, it has enriched it, fostering greater fairness and, in numerous respects, deeper significance.

Revolutionizing Healthcare: From Treatment to Prevention

The transformative power of AI is nowhere more evident—or more crucial—than in the realm of healthcare. With the increase in global population and ageing demographics, there has been a notable rise in the need for exceptional, tailored medical care. Artificial intelligence has emerged to tackle this challenge with solutions that are both effective and crucial for saving lives.
In contemporary healthcare facilities, artificial intelligence algorithms play a crucial role in the diagnostic procedures. In numerous instances, these systems demonstrate the ability to assess medical images—such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans—more swiftly and with greater precision than human radiologists. Early indications of cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular diseases are identified, frequently prior to the appearance of noticeable symptoms. Early diagnosis significantly enhances survival rates and paves the way for more effective treatment options.

The rise of personalised medicine is significantly influenced by advancements in AI technology. Through the examination of a patient's genetic data, lifestyle habits, and environmental influences, artificial intelligence assists healthcare professionals in customising treatment strategies to meet specific individual requirements. The outcome is a treatment that is not only more efficient but also more compassionate, reducing side effects while enhancing results. Through the use of predictive analytics, artificial intelligence tools have the capability to notify healthcare professionals about possible complications, facilitating preventive care that promotes longer-lasting health for patients.

 Another significant factor is the impact of AI on the management and logistics within the healthcare sector. Healthcare facilities are leveraging artificial intelligence to predict patient admissions, oversee bed availability, enhance staff distribution, and monitor medication supplies. These tools minimise waste, lower expenses, and enable healthcare professionals to prioritise patient care over administrative tasks. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and the following health crises, artificial intelligence models played a vital role in monitoring the transmission of infections, formulating vaccine strategies, and coordinating public health responses.
Artificial intelligence is broadening the availability of healthcare services in isolated and neglected areas. Telemedicine platforms enhanced by artificial intelligence bridge the gap between rural patients and urban specialists, while AI-driven chatbots facilitate symptom assessment, appointment arrangements, and follow-up care monitoring. Healthcare, previously viewed as a privilege by numerous individuals, is evolving into an essential right—supported by the unseen capabilities of technology.

Reshaping Agriculture: Cultivating Intelligence in the Fields

AI is increasingly emerging as a fundamental element in enhancing agricultural resilience, moving beyond the realm of high-tech luxury.

Modern agricultural operations function as intricate systems powered by data. Advanced AI technologies scrutinise satellite images, weather predictions, soil makeup, and crop vitality information to provide farmers with accurate guidance on planting schedules, irrigation timing, and fertilisation methods. These insights contribute to water conservation, minimise chemical application, and enhance crop production. Farmers now have the ability to identify pest infestations or nutrient deficiencies well in advance of them being noticeable to the naked eye, all thanks to advancements in AI-driven drone surveillance and image recognition technology.
Artificial intelligence significantly contributes to predictive analytics within the agricultural sector. Through the examination of historical patterns and present data, artificial intelligence systems are capable of predicting agricultural yields, pricing in the marketplace, and requirements within the supply chain. This empowers farmers to make savvy financial choices while minimising food waste throughout the distribution system.

Autonomous machinery, a remarkable advancement brought forth by AI, is transforming labour-intensive processes. Autonomous tractors and robotic harvesters execute their duties with remarkable accuracy, even in challenging landscapes. This enhances efficiency while alleviating the physical strain on agricultural laborers—many of whom are growing older or transitioning to urban employment.

Importantly, artificial intelligence is connecting the time-honoured practices of agriculture with contemporary advancements. Across various regions in India and Africa, there is a notable trend of adapting AI tools—merging traditional knowledge with current data to promote sustainable agricultural methods. The fusion of tradition and innovation is nurturing the planet with greater accountability.

Reimagining Education: Personalizing the Path to Knowledge

The landscape of education has transformed significantly with the incorporation of AI. In educational settings, digital platforms, and casual learning environments, artificial intelligence is assisting educators and learners in exploring a transformed, individualised approach to education.
Conventional learning methods have frequently faced challenges with a uniform approach that doesn't cater to individual needs. However, AI systems, leveraging their capacity to scrutinise learning patterns, have completely transformed this model. In today's educational landscape, learners are provided with customised instruction that aligns with their individual strengths, weaknesses, interests, and learning speed. A student grappling with math concepts may benefit from engaging visual aids and interactive materials, whereas a proficient reader can be presented with more complex literature to stimulate their skills. This approach to learning enhances inclusivity and engagement for all students.

Educators, likewise, gain significant advantages. Artificial intelligence takes care of everyday responsibilities like grading and tracking attendance, allowing teachers to dedicate their time to guiding, inspiring creativity, and providing emotional support. AI-driven learning management systems provide valuable insights into student progress, identify areas of concern, and suggest intervention strategies. AI has emerged as a discreet educational aide, operating quietly to guarantee that every child receives the support they need.
Outside the traditional learning environment, artificial intelligence enhances the journey of continuous education. In today's world, individuals of all ages can easily access high-quality education through various platforms, including language-learning applications, coding tutorials, and virtual laboratories. Intelligent recommendation systems keep learners captivated, steering them along ongoing journeys of exploration and skill enhancement.
Education has transcended the limitations of geography, time, and conventional curriculum. It showcases adaptability, responsiveness, and personalization—all made possible by the subtle transformation brought about by AI.

A Moment for Reflection: Embracing Responsibility

As we acknowledge the significant milestones brought about by AI, this day serves as an opportunity for contemplation. The emergence of AI carries significant ethical and societal obligations that must be carefully considered. Worries regarding algorithmic bias, data privacy, and disparities in technology access must not be ignored.

The impartiality of AI systems hinges entirely on the quality of the data utilised for their training. If not addressed, these issues can perpetuate current disparities—be it in employment opportunities, access to healthcare, or the justice system. Collaboration among developers, policymakers, and users is essential to guarantee transparency, accountability, and fairness in every AI application.

Furthermore, a notable gap persists—between cities and rural  regions, between advanced and emerging countries, and even within communities themselves. In our pursuit of harnessing AI to tackle significant challenges, it is crucial to also prioritise investments in digital literacy and infrastructure, ensuring that every community is included in this progress.
Artificial intelligence serves as a resource—not an enchanted solution. The significance is determined by our choices in its application. It is essential that we stay alert, compassionate, and driven by principles of fairness, sustainability, and respect for human dignity.

On this AI Appreciation Day 2025, it is important to acknowledge that AI serves not as a substitute for human effort, but as a means to enhance our abilities. Let today serve as an homage—not solely to algorithms and machines—but to the brilliance of human creativity, teamwork, and accountability. Let us recognise the progress we have made and dedicate ourselves to a future where artificial intelligence elevates every individual, with fairness and empathy.

(Dr.Biju Dharmapalan is  the Dean -Academic Affairs, Garden City University, Bangalore  and   an adjunct faculty at the National Institute of Advanced Studies,  Bangalore. Views are personal. E-mail: bijudharmapalan@gmail.com)