AI has already created a lot of buzz globally because it has helped improve users’ productivity and cut down on several tasks. The tech is likely to get better with time. But, where does India stand in terms of AI? In an interview with YouTuber Varun Mayya, Google CEO Sundar Pichai shared his perspectives on India’s potential in the artificial intelligence (AI) arena and offered valuable advice for Indian software engineers.
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When asked about India’s place in the AI race, Pichai highlighted the unique advantage India holds. “I see it a bit differently,” he said. “Unlike past technologies, the underlying APIs for AI are available everywhere, including India. Developers here are already leveraging these tools.”
Pichai believes that AI democratises technology development, allowing anyone to create applications and solve problems, irrespective of their geographic location. He highlighted India’s strong foundation of developers and engineering talent, which positions the country favourably in the AI landscape. “For India, this is a moment,” Pichai asserted.
“There is an extraordinary base of developers and engineering talent capable of understanding this trend and building applications that make sense either for India or for the world. Both are exciting possibilities,” he added.
When asked about the advice he would offer to Indian software engineers, Pichai stressed the importance of deep understanding and continuous learning.
“Real success comes from understanding things in a deeper way. You have to understand the technology in a deeper way,” he advised. He noted that while programming languages and tools may evolve, a profound understanding of the technology stack remains crucial.
Pichai encouraged engineers to embrace the evolving nature of programming, particularly with the advent of AI. “Programming is going to get easier in a way that is better. We are already thankful that we don’t have to write in assembly code; we are used to higher-level abstractions. AI will help with even higher-level abstractions,” he explained. He envisions a future where natural language can be used for coding tasks, simplifying the process and enhancing programmer efficiency.
“You’re going to use natural language and sometimes just say, ‘Hey, can you debug this code for me and explain what happened?’ and it will do it,” Pichai said. He believes this will make programmers more effective, reinforcing the importance of a deep understanding over merely learning the latest trends.
Sundar Pichai’s insights highlight India’s promising position in the AI sector due to its rich pool of developers and engineers. His advice highlights the need for a deep, foundational understanding of technology to adapt to and use future advancements effectively. This approach, he suggests, will enable Indian engineers to excel in an evolving landscape where AI is set to play an increasingly significant role.
