Gita & Green in a Gigabyte World: Green Drinks January Forum 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) developments in recent times have proven that an intriguing concept such as human intelligence is programmable. This has enabled machines and robots handle many activities with better precision than humans. Inventions like robotics, autonomous vehicles, smart contracts and artificial TV anchors indicate that there is no limit to such future possibilities with AI.

Given the rapid developments in the AI space, it would be valid to ask: Can AI pose an existential challenge to humans in future?

Interestingly, possible answers to this question not only stem from technology, but through other sources such as the physical environment we live in, and the philosophical discourse we learnt through Gita ('Bhagavad Gita').

Environment and Philosophy have taught us much before than technology that "consciousness" is a more challenging and existential concept that defines human life, than "intelligence" that can be programmed into machines.

Join us at the 117th Green Drinks Monthly Sustainability forum for an exploration of AI technology (Giga-byte world), through lens of philosophy (Gita), and the abstract world of physical environment we live in (Green).

About the speakers

Dr. Srinivas Yanamandra
Background: Dr Yanamandra is Chief, Compliance at the New Development Bank (NDB) Headquartered in Shanghai. NDB is established by BRICS member countries to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies and developing countries. Srinivas is responsible for operationalizing the compliance function, monitoring the implementation of compliance policy framework and institutionalizing the compliance culture across the organization.
Srinivas has more than 15 years of experience as a compliance officer in Indian banking industry with hands-on expertise relating to various aspects of banking regulation, including governance, risk management, prudential reporting, risk based supervision and digital banking. Srinivas is a qualified accountant, a Fellow of International Compliance Association, UK and a Certified Anti Money Laundering Specialist (USA). He holds a doctorate degree (2013) from the University of Manchester, UK.

[TED Talk] Kai-Fu Lee on 'How AI can save our humanity'
Background: Dr. Kai-Fu Lee has a unique perspective on the global technology industry, having worked extensively between the US and China, and has been in artificial intelligence research, development and investment for more than 30 years. He is one of China's top technology investors, undertaking early pioneering work in the field of artificial intelligence and working with multiple US technology giants. Lee is the Chairman and CEO of Sinovation Ventures, managing a $1.7 billion dual-currency investment fund. Sinovation is a leading technology-savvy investment firm focusing on developing Chinese high-tech companies. Lee also serves as president of the Sinovation Ventures Artificial Intelligence Institute.
Prior to founding Sinovation in 2009, Lee was the President of Google China. Previously, he held executive positions at Microsoft, SGI and Apple. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and he was Vice Chairman of the Committee of 100 and named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by TIME Magazine. He is the author of seven best-selling books in Chinese, launching his new book AI Superpowers internationally in fall 2018, and has over 50 million followers on social media.