GORAKHPUR: The inauguration of the ‘Global Artificial Intelligence Confluence 2026’ was held on March 27 at the Mahayogi Guru Gorakshnath Research Chair, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University. The prestigious international event is being organised under the joint aegis of the World Organisation of Students and Youth (WOSY), Meta, and Gorakhpur University.
The ceremony was graced by Dinesh Pratap Singh, Minister of Horticulture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, as the Chief Guest. Other eminent dignitaries included Ashish Chauhan, National Organising Secretary of ABVP; Prof. Rajiv Prakash, Director of IIT Bhilai; Prof. Poonam Tandon, Vice-Chancellor of Gorakhpur University; and Dr Nitin Sharma, Chairperson of WOSY. The event had a remarkable global footprint, with 180 participants from 26 countries.
Over the course of this two-day confluence, international experts will engage in rigorous deliberations regarding the current AI landscape, its rapid expansion, global socio-economic impacts, and future potential. Key sessions will focus on AI innovation, emerging technologies, research frontiers, and the integration of AI in education and social welfare.
Minister Dinesh Pratap Singh highlighted the spiritual and cultural significance of the gathering, stated, “Global AI Confluence 2026 is more than just a technical seminar; it is a powerful global platform for the ‘churning of ideas.’ Just as the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean) in Satyug yielded invaluable gems for humanity, this modern ‘Knowledge Manthan’ will produce technologies and solutions for global welfare.” He further emphasised the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’ (Development as well as Heritage), urging researchers to prioritise ethical values and human interest in AI development.
Ashish Chauhan, national organising secretary of ABVP, raised critical points regarding data sovereignty. He noted that AI is no longer just a tool but a force shaping the direction of society. He warned, “We must transition from being mere consumers to creators of AI models that reflect our own languages and needs. Failing this, global powers will establish a monopoly over data.” He echoed for transparency and human sensibility at the core of AI.
Prof. Rajiv Prakash, Director of IIT Bhillai, reinforced the importance of human-centric technology. “AI must remain our assistant, not our master,” he remarked. He argued that the true value of AI lies in its ability to simplify life in critical sectors like agriculture and emergency medicine, while maintaining that final decision-making and responsibility must always rest with humans.
The program commenced with a welcome address by Dr Nitin Sharma, Chairperson of WOSY. The proceedings were presided over by Prof. Poonam Tandon, Vice-Chancellor of Gorakhpur University, and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by General Secretary Shubham Goyal.
