A bold protest at the India AI Impact Summit 2026—where activists went shirtless—has been roundly criticized by leading figures in academia and research. In an IANS conversation, Prof. Inder Singh Thakur of Himachal Pradesh Central University deemed it a flawed choice. ‘Protests are rights, but not by derailing a summit packed with global CEOs and dignitaries,’ he stated, directing agitators to proper forums like Jantar Mantar.
Kumaun University VC Prof. Diwan Singh Rawat offered a glowing review of the event, which united tech giants from 100+ nations. He illustrated AI’s magic: revolutionizing drug development timelines dramatically while spurring innovation in infrastructure, digital finance, and beyond. India’s startup boom, backed by proactive policies, is set to amplify these gains exponentially.
Dr. Binay Kumar Singh from Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Research Foundation didn’t hold back, blasting the Youth Congress for hijacking a patriotic milestone. ‘This harms our image worldwide,’ he said, pressing Rahul Gandhi to take a stand against such indecorous displays and rein in party indiscipline.
Ultimately, the summit reaffirmed India’s AI leadership amid the noise. It serves as a reminder that while voices must be heard, strategic restraint ensures they resonate effectively on the world stage.