Daijiworld Media Network – Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar, Nov 30: Veteran lyricist, poet and screenwriter Javed Akhtar on Saturday said that artificial intelligence (AI) cannot replace human creativity, emphasising that the technology remains limited and entirely dependent on data. He was speaking at a literary festival where he was honoured with the first-ever SOA Sahitya Samman.
Addressing the gathering, Akhtar said AI lacks conscience and cannot replicate the originality of human thought. “For now, I am sure that AI in no way can replace the creativity of human beings. Artificial Intelligence has no conscience. It depends on how you use it,” he said.
Drawing parallels with nuclear energy, Akhtar noted that like any discovery, AI has both beneficial and harmful potential.
“If you delve into history, people were afraid of all discoveries—even the steam engine—calling it a vehicle of the devil,” he remarked.
Akhtar stressed that while AI can process large volumes of data, human imagination and creative depth remain unmatched.
“At present, AI has limitations and is dependent on data. Right now, there is no challenge to human creativity,” he added.
Reflecting on India’s cultural evolution, Akhtar expressed concern that in the pursuit of material progress, the country has neglected aspects of its language, culture, mythology, poetry and art.
“When we gained independence, we couldn’t manufacture a needle. Today we are one of the most industrialised nations. But somewhere we left our cultural baggage behind, thinking it was not needed,” he said.
Akhtar was felicitated with the SOA Sahitya Samman, which includes a citation, shawl, silver idol of Goddess Saraswati and a cash prize of Rs 7 lakh. The award is instituted to honour eminent literary figures for excellence, creativity and intellectual depth.
Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, who inaugurated the festival, praised Akhtar’s immense contribution to Indian culture.
“His works have shaped the cultural consciousness of India for over five decades. He has enriched Indian literature and cinema,” the governor said, adding that the honour bestowed upon him elevates the prestige of the award in its very first year.
Kambhampati cautioned that while technology continues to reshape human lives, it cannot replace the intrinsic human capacity for empathy and imagination.
“AI is reshaping communication, creativity and even relationships, but the future will still depend on ethical judgment and the ability to imagine,” he said.
The festival, organised by the SOA Centre for Preservation, Propagation and Restoration of Ancient Culture and Heritage of India (PPRACHIN), has drawn over 100 poets, writers, novelists, theatre artistes and media personalities from across India.
This year’s theme, “Culture, Creativity and Artificial Intelligence,” explores the impact of technological innovation on human creativity and literature.