In an era dominated by artificial intelligence, former Union Minister Smriti Irani has issued a bold and inspiring message – India’s future lies not in code, but in creativity, storytelling, and innovation.
Smriti Irani asks everyone to prioritise imagination over automation; says, “Our greatest strength lies in our capacity to imagine, narrate, and innovate”
Speaking at a recent leadership forum, Irani remarked, “In a world where AI can code but not create, our greatest strength will not be in factories or code — but in our capacity to imagine, narrate, and innovate.” Her statement is quickly gaining traction among educators, policy thinkers, and entrepreneurs, especially as India accelerates its journey toward the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. Irani underlined the rising importance of India’s creative economy, which is projected to reach $80 billion by 2026, as evidence of both potential and urgency.
But she also sounded a wake-up call: “Only 9 per cent of students across 22 states demonstrate strong readiness in design thinking, research, and real-world problem-solving. These are 21st-century skills and core competencies of the creative economy. In a world where AI can code but not create, these gaps matter.”
Citing progressive initiatives like the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) in Mumbai and the CBSE’s move toward art-integrated learning, Irani pointed out that while a blueprint for creative transformation is emerging, a much deeper cultural shift is required. “Creativity cannot be part-time, and in that sense, it cannot be extracurricular,” she said. Irani called for startup labs, maker spaces, and design sprints to be embedded into school and college systems. She argued that creative entrepreneurial mindsets must be cultivated — not just for the arts, but for business models and social innovations.
As AI and automation reshape the world, Irani’s powerful words serve as a reminder: India’s true edge will come from imagination over imitation.
Meanwhile, Smriti has returned to television in her most popular avatar – the matriarch Tulsi Virani of Shanti Niketan in Ektaa R Kapoor’s cult drama Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi… The serial premiered on Star Plus and JioHotstar on July 29 leaving fans nostalgic and excited.
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