Key Points
- Awanish Kumar Awasthi called for AI literacy to be integrated into governance training
- Cyber Sashakt Uttar Pradesh conclave focused on securing digital infrastructure
- Japanese firm TrendAI co-organised the Lucknow conclave with Tech Observer Magazine
Lucknow — Uttar Pradesh is seeking to build wider understanding of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity as digital technologies become embedded in governance, citizen services and everyday life, Awanish Kumar Awasthi, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, said at a cybersecurity conclave in Lucknow.
Speaking at Cyber Sashakt Uttar Pradesh, organised by Japanese technology firm TrendAI and Tech Observer Magazine, Awasthi said artificial intelligence was no longer a specialised subject restricted to engineers or technology professionals. It had entered routine digital use, including mobile applications that citizens interact with every day, he said.
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“AI is what is needed to be taught,” Awasthi said, adding that almost every application on a mobile phone now deals with artificial intelligence in some form.
The conclave was held on the theme Building Secure Uttar Pradesh for a Secure India and focused on cybersecurity, AI and the protection of digital infrastructure as the state expands technology-led public service delivery.
Awasthi said the rapid spread of AI had created a challenge for governments, institutions and citizens because basic understanding of the technology remained limited even as its use was growing rapidly.
AI literacy as governance priority in Uttar Pradesh
He drew attention to the gap between the depth of expertise available with cybersecurity specialists and the limited awareness among ordinary users and administrators. He said that while experts may have deep knowledge of cyber and AI, most people have only a fraction of that understanding.
The comment pointed to a larger governance challenge: digital transformation cannot be sustained only through infrastructure, platforms and applications. It also requires knowledge, training and awareness across administrative systems and among citizens.
Awasthi said cyber threats and cybersecurity had become defining issues of the day. He linked this to the growing dependence of public and private systems on the digital domain, saying disruption no longer required physical presence or movement.
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“Everything is now based on the entire digital domain,” he said. “You don’t need to physically move to create problems of any nature that we can think of.”
Uttar Pradesh has been expanding its digital governance systems and seeking to position itself as a major technology-driven state. The spread of AI-enabled applications, public platforms and data-based services has made cybersecurity a core governance issue rather than a back-office technology function.
The top official also referred to Uttar Pradesh’s recent engagement with Japan and said he was pleased that TrendAI, a Japanese technology company, had expanded its presence in India. His reference came in the context of the state’s growing interest in technology partnerships and international collaboration.
Awasthi said the challenge was not only to use AI, but to ensure that people understand it. As more government and citizen-facing services move into the digital space, cyber preparedness will have to become part of the state’s broader governance framework.
Your Questions, Answered
What did Awanish Kumar Awasthi say about AI literacy in Uttar Pradesh?
Awasthi said AI literacy must become part of institutional training and citizen education as the state expands its digital governance systems. He noted that AI now powers everyday mobile applications and is no longer restricted to engineers.
What is Cyber Sashakt Uttar Pradesh?
Cyber Sashakt Uttar Pradesh is a cybersecurity conclave held in Lucknow, organised by Japanese technology firm TrendAI and Tech Observer Magazine. The event focused on building secure digital infrastructure for the state.
Why is cybersecurity important for Uttar Pradesh’s digital governance?
As UP expands technology-led public services, cyber threats can disrupt systems without physical presence. Digital systems now touch citizens through governance, welfare delivery, public records and critical infrastructure.
What was the theme of the Lucknow cybersecurity conclave?
The conclave was held under the theme Building Secure Uttar Pradesh for the Secure India, bringing together officials, cybersecurity professionals and technology leaders.