AI reshaping literature, but human creativity remains irreplaceable: Experts

Dharwad: Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the fields of literary creation and translation, but it cannot replace the depth of human emotions and lived experiences, speakers observed at a session on "Artificial intelligence: Challenges and opportunities."Technocrat Sanket Patil, speaking on "Impact of AI on literary creation and translation," said AI is no longer confined to engineering and technology but is revolutionising literature as well. He pointed out that tasks like translating large literary works, which once took years, can now be completed within seconds using AI tools.However, he cautioned that AI has its limitations. "While AI can generate poems and stories, it cannot replicate the emotional depth and lived realities that human writers bring. AI processes data, but writers shape life," he said.Patil also emphasised the urgent need for digitisation of Kannada language resources. He noted that feeding more Kannada data into AI systems will significantly improve the accuracy and quality of translations and language-based tools in the future.Writer HL Omshivaprakash, addressing the topic ‘AI: Education, employment, and future life,' expressed concern over the uninformed use of technology. He said that while AI offers immense potential, it is also being misused. "Some writers are resorting to plagiarism using AI, which is a worrying trend," he remarked.Chairing the session, IIT-Dharwad dean SM Shivaprasad described AI as a tool that must be used responsibly. He dismissed fears that AI would completely eliminate jobs, stating instead that it is reshaping the nature of work.Sharana Sahitya Parishat president C Somashekar, who released the conference president's book on the occasion, called on the state govt to allocate at least 1% of its Rs 4 lakh crore budget to literary activities.Mayor Jyoti Patil highlighted Dharwad's rich contribution to literature and music. She announced that the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) will provide financial assistance of Rs 25,000 to girls educated in Kannada medium to promote the language.Meanwhile, Kannada Sahitya Parishat (KSP) district president Lingaraj Angadi criticised authorities for neglecting the maintenance of Parishat buildings. He warned of launching a hunger strike if the Rs 27 lakh funds from the 84th Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana is not allocated to the Parishat.