PM Modi interacts with AI-powered hologram of Swami Chinmayananda at Delhi summit
NEW DELHI: An extraordinary blend of spirituality and technology took centre stage at the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav Global Summit held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with a holographic representation of Swami Chinmayananda, the renowned spiritual leader who passed away in 1993.
The AI-powered hologram, presented before an audience of more than 9,000 devotees and dignitaries, recreated the appearance and conversational style of the spiritual guru, offering Modi an opportunity to revisit memories of their meeting more than three decades ago.
The interaction was among the major highlights of the summit, demonstrating how artificial intelligence and advanced holographic technology can be used to preserve the legacy of spiritual leaders and communicate their teachings to younger generations.
Hologram recalls 1993 meeting
During the interaction, Modi sought the blessings of the spiritual leader’s digital representation. The hologram recalled the Prime Minister’s visit to Vadodara in February 1993, when he had invited Chinmayananda to attend the centenary celebrations of the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago.
According to the account presented during the interaction, Chinmayananda had then expressed reservations about taking on such a major responsibility at an advanced age. He had also emphasised the need for young Hindus to take responsibility for the country’s future.
The holographic representation reflected on how the person who had visited him in 1993 had gone on to become the Prime Minister of India, adding an emotional dimension to the exchange.
Message on Sanatana Dharma and youth
The digital recreation also delivered a message on the importance of preserving and strengthening Sanatana Dharma.
It compared the ancient spiritual tradition to a magnificent temple whose pillars had weakened over centuries of neglect. Rebuilding those pillars, it said, was the responsibility of the present generation.
The message called upon enthusiastic young people in every district to work collectively towards strengthening the country’s spiritual and cultural foundations.
The interaction also conveyed a message of encouragement to Modi, emphasising that although leadership can sometimes be a lonely responsibility, the country stands behind its leader. A reference to shrikhand prasad added a personal and devotional touch to the exchange.
Modi revisits memories of his spiritual mentor
Modi said seeing and interacting with the representation of Chinmayananda had taken him back 33 years.
Recalling his 1993 visit to Vadodara, the Prime Minister said he had invited the spiritual leader to the Chicago event. Although Chinmayananda had agreed to the invitation, he passed away on August 3, 1993, just weeks before the programme.
Modi described receiving the spiritual leader’s blessings through technology as a distinctive spiritual experience. He also praised the work of the Chinmaya Mission and its contribution to spiritual and social development.
How does hologram technology work?
Holographic and projection-based technologies create three-dimensional visual representations that can make a person appear to be present on a stage. Depending on the system, they use digital imaging, specialised projection equipment and carefully designed visual effects.
An AI-powered holographic presentation can incorporate archived speeches, video footage, voice samples and recorded mannerisms to recreate aspects of a person’s appearance and communication style.
In this instance, the digital representation of Chinmayananda was presented as an interactive recreation, enabling a conversation-like exchange with the Prime Minister.
The event highlighted the growing potential of artificial intelligence and immersive visual technologies in commemorating historical and spiritual figures. It also raised the prospect of using digital recreations to make the teachings and legacies of influential personalities accessible to future generations.
