Artificial Intelligence for Earth: A Scientist’s Reverent Journey to Restore Balance

Vasudha Darbari

Namaskaar , Me chhu naav Vasudha. 

I’m writing to share my path as an artificial intelligence scientist and geophysicist, dedicated to restoring the balance our human activities have disrupted on Earth and preserving what remains. While I may not stand out in the crowd, my mission is to create an impact, striving to heal the damage we’ve inflicted as inhabitants of this planet.

In the heart of the lush valleys and whispering rivers of Kashmir, where the earth is not just land but a sacred goddess, my story unfolds. I am a computer scientist, but my journey is not just about codes and algorithms; it’s a quest inspired by my deep-rooted reverence for the Earth. This respect is not just a personal belief but a reflection of the culture I come from, where nature is cherished and regarded as a life-bearing deity.

Immersed in the tranquil beauty of Avantipora’s valleys, my journey is deeply rooted in a landscape where every whisper of the wind and every ripple in the river speaks of the sacred. This reverence for nature, a guiding light in my path, mirrors the profound respect and adoration for the Earth and its rivers found in Hinduism. In this ancient tradition, nature is not merely a resource to be used but a divine entity to be honoured and protected. The Ganga, for instance, is not just a river but a goddess, symbolising purity and life itself. Similarly, the earth is revered as Bhumi Devi, a nurturing mother who sustains all her children. 

This spiritual connection with nature, woven into the fabric of Hindu philosophy, resonates deeply with my experiences in the serene landscapes of Kashmir. It taught me to see beyond the immediate, to recognise the divine in the natural world, and to understand our role not as dominators but as stewards of this sacred earth. The discipline and resilience learned from my defence background blended seamlessly with this reverence, forging a resolve within me to protect and preserve the natural world.

Amid the diverse tapestry of India, from the snow-clad peaks of Kashmir to the lush greenery of Karnataka, the historic grandeur of Delhi, and the vibrant culture of Hyderabad, my journey has been a kaleidoscope of experiences, each region imparting its own unique lessons and colours to my life’s canvas. This rich mosaic of cultures, climates, and landscapes has nurtured within me a profound connection to the earth and a deep-seated sense of serenity found in both meditation and the embrace of nature.

Meditation, a practice as varied and rich as the lands of India, became my sanctuary, a source of solace and introspection amidst the constant shifts in scenery and society. It allowed me to find a centre within myself, a point of calmness and stability, regardless of the external environment. This inner sanctuary became a reflection of the external sanctuaries I found in the varied landscapes of my homeland. The silent, majestic mountains of Kashmir taught me the power of stillness, the bustling streets of Delhi the importance of finding peace amidst chaos, the ancient, soul-stirring lands of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Assam, the depth of history and tradition, and the innovative spirit of Bengaluru and Hyderabad the endless possibilities of future and technology. Growing up across different parts of India, I was blessed with the opportunity to immerse myself in the incredible diversity of natural beauty that this country offers. Each region, with its unique environment and cultural heritage, contributed to my understanding and reverence for nature.

As I continue on this path, my diverse experiences across India and having visited over
20 countries serve as a constant reminder of the beauty and fragility of our world. They reinforce my belief in using technology as a tool for conservation, driven by a spirit of  reverence for nature ingrained in me since childhood. This journey, enriched by meditation and the diverse beauty of India, fuels my passion for creating a sustainable future where technology and the natural world coexist in harmony, for the well-being of all beings and the generations to come.

Embarking on an academic journey that led me from the storied halls of Bangor University to the vibrant academic community of Newcastle, and eventually to the historic waterfront of Hull, my path through the world of computer science was not just a pursuit of knowledge but also a journey of personal discovery. It was in these places, each with its own character and charm, that I found an unexpected love—a deep, abiding affection for the cold, majestic North Sea.

As a diver, the enchanting realm beneath the waves holds for me an unparalleled allure, a world where the serene majesty of the ocean meets the vibrant tapestry of life it harbours. This fascination is deeply intertwined with the reverence for Samudra Dev, the Ocean God, in Hinduism, which views the vast ocean not just as a body of water but as a divine entity, teeming with life and mysteries. The ocean, with its unfathomable depths and mesmerising creatures, becomes a sacred space, a place of meditation and connection with the divine. Each dive is not merely an exploration of the physical world but a spiritual journey, where the silent whispers of the water remind me of the interconnectedness of all life and the profound beauty that lies beneath the surface. This reverence for the ocean, nurtured by my spiritual beliefs and my passion for diving, inspires a deep commitment to the conservation of this extraordinary ecosystem, urging me to protect its fragile beauty for generations to come.

For my PhD, I chose a path less traveled by many in my field. I dove into the complex world of Artificial Intelligence (AI), not to explore the reaches of human convenience or the next big tech breakthrough, but to stand as a guardian for our planet’s ecosystems. The focus of my work is the development of AI algorithms dedicated to the preservation of these ecosystems, understanding their intricate workings, monitoring changes, predicting future trends, and assessing the impact of human activities. It’s a mission that merges the realms of technology and environmental conservation in a dance of numbers and nature.

Through my eyes, I’ve witnessed the silent cries of our Earth – the gradual erosion of biodiversity, the vanishing of forests that once stood tall, and the rivers that now whisper tales of sorrow. These are not just changes; they are wounds inflicted by human greed and negligence, a stark contrast to the reverence with which I was taught to view our planet. In the heart of my work lies a belief – a conviction, if you will – that we, as stewards of technology and intelligence, hold the power to heal these wounds. My journey is more than a pursuit of academic excellence; it’s a crusade to harness the best of our technological advancements for a cause far greater than ourselves. It’s about using AI not just to understand the world, but to save it.

As I thread the line between algorithms and ecosystems, my goal is clear: to use every tool at our disposal, every piece of knowledge we’ve gathered, to preserve what we’ve so carelessly destroyed. This journey is not just about saving the Earth; it’s about honouring it, about turning our backs on greed and embracing a future where technology and nature coexist in harmony.

To the young minds reading this, remember: the future is in our hands. We have the power to write a different story for our planet, one where reverence for life guides our actions. Let’s use our intelligence, our technology, and our hearts to heal the Earth. After all, it’s not just the place we live; it’s the home we share with every creature, with every leaf, and with every drop of water. Let’s protect it, not just for us, but for generations to come.

I am very grateful for the opportunity to share my journey and I hope to re initiate reverence we have for Mother Earth and nature with my little efforts if not big.

Shukriya, chu parun Navin ti phollin