Amit Kumar was trained as a Mechanical Engineer with specialization in thermal engineering from the University of Roorkee (now Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee) where he was awarded the University Gold Medal. Post his graduation, he decided to pursue a career in renewable energy, a novelty in the early eighties. He had retired from TERI in July 2021 whereas Senior Director, Social Transformation, was responsible for initiatives focusing on energy access, holistic rural development, and community engagement. There he had also led research activities in the fields of renewable energy and resource-efficient process technology applications. As Dean (Distance & Short-Term Education), TERI University between 2014 and 2016, he was responsible for the development and outreach of the University's online courses, management & faculty development programmes, and skill enhancement initiatives. LESS ... MORE

I am in a constant tussle with a well-wisher nowadays. A sexagenarian, I grew up on a regular diet of music - played loudly, of course - on Radio Ceylon and Vividh Bharati. Sort of a ritual, the radio was the first thing that our father tuned in to first thing in the morning. And the music provided a melodious backdrop to otherwise routine chores. I continued with that habit through a variety of equipment; ranging from transistors to satellite-based WorldSpace radio to the present-day online radio channels.

Naturally, a suitable Bluetooth speaker connected to a smart device, either smart phone or a tab, is used for the purpose. And that's where the tussle started. Habitual as I am of a bit louder (well, actually more than a 'bit' louder) volume, I try to set the volume at a certain level.

Now imagine I am enjoying a nice Rafi song and all of a sudden, the volume drops to a whisper. Initially I didn't get it but when even after my repeated efforts the problem persisted, I looked at the connected device. Lo and behold, a dialogue box warned me about the ill-effects of high volume. But there was more: very ominously it asked if I still want to restore the volume? Someone who is least bothered with health-related warnings, I immediately restored it to the previous, louder level. But instead of keeping off, this supposedly smart device continues to act obtuse. Let it be, it may be smart but has its AI been trained on Kanpur's long ingrained habits?

Then, there is this smart watch that I was made to wear on a recent birthday, a gift I was fundamentally opposed to. Not only it monitors me, the same is shared with my concerned children. Now my nights are spent in a state of anxiety as to how would I explain if my 'deep sleep' hours turn out to be less than the desired levels? But as if this was not enough, it keeps on nudging me to get up and do some exercise if I spent too much time sitting- its estimates not mine - say, for writing this piece. But it takes the cake when amidst a long car drive, a commonplace thing while travelling in NCR, it persists in nudging me to get up and exercise!