New Delhi

The Centre for Policy Research and Governance (CPRG) organised a pre-summit roundtable titled “AI in Publishing” in New Delhi, marking one of the official lead-up dialogues to the India-AI Impact Summit 2026.

The event brought together publishers, scholars, and professionals from the media and technology sectors to deliberate on the rapid transformation underway in India’s publishing ecosystem. Discussions focused on changing reading habits, the growing influence of digital platforms, and the expanding use of artificial intelligence across publishing workflows.

During the session, CPRG released its latest study, Youth Readership Study: Patterns and Preferences, in the presence of BJP National Organiser V. Satish ji. The study presented data-backed insights into how young readers access content, their format preferences, and evolving engagement with books and digital material.

Addressing the gathering, CPRG Director Dr Ramanand observed that publishing is experiencing both technological and social shifts. He noted that while AI is increasingly shaping editing and content creation, broader changes in student lifestyles are also redefining the place of reading today. He underlined that new professional roles are emerging even as traditional editorial jobs face disruption, stressing the need for a serious conversation on employment challenges across publishing and allied sectors.

Professor K.G. Suresh said the dialogue aimed to promote open discussion rather than fear. Drawing parallels with earlier technological transitions, he remarked that AI can act as an enabler if used responsibly, particularly in areas like self-publishing. He cautioned that editorial accountability and awareness of excessive technology dependence among students must remain priorities.

Prabhat Kumar, Director of Prabhat Prakashan, pointed out that AI’s growing use in design and production necessitates safeguards to ensure that technology complements rather than replaces human creativity.

The discussion was also attended by Alok Agarwal and Shashi Shekhar Vempati, Co-Founders of AI4India, along with representatives from academia and the publishing industry. Participants broadly agreed that AI has become integral to publishing, but emphasised that originality, critical thinking, and human judgement remain indispensable.

While recognising AI’s potential in areas such as translation and workflow efficiency, speakers raised concerns around academic integrity, authorship, quality control, plagiarism, and misuse, highlighting the importance of sustained human oversight.

The roundtable formed part of CPRG’s Future of Society initiative, which examines the societal and economic implications of emerging technologies. It is also one of several engagements being held ahead of the India-AI Impact Summit 2026.

In recent months, CPRG has hosted multiple international dialogues on AI, inclusivity, and employment, including sessions in Geneva and Brussels. The organisation was also the only Indian NGO to convene an official side event at the Paris AI Action Summit 2025, with its work recognised at global platforms such as the Belgrade GPAI Summit 2024.

CPRG previously organised the PadhAI Conclave 2025, a national policy forum on AI in education that brought together senior ministers, policymakers, and academics. The think tank said it will continue such engagements in the run-up to the 2026 summit, reinforcing its focus on inclusive and forward-looking technology governance.

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The Centre for Policy Research and Governance is an ICSSR-recognised policy research institution that advocates participatory and responsive policymaking, and has emerged as a key voice in technology policy debates through its Future of Society programme.