Coast Guard chief stresses importance of human judgement amid rise of AI, emerging tech

Ahmedabad: Indian Coast Guard Director General Paramesh Sivamani on Saturday stressed that technology cannot replace human judgement, conscience or courage, as he highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies in tackling maritime security challenges.

Addressing the seventh convocation of Karnavati University at Uvarsad village near Ahmedabad as the chief guest, Sivamani said the Coast Guard is adopting advanced surveillance, data-driven decision-making and new technologies, but human capabilities remain irreplaceable.

"Technology can augment human capability, but it cannot replace human judgement, conscience, or courage," he said, urging students to remain open to learning and engage with disciplines beyond their immediate specialisation.


Highlighting India's maritime interests, Sivamani said the country's seas support commerce, energy supplies and millions of livelihoods while constituting an increasingly important arena of national security.

"The ocean is simultaneously a highway of prosperity, an ecological inheritance, and a domain of security," he said.

Describing the Coast Guard's responsibilities, he said its personnel safeguard lives at sea, protect maritime interests, contribute to coastal security, combat maritime crime and illicit activities, and protect the marine environment.

"The sea is not simply a geographical expanse to be patrolled. It is a living responsibility," he said, adding that the maritime law enforcement agency's motto, "Vayam Rakshamah" (We Protect), reflects its commitment to responding to maritime emergencies.

The Coast Guard chief also urged the graduating students to look beyond academic qualifications and make integrity, courage, responsibility, compassion and excellence central to their professional lives.

"Today you receive a degree that certifies academic achievement. Tomorrow, you will assume responsibilities that will test your character," he said.

He emphasised that the values of service are not restricted to the armed forces but are equally relevant in fields such as medicine, technology, law, business and public institutions.

"The moral question remains the same: what do we do with the knowledge, opportunity, and the privilege entrusted to us?" he said.

Sivamani further said leadership is not defined by position but by the ability to accept responsibility, inspire trust and place collective purpose above personal recognition.

Referring to a proposed collaboration among Karnavati University, the Indian Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Welfare and Wellness Association, he said the initiative would support the education of children and families of serving and retired Coast Guard personnel through scholarships, fee concessions and admission assistance.

The initiative would also cover families of personnel who made the supreme sacrifice and those with service-related disabilities, he said.

"The proposed scholarships, fee concessions, and admission support ... represent much more than an institutional arrangement. They represent a shared recognition that those who serve the nation should know that their families are valued and supported," he said.

Under the proposed collaboration, the Coast Guard would also facilitate visits by university students to its ships and operational units, providing exposure to maritime engineering, advanced machinery and strategic operations. Campus outreach programmes would seek to familiarise students with the ethos of uniformed services.

Sivamani was conferred an honorary Doctor of Literature (D.Litt.) degree by the university in recognition of his contributions to maritime security, coastal defence and national preparedness.

Accepting the honour, Sivamani said he regarded it not as recognition of an individual but as a tribute to Coast Guard personnel who serve the nation without expecting recognition.