new delhi
The Center for Policy Research and Governance (CPRG) held a pre-summit roundtable titled 'AI in Publishing' in New Delhi, which was one of the official preparatory dialogues for the 2026 India AI Impact Summit.
The event brought together publishers, academics and experts from the media and technology sector to discuss the rapid transformation underway in India's publishing ecosystem. Discussions focused on changing reading habits, the increasing influence of digital platforms, and the expanding use of artificial intelligence across publishing workflows.
During the session, CPRG released its latest survey 'Youth Audience Survey: Patterns and Preferences' in the presence of BJP National Organizer V. Satish Ji. This research provides data-backed insights into how young readers access content, format preferences, and evolving engagement with books and digital materials.
Speaking at the gathering, CPRG Director Dr. Ramanand said the publishing industry is experiencing both technological and social changes. 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 highlighted that new professional roles are emerging, even as traditional editorial jobs face disruption, and stressed the need for serious conversations about employment issues across the publishing industry and related sectors.
Professor KG Suresh said the dialogue aims to foster open discussion rather than fear. He said AI could act as an enabler if used responsibly, especially in areas such as self-publishing, drawing on earlier developments in technology. He warned that editors' responsibility and awareness of students' over-reliance on technology must continue to be prioritized.
Prabhat Kumar, Director, Prabhat Prakashan, pointed out that with the growing use of AI in design and production, safeguards are needed to ensure that technology complements human creativity rather than replacing it.
The discussion was also attended by AI4India co-founders Alok Agarwal and Sishi Shekhar Venpati, as well as representatives from academia and the publishing industry. Participants broadly agreed that AI has become essential in publishing, but emphasized that originality, critical thinking, and human judgment remain essential.
While recognizing the potential of AI in areas such as translation and workflow efficiency, speakers raised concerns about academic integrity, authorship, quality control, plagiarism and abuse, and emphasized the importance of continued human oversight.
The roundtable was held as part of CPRG's Future of Society initiative, which explores the social and economic impacts of emerging technologies. This is also one of several initiatives taking place ahead of the 2026 India AI Impact Summit.
In recent months, CPRG has hosted several international dialogues on AI, inclusion, and employment, including sessions in Geneva and Brussels. The organization was also the only Indian NGO to convene an official side event at the Paris AI Action Summit 2025 and its work was recognized on global platforms such as the Belgrade GPAI Summit 2024.
CPRG previously hosted 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 these efforts and strengthen its focus on inclusive and forward-looking technology governance in the lead-up to the 2026 summit.
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The Center for Policy Research and Governance is an ICSSR-accredited policy research institute that advocates for participatory and responsive policymaking, and has emerged as a leading voice in the technology policy debate through its Future of Society program.
