India celebrates AI Appreciation Day today: Here's what industry leaders are saying

July 16 heralds AI Appreciation Day, a moment not just for reflection but for recognizing the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the business landscape. While it may seem like a playful nod to AI's capabilities—like generating text faster than a human—a deeper significance lies beneath. This year’s observance signals a pivotal shift for Indian industries as they transition from mere concepts to tangible, hybrid AI deployments. As Amit Luthra, Managing Director of Lenovo ISG India, notes, "AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s a business-critical imperative today." However, many Indian companies remain hesitant to fully embrace cloud solutions. According to Lenovo’s CIO Playbook 2025, 63% of businesses still lean towards hybrid or on-premises configurations for their AI workloads. Concerns over latency, privacy, and budget constraints are significant factors in this decision. Luthra reveals that nearly half of the enterprises are still in the planning or evaluation phases, indicating a cautious approach to AI integration. The sentiment is shifting, though, as organizations begin to recognize the necessity of robust infrastructure. Venkat Sitaram from Dell Technologies India emphasizes that "AI has become a strategic cornerstone." Indian firms are now deploying AI technologies across sectors like manufacturing, banking, financial services, and healthcare, but they require comprehensive infrastructure that supports edge, core, and cloud solutions. Chris Koehler, CMO of Twilio, provides insight into the marketing sector’s evolution, noting, "The future of marketing isn’t AI versus human. It’s AI plus human." His team utilizes AI to efficiently manage leads and support requests, yet he insists that the emotional connection remains vital. Twilio's research indicates that while 88% of consumers disengage from irrelevant marketing, 79% are more inclined to spend when they receive a personalized experience. This highlights the need for AI to go beyond surface-level interactions and understand customer behavior deeply. Deloitte’s Saurabh Kumar advocates for purposeful AI use, stating, "Operational excellence is just the beginning; inclusive intelligence is the destination." This perspective underscores the importance of using AI not just for efficiency, but to empower individuals and enhance decision-making. So, does AI appreciate its human counterparts? While AI is not sentient, if it were, it might request enhanced GPUs and clearer datasets. On this AI Appreciation Day, Indian enterprises are urged to mature in their approach to AI, advocating for intelligent scaling and responsible development. The trajectory is clear: a hybrid-first mindset, a human-in-the-loop approach, and a focus on results will define the future of AI integration.