Interview with Dr Sushamoy Chatterji

Title: The AI Handbook: A Guide for Curious Minds

Author: Dr Sushamoy Chatterji

ISBN: 9789373359182

Publisher: Evincepub Publishing

About the author: Dr Sushamoy Chatterji is a retired Principal Scientist from ICAR-National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS&LUP), where he served for more than 34 years. Throughout his distinguished career, he worked extensively on various aspects of pedology, soil resource assessment, and agricultural land use planning, contributing to the advancement of sustainable rural farming systems in India.

Before joining ICAR-NBSS&LUP, Dr Chatterji began his research journey as a Project Assistant at the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata, in late 1980. It was there that he first interacted with the Department of Artificial Intelligence, gaining valuable insights into the emerging concepts and applications of Al. These early interactions inspired him to later integrate Al methodologies such as fuzzy logic into agricultural research and land use planning, long before Al became a mainstream scientific tool.

Bridging traditional agricultural science with modern computational intelligence, Dr. Chatterji consistently championed interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving. The Al Handbook: A Guide for Curious Minds reflects his lifelong commitment to exploring how technology, when guided by human insight and ethical purpose, can enhance understanding, innovation, and sustainable development.

Question – What inspired you to write The AI Handbook: A Guide for Curious Minds?

Answer – I have always been curious about how science evolves. When I first came across Artificial Intelligence, I realized it was going to change every field, from agriculture to education. I wanted to write something that explains AI in a simple way, so that even non-technical readers can understand it and feel confident to explore it.

Question – You have spent more than three decades in agricultural science. How did your journey lead you towards Artificial Intelligence?

Answer – During my early years at the Indian Statistical Institute, I had the chance to meet experts from the AI department. Their ideas stayed with me. Later, while working in land use planning, I saw how tools like fuzzy logic and machine learning could help make better decisions for farmers. That experience connected agriculture and AI in my mind.

Question – What was the main idea or message you wanted to share through this book?

Answer – My main message is that AI is not just about machines, it’s about people. It should be used to make life better, not more complicated. I want readers to see AI as a helpful partner that can improve education, health, environment, and daily life.

Question – Many people think AI is difficult to understand. How did you make it simple for general readers?

Answer – I used simple examples from everyday life, like farming, healthcare, or online shopping, to explain how AI works. I avoided heavy technical terms and tried to tell the story of AI in plain language. My goal was to make readers feel comfortable, not confused.

Question – According to you, what is the biggest myth people have about Artificial Intelligence?

Answer – Many people think AI will replace humans completely. But that’s not true. AI is a tool, it depends on how we use it. It can make our work easier and faster, but it cannot replace human creativity, emotions, or ethics.

Question – Can you tell us about the process of writing this book? How long did it take you to complete it?

Answer – The book took a little over a year to complete. I began by collecting notes, reading research papers, and following how AI was growing in different fields. The writing part took several months, as I wanted to make sure every concept was explained in simple words.

Question – How was your experience of connecting science, ethics, and humanity while writing this book?

Answer – It was a very meaningful experience. Science gives us power, but ethics teaches us how to use that power wisely. I wanted to remind readers that technology must serve human values, compassion, honesty, and fairness.

Question – In your view, how can AI help in improving the lives of ordinary people in India?

Answer – AI can help farmers plan better crops, help doctors detect diseases early, and help teachers reach students in remote areas. It can also make government services faster and more transparent. Used wisely, AI can make daily life smoother and more efficient.

Question – The book also talks about the ethical side of AI. Why do you think it is important to discuss this today?

Answer – Because AI is becoming part of everything, from banking to healthcare. If we don’t think about ethics, we may create systems that are unfair or unsafe. We need to make sure AI respects human rights and is used for good purposes only.

Question – Which chapter or part of the book is most special to you, and why?

Answer – I think the chapter on Ethics and the Human Side of AI is closest to my heart. It reminds us that technology should not control us, we should control it. That message, I believe, is very important for our future.

Question – How do you see the role of AI in the fields of education and agriculture in the coming years?

Answer – In education, AI can personalize learning for each student. In agriculture, it can help farmers predict rainfall, monitor soil health, and increase productivity. Both fields can benefit greatly if we combine human wisdom with machine intelligence.

Question – What do you think young readers and students can learn from The AI Handbook?

Answer – I hope they learn to be curious and open-minded. AI is not something to fear, it’s something to understand and shape responsibly. With curiosity and ethics, young minds can do amazing things with technology.

Question – Was there any challenge you faced while writing about a technical subject for common readers?

Answer – Yes, the biggest challenge was simplifying without losing accuracy. AI has many complex ideas, but I wanted to explain them in everyday language. That balance took time, but it was worth it.

Question – What advice would you like to give to people who are curious but afraid to learn about Artificial Intelligence?

Answer – Start small. Watch simple videos, read beginner-friendly articles, or try talking to an AI chatbot. You don’t need to be a scientist to understand AI, just curious. Curiosity is the first step toward learning.

Question – What message would you like to give to your readers and future generations about using technology wisely?

Answer – Use technology to solve problems, not to create new ones. Let it make your life better, but don’t let it control you. Always keep human values, kindness, honesty, and respect, at the center of everything you do.