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Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal criticized LinkedIn for removing his post discussing ‘pronoun illness,’ referring to the platform’s AI as imposing a political ideology on Indian users. Aggarwal expressed concern that the removal of his post was deemed as “unsafe,” highlighting the need for India to develop its own technology and AI to prevent external influences on political objectives. The incident occurred after LinkedIn’s AI description addressed Aggarwal using gender-neutral pronouns, which he argued most Indians are not familiar with and do not support in their culture. Aggarwal raised concerns about the introduction of this concept in Indian schools and corporate culture by multinational companies, urging a reevaluation of blindly following Western trends.

He expressed hope that the concept of “pronoun illness” does not become widespread in India, noting its emergence in certain schools and CVs. Aggarwal highlighted the potential negative impact of blindly adopting Western practices without considering cultural differences. While some social media users supported Aggarwal’s stance on preserving Indian values, others criticized him for being insensitive to gender pronouns. The debate sparked by Aggarwal’s post reflects the ongoing discussions around cultural identity, globalization, and the influence of foreign ideologies on local customs.

In a separate development, Aggarwal recently launched an AI chatbot named Krutrim, which is part of his AI startup of the same name. Krutrim secured $50 million in financing, becoming India’s first startup unicorn in 2024 with Matrix Partners India leading the funding round. The chatbot is designed to understand over 20 Indian languages and generate text in 10 Indian languages, emphasizing its deep roots in Indian values and data. Aggarwal’s initiative to develop AI technology rooted in Indian culture aligns with his mission to promote domestic innovation and independence in the tech industry.

Krutrim’s advanced version, Krutrim Pro, was released earlier this year, offering assistance in multiple Indian languages and English. Aggarwal’s focus on incorporating Indian languages and values into AI technology reflects his commitment to preserving cultural integrity while embracing technological advancements. The success of Krutrim highlights the growing importance of developing homegrown technology solutions that cater to diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, challenging the dominance of Western-centric AI models. Aggarwal’s efforts to promote indigenous innovation in the tech sector contribute to the broader conversation on digital sovereignty and cultural diversity in the age of globalization.

The controversy surrounding Aggarwal’s post on LinkedIn and the subsequent launch of Krutrim underscore the complex dynamics between global platforms, cultural values, and technological innovation in India. Aggarwal’s critique of foreign influences on Indian tech and his emphasis on preserving cultural authenticity reflect larger debates within the country’s tech industry. As India navigates its path towards digital transformation and technological advancement, the tensions between embracing global trends and safeguarding traditional values continue to shape the discourse around innovation and identity in the digital age. Aggarwal’s actions and statements serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a balance between technological progress and cultural heritage in India’s evolving digital landscape.