Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI and the face behind the viral AI tool ChatGPT, recently visited India and has been making headlines since then. From meeting with PM Narendra Modi to openly expressing his lack of trust in ChatGPT’s answers, Altman’s India visit has been eventful. However, his comment on India’s ability to create something like ChatGPT has received criticism. Altman clarified his stance on Twitter, stating that his comment was taken out of context and that he was asked the wrong question. Despite this, some netizens still believe that Altman’s statement was inappropriate. Here is a summary of the story in five points:
1. Altman was attending an event in New Delhi where Rajan Anandan, the former head of Google India, asked for his guidance on how India could create something like ChatGPT.
2. Altman responded by stating that while one could try, building such a thing in India would be pretty hopeless. The OpenAI CEO explained that it is entirely hopeless for Indian businesses to compete with them on training foundation models, and Anandan responded positively, saying that Indian entrepreneurs should never be underestimated.
3. Altman’s response garnered criticism on social media, with some users saying that he was arrogant and underestimating Indian entrepreneurs.
4. Tech Mahindra CEO, CP Gurnani, took Altman’s statement as a challenge and wrote on Twitter, OpenAI founder Sam Altman said it’s pretty hopeless for Indian companies to try and compete with them. Dear Sam Altman, from one CEO to another.. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.
5. Altman then responded on Twitter, stating that his response was taken out of context, and he was asked the wrong question. The OpenAI CEO added that the right question is what a startup can do that’s never been done before, that will contribute a new thing to the world.
In conclusion, while Altman’s statement did receive criticism, his response shows that he meant no disrespect towards Indian entrepreneurs, and he believes that Indian startups can and will contribute to the world in their unique way.
