"It was a wonderful experience interacting with you and appreciate the way you have planned and executed the whole publication process within the agreed timelines.”
Subrat SaurabhAuthor of Kuch Woh Pal
Shillong, a city where tradition and modernity intertwine, finds itself transformed by AI in 2030. From predictive farming in rural areas to AI-driven tourism, technology reshapes daily life, sparking both awe and frustration. For every AI marvel, there’s an inevitable “Aiyoo!”—a Khasi exclamation of surprise, humor, or dismay, capturing the city's mixed reactions to progress.
Shillong 2030: AI and Aiyoo ! presents 21 stories exploring AI’s impact on culture, identity, and human connection. Through humor and introspection, these tales reveal how a society rich in storytelling, spirituality, and ecological wisdom adapts to impersonal algorithms. A musician’s AI misinterprets Khasi traditions, an elder questions a chatbot’s grasp of folklore, and an AI farming advisory sparks both revolution and confusion—each scenario reflecting the delicate dance between technology and tradition.
Beyond AI’s successes and failures, this book is about people—their resilience, adaptability, and ability to weave technology into the fabric of their values. While rooted in Shillong, its themes resonate globally, prompting reflection on how societies everywhere navigate AI’s promise and peril.
Welcome to Shillong 2030: AI and Aiyoo ! —a journey through a city, a technology, and the countless ways they shape each other.
John Elijah Gomar, Mawphniang Napoleon, Prakram Sehgal
John Elijah Gomar, Mawphniang Napoleon and Prakram Sehgal are visionary leaders whose expertise spans technology, philosophy, law, AI, and entrepreneurship.
John Elijah Gomar, a technocrat, philosopher, entrepreneur, and creative polymath, is finalizing his PhD in the Philosophy of AI. With degrees from NEHU and IIT Guwahati, he integrates technology and design in groundbreaking ways. As the CEO of Xeality Technologies and SproutUp Incubation Council, he pioneers AI-driven innovation and startup mentorship. A musician and storyteller, John also explores non-financial assets, helping individuals unlock hidden value. Known as the "Rated R Philosopher-Designer," he blends pragmatic philosophy with technological strategy to shape the digital future.
Mawphniang Napoleon, a lawyer, humanist, AI policymaker, and ethicist, is deeply committed to ethical AI integration. Hailing from Syadheh, Meghalaya, he blends legal expertise with a poetic soul, writing books that explore human nature. His role in Xeality and SproutUp strengthens their vision, as he ensures AI’s development aligns with fairness and societal well-being. His adventurous, philosophical approach enriches his contributions to law, technology, and literature.
Prakram Sehgal, an engineer, philosopher, and adventurer, holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Chemical Engineering. His journey of discovery led him to co-found Xeality Technologies and SproutUp with John, driven by shared interests in AI, finance, and design. A lifelong gamer and nature enthusiast, Prakram sees patterns in both digital and natural worlds, guiding his balanced approach to technological advancement. He combines technical mastery with a reflective outlook, ensuring that AI harmonizes with human life.
Together, John, Mawphniang and Prakram form a dynamic force shaping AI, startups, and ethical innovation. Their work bridges philosophy, technology, and human values, driving transformative change in the digital age.
