APRIL 2025 NEWSLETTER

SOURISH CHOUDHURY | Published on 5/7/2025

IN THIS EDITION

MONTHLY OPEN MEETING
ANNUAL MEETING IN CALGARY
HOW EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IS ESSENTIAL
MINDWELL CLUB IN BAS - INTERACT CLUB
AI IN MENTAL HEALTH - AN ADVOCATE’S JOURNEY
QUIZING

Connect with members globally during the monthly Open Meeting. The April meeting is on Saturday May 10 from 9 AM until 10 AM (New York time). Enter Zoom meeting 834 0892 3476 and Passcode 394366 or Click Here . The Open Meeting occurs on the second Saturday each month except June, when we meet in person at the Rotary International Convention !

REGISTRATION FOR ANNUAL MEETING IN CALGARY

Please Register for the annual meeting in Calgary using the following link :

https://forms.gle/6RKhxiBeo8cZ3Umu9

HOW EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IS ESSENTIAL TO MANAGE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

- Sourish Choudhury, Director RAGMHI

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, revolutionizing workflows, and redefining the nature of human work. While AI excels in processing massive amounts of data, performing repetitive tasks, and making predictive analyses, it lacks one crucial human element: emotion. This is where Emotional Intelligence (EI) steps in - not just as a human strength, but as a critical competency to guide, manage, and ethically integrate AI into our lives and workspaces.

Why EI Matters in the Age of AI

1. Making Ethical Decisions with Empathy

AI can follow rules and optimize outcomes, but it cannot weigh moral dilemmas or empathize with human suffering. For example, in sectors like healthcare, law enforcement, or finance, deploying AI without empathetic oversight can lead to biased or harmful decisions. Emotional intelligence enables professionals to ensure that AI applications remain aligned with human values, ethics, and fairness.

Example: An emotionally intelligent HR manager would question an AI hiring tool that appears to disadvantage certain groups, even if the data suggests it's more "efficient."

2. Leading in an AI-Powered Workplace

EI is vital for leaders navigating AI disruptions. They must manage uncertainty, maintain morale, and communicate vision clearly. Emotionally intelligent leaders inspire confidence, foster collaboration, and nurture resilience in their teams-qualities that are irreplaceable by code or algorithms.

EI-focused leadership behavior: Instead of just announcing new AI software adoption, a leader listens to team concerns, offers support during retraining, and celebrates small wins to keep motivation high.

The Rise of “Emotionally Intelligent AI”

There is also growing interest in making AI systems emotionally aware, especially in customer service, mental health support, and education. But ironically, building such AI still depends on humans with high EI. Why?

Because emotional intelligence is not just data—it’s deeply contextual, cultural, and intuitive. Designing emotionally responsive AI systems requires input from professionals who can interpret complex emotional cues and guide ethical programming.

Education and Workforce Implications

The integration of EI training in schools, universities, and workplaces is more urgent than ever. As technical skills become easier to automate, human-centric skills like empathy, communication, and emotional regulation will be the real differentiators. According to the World Economic Forum, emotional intelligence is one of the top 10 skills needed for the future of work. Encouragingly, EI can be learned, practiced, and strengthened over time-making it a key investment area for both individuals and organizations.

Conclusion: Keeping Humanity at the Center of AI

AI may reshape how we work and live, but it cannot replace the emotional wisdom that defines our humanity. As we move forward in this digital age, emotional intelligence is not just “nice to have”- it’s essential.

EI ensures that we don’t just build smart machines, but that we remain wise stewards of how they are used. It empowers us to make ethical choices, lead with compassion, collaborate effectively, and ensure technology serves humanity—not the other way around.

In short, EI is how we make AI truly human-centered.

MINDWELL CLUB IN BAS - INTERACT CLUB

- Susanto Paul, Member, RAGMHI.
DAGMHI 3291 ,KOLKATA, INDIA - 23rd March 2025

Successful Launch of Mindwell Club at Bharat Academy & Sciences (BAS) School !!

In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, we are thrilled to announce the launch of the Mindwell Club at BAS School - a powerful initiative aimed at nurturing emotional and mental well-being among students. This meaningful step was organized by the BAS Interact Club and coordinated by the Rotary Club of Serampore, bringing together purpose, passion, and partnership.

The launch featured two impactful interactive sessions on Emotional Well-being – helping students understand and manage their emotions better and on Financial Literacy – empowering them with knowledge for a secure future.

A special mention to Rtn Krishanu Chattopadhyay for his untiring effort in making this initiative come alive. Your energy and commitment truly stood out! And to Rtn Sourish Choudhury- for his consistent effort to make Mindwell Club a success.

Let’s keep building spaces where young minds thrive !!

AI IN MENTAL HEALTH- AN ADVOCATE’S JOURNEY

- Andrea Bhagwandeen, RAGMHI Member

Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today. Can you start by telling us about your journey with mental health and how artificial intelligence (AI) played a role in your recovery?

Advocate: Thank you for having me. My journey began in my early twenties. I was diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression, which left me feeling isolated and hopeless. Traditional therapies and medications helped to some extent, but I still struggled to manage my symptoms. It wasn’t until I was introduced to an AI-based mental health app that I began seeing real progress. The app used machine learning algorithms to tailor cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) exercises to my specific needs, and provided real-time feedback and support. Over time, I noticed a significant improvement in my mood and overall well-being.

Interviewer: That’s incredible. How did AI personalize your care?

Advocate: Absolutely. The AI system analyzed my input—things like my mood, sleep patterns, and daily activities—and used that data to create a personalized treatment plan. It adapted in real-time, offering exercises and coping strategies that were most effective for me. This level of personalization is something that traditional therapy often struggles to achieve due to time constraints, limitations of human memory, and bias. As Stuart J. Russell, a leading AI researcher, says in his book ‘Human Compatible: Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control’, AI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by providing highly personalised and adaptive interventions (Russell, 2019).

Interviewer: That sounds promising, but what about ethical concerns?

Advocate: Ethical concerns are absolutely valid and must be addressed. Shannon Vallor, a philosopher who specializes in the ethics of emerging technologies, emphasizes the importance of designing AI systems that respect human dignity and autonomy (Vallor, 2016). In context, this means ensuring that AI tools are used to augment, not replace, human care. For example, while AI can provide valuable support, it should not be seen as a substitute for the empathy and understanding that only a human therapist can offer. Additionally, we must be ever vigilant about data privacy and security. Munmun de Choudhury, a researcher in the field of computational social science, has highlighted the risks of using sensitive mental health data without proper safeguards (de Choudhury, 2017). We need robust regulations to protect users’ privacy and
ensure that AI is used responsibly.

Interviewer: You mentioned the importance of human empathy in mental health care. How do you reconcile that with the use of AI, which is often seen as cold and impersonal?

Advocate: While it’s true that AI lacks the emotional depth of a human therapist, it can still add value in mental health care. For instance, AI can help bridge the gap for people who may not have access to traditional therapy due to financial or geographical constraints. It can also provide immediate support during moments of crisis, when a human therapist may be unavailable. However, as Immanuel Kant argued in ‘Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals’, we must always treat individuals as ends in themselves, not merely as means to an end (Kant, 1785). In other words, AI should be used to empower individuals and enhance their well-being, not to exploit or manipulate them.

Interviewer: You’ve spoken a lot about the potential benefits of AI in mental health care. Are there any specific examples or studies that support your perspective?

Advocate: Yes, several studies highlight the potential of AI in mental health care. For example, John H. Krystal, a leading psychiatrist and neuroscientist discussed the use of AI to identify biomarkers for mental health conditions which could lead to more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatments (Krystal, 2019). Additionally, research by Munmun de Choudhury shows that AI can analyze social media data to detect early signs of mental health issues, allowing for timely interventions (de Choudhury, 2017). These studies demonstrate the potential of AI to transform mental health care, but also underscore the need for responsible use.

Interviewer: You’ve mentioned the need for responsible use of AI. What does that look like practically?

Advocate: Responsible use of AI in mental health care involves several key principles. First, we must ensure that AI tools are transparent and explainable. Users should understand how the AI system works and how it arrives at its recommendations. Second, we need to prioritize data privacy and security. This means implementing strong encryption and anonymization techniques to protect users’ sensitive information. Third, we must ensure that AI tools are accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status. Finally, we need to involve mental health professionals in the development and deployment of AI tools to ensure that they are clinically valid and ethically sound.

Interviewer: How can AI address cultural barriers?

Advocate: Certainly. The cultural perspective is crucial because it highlights the social factors that influence mental health. For example, in many West Indian communities, mental illness is stigmatized, which can prevent people from seeking help. AI has potential to overcome some of these barriers by providing discreet and accessible mental health support. We must be mindful of cultural differences and ensure that AI tools are culturally sensitive and inclusive. For example, AI systems should be designed to recognize and respect the unique ways in which mental health is understood and expressed in different cultures.

Interviewer: That’s a very important point. How do you see the future of AI in mental health care, and what role do you hope to play in shaping that future?

Advocate: I believe AI has the potential to revolutionize mental health care, but only if we use it responsibly and ethically. My goal is to advocate for policies and practices that prioritise the well- being of individuals and ensure that AI is used to enhance, not replace, human care. I also hope to raise awareness about the potential of AI to overcome barriers to mental health care, particularly in underserved communities. By collaborating, we can create a future where AI is a powerful tool for promoting mental health and well-being.

Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your story and insights. It’s clear that you’re passionate about this issue, and your perspective is invaluable. Do you have any final thoughts or advice for our readers?

Advocate: My final thought is: mental health is a fundamental aspect of our overall well-being, and we must do everything we can to support it. AI has the potential to be a powerful ally in this effort, but it’s up to us to ensure that it is used responsibly and ethically. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, don’t hesitate to seek help—whether it’s from a human therapist, an AI tool, or both. And if you’re interested in the intersection of AI and mental
health, I encourage you to get involved in the conversation and advocate for policies that prioritize the well-being of all individuals.

Interviewer: Thank you again for joining us today. Your story is a testament to the power of resilience and innovation, and we wish you all the best in your advocacy work.

Advocate: Thank you. It’s truly been a pleasure.

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