Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, economies, and societies at an unprecedented pace. From healthcare to agriculture, education to governance, AI’s potential to address complex challenges is immense. However, the efficacy of AI systems hinges on one critical factor: the quality and relevance of the datasets used to train them. For a country as diverse and dynamic as India—home to 1.4 billion people, 22 official languages, and a mosaic of cultures, climates, and socioeconomic conditions—generic, globally sourced datasets often fall short. To unlock AI’s true potential in India, there is an urgent need for datasets that reflect the nation’s unique demography. This article explores why such datasets are essential, supported by facts, figures, and real-world examples...