India, Dec. 27 -- The promise of AI is often framed in terms of productivity, innovation and accelerated growth. Its most meaningful possibility may be simpler: a childhood restored to joy.

There are a lot of stars that would have to align, for AI to take such a positive turn, but the fact that the possibility exists is, frankly, a relief. As a parent and an educator, what excites me most is the possibility that AI could turn classrooms into places of happiness, and turn learning into an enriching experience rather than a prolonged trial.

As things stand, most children spend their most formative years in a system that blunts their distinctive edges on a daily basis and tries to force them all into the same mould. It's a 12-year sentence...