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@article{194048,
        author = {Dr. Narendra Jagannath Salunke},
        title = {Tradition to Transformation: Exploring AI Companions as Social Innovation in the Indian Context},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {10},
        pages = {3148-3154},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=194048},
        abstract = {India is undergoing a profound social and digital transformation, where traditional systems of emotional support rooted in family, community, and interpersonal relationships are increasingly intersecting with intelligent technologies. Among these, AI companions have emerged as a novel form of social innovation, offering conversational and emotional engagement to users. This paper explores the rise of AI companions in the Indian context through an analysis of secondary data drawn from academic studies, industry reports, and national surveys. The study examines patterns of adoption, user perceptions, and socio-cultural implications associated with emotional AI systems. By situating AI companionship within the broader theme of “Tradition to Transformation,” the paper highlights how such technologies both complement and challenge indigenous social structures. The analysis reveals opportunities related to accessibility and emotional support, alongside risks such as dependency and social substitution. The paper contributes to management and social innovation literature by contextualizing emotional AI within India’s unique cultural landscape and by offering a conceptual foundation for future empirical research.},
        keywords = {Tradition to Transformation, AI Companions, Social Innovation, Digital Transformation, Emotional Artificial Intelligence.},
        month = {March},
        }