Where Skills meet Vision: President Murmu’s Push for an Inclusive AI Ecosystem

President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu announced Skilling for AI Readiness(SOAR) certificates on learners, including students and Members of Parliament.

In a landmark ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu conferred Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) certificates on learners, including students and Members of Parliament, and launched the #SkillTheNation Challenge, underscoring the nation’s drive toward building a digitally skilled, inclusive, and future-ready artificial intelligence(AI) ecosystem. The event brought together learners from across the country, including 17 select students from PM SHRI Schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas, and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas spanning states such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. In addition, 15 members of Parliament who completed AI learning modules were recognized for their commitment to advancing digital literacy.

President Murmu emphasized that Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a significant catalyst for India’s economic transformation and future growth. Highlighting AI’s potential to contribute to GDP growth, employment generation, and productivity, she reiterated the importance of developing skills in data science, AI engineering and data analytics to build a robust national AI talent pool. Underlying the inclusive nature of the initiative, the President urged that the benefits of AI extend to all sections of society- especially the underprivileged- ensuring that technological progress does not leave anyone behind. She called fir collaborative efforts involving the government, industry partners, academia and civil society to foster responsible and ethical use of AI that bridges social, economic and technological divides.

President Droupadi Murmu said, “Artificial Intelligence is emerging as a growth driver for India’s economy. India is rapidly progressing towards becoming the world’s third largest economy. I am equally delighted that today we are also strengthening the fondations of knowledge and opportunity through the inauguration of the IGNOU Regional Centre and the Skill Centre in Rairangpur, Mayurbhanj, Odisha. These institutions will take quality education, skill training and future-ready learning closer to people, especially in aspirational regions, ensuring that no learner is left behind in this era of technological transformation”.

A central highlight of the programme the #SkillTheNation Challenge, envisioned not just as a government initiative, but a people-led movement encouraging citizens from all walks of life- students, professionals, educators and policymakers- to actively engage in AI learning and innovation. The challenge leverages the Skill India’s Digital Hub’s SOAR platform to faciliate accessible AI education, from introductory modules to advaced skill courses, making it easier for learners nationwide to participate and succeed.

In line with this vision, President Murmu also virtually inaugurated the new IGNOU Regional Centre and skill development hub at Rairangpur Odisha, aimed at expanding access to quality higher education and skill training, particularly benefiting rural, tribal, women and working learners. The centre is expected to strengthen employability and support India’s broader vision of an inclusive, knowledge driven society. The President’s remarks resonated with the government’s long-term goals of positioning India as a global leader in AI, reinforcing that technology must empower people, expand opportunities, and build a resilient, future-ready workforce.

Through initiatives like SOAR and #SkillTheNation challenge, India aspires to harness AI’s transformative potential while nurturing a socially inclusive and ethically while nurturing a socially inclusive and ethically grounded technological ecosystem. With collective resolve and sustained engagement across sectors, the message from Rastrapati Bhavan was clear: the future of AI in India is not just about innovation-it’s about inclusion, opportunity and shared progress.

Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, said: “Our new generation needs to be AI-powered now. India has already demonstrated its strength in the digital space through innovations like UPI and transformative public digital infrastructure. The next leap is ensuring that both our young students and our educators embrace ‘AI for all’, so that learning, teaching and governance all benefit from the power of Artificial Intelligence. I am personally committed to this mission, I will also be undetaking the AI certification, because leaders must learn and lead by example. My heartfelt congratulations on the inauguration of the new IGNOU Regional Centre in Mayurbhanj Odisha. It will play a crucial role in expanding access to education, building future-ready skiils and empowering every learnee to partcipate in an AI-driven India”.