The President also urged the populace to dedicate themselves to achieving Viksit Bharat and using the New Education Policy to make India a knowledge powerhouse.
Skills like data science, AI engineering, and data analytics will be crucial in expanding the nation’s pool of AI expertise, according to President Droupadi Murmu.
President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday, January 1, 2026, described artificial intelligence as a “great potential” for bringing about good change and said that it is crucial to make sure that its advantages reach all societal segments, particularly the disadvantaged.
AI as an Economic Driver
Speaking at a session hosted by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, she said that artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a vital economic development engine for India and would make a substantial contribution to the GDP, employment, and productivity of the nation in the next decades.
The President said that AI should be used to lower technical, social, and economic obstacles.
Data science, AI engineering, and data analytics are among the talents that will be crucial in building the nation’s AI talent pool, she said.
Open Access and Global Ambitions
Open access to AI infrastructure is crucial in India, according to the Principal Scientific Advisor’s white paper.
“India’s economy is starting to flourish thanks to artificial intelligence. India is moving quickly to become the third biggest economy in the world,” she said.
According to Ms. Murmu, AI will have a big impact on the nation’s GDP, job creation, and general productivity in the next decades.
According to her, the government is working with university and business partners to make sure that India not only adopts technology but also uses it to create a responsible future.
Focus on Education and Skill Development
The President urged the populace to dedicate themselves to achieving Viksit Bharat and using the New Education Policy to make India a tech-driven, inclusive, and successful country as well as a knowledge powerhouse.
She emphasized that the government is encouraging the use of AI in classrooms and educating kids for leadership roles in technology.
According to the President, youngsters are learning creative thinking and future-ready abilities via AI laboratories and AI models.
She said that promoting AI learning and innovation on a wide scale is the goal of the Skill the Nation Challenge, which was introduced on the occasion.
Empowering Students and Workforce
The President said that these programs would be crucial in elevating lakhs of students, enhancing their skills, and preparing India’s workforce for the future.
She said that AI is giving society and the economy throughout the world a new direction. According to her, AI is not just a method but also a significant chance to bring about good change for a youthful India.
According to the president, AI should be used to lower technical, social, and economic obstacles. She said in her speech that it is crucial to make sure that its advantages reach all segment of society, particularly the disadvantaged.
Government Initiatives and AI Readiness
She emphasized that in order to position the nation as a worldwide leader in AI, the government is bolstering digital public infrastructure and implementing the India AI Mission.
Speaking at a special event under SOAR—Skilling for AI Readiness, an initiative of the Skill India Mission, was President Murmu.
In order to encourage more young people to participate in future-ready skilling programs, she started the national awareness campaign #SkillTheNation Challenge and awarded Artificial Intelligence (AI) certifications to learners, including students and Members of Parliament.
Additionally, the President electronically opened the IGNOU Regional Center in Rairangpur, which is a major center for improving employability in northern Odisha via training assistance and skill-oriented programs.
Transforming Labor and Skills Across Industries
Across industries, artificial intelligence is changing the nature of labor and skill needs.
