Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday virtually inaugurated the IGNOU Regional Centre and a Skill Centre at Rairangpur in Odisha, a major step towards expanding access to higher education and skill development in the tribal-dominated region.
The inauguration took place during a function at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, where the President also launched the #SkilltheNation Challenge, an initiative aimed at preparing India’s workforce for an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven future.
Addressing the gathering, President Murmu said Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping economies and societies worldwide by transforming the way people learn, work, and access modern services. For a young country like India, she said, AI represents not just technological advancement but a powerful opportunity for inclusive and sustainable growth.
Emphasising India’s people-centric approach to technology, the President said AI should empower citizens, promote inclusion, and expand opportunities for all sections of society. She stressed that its use must help bridge social, economic, and technological divides, ensuring benefits reach marginalised and underserved communities.
The President expressed satisfaction over students preparing themselves for a future full of possibilities and urged them to use their knowledge, skills, and technology to serve society, address real-world challenges, and empower others. She also appreciated Members of Parliament who have completed AI learning modules, noting that their efforts reflect leadership through continuous learning.
Highlighting AI’s economic potential, President Murmu said the technology is emerging as a key growth driver for the Indian economy and will significantly contribute to GDP growth, employment generation, and productivity in the coming decade. She underscored the importance of skills such as data science, AI engineering, and data analytics in strengthening India’s AI talent pool.
She further said the government, in collaboration with institutions, industry partners, and academia, is working to ensure that India not only adopts new technologies but also plays a role in shaping a responsible and ethical technological future. Calling for collective commitment, the President urged all stakeholders to work together to build a developed India and make the country a global knowledge superpower in line with the National Education Policy.
The event was organised by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to equip India’s workforce with future-ready skills for an AI-driven economy.