President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday described Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a “big opportunity” to bring positive change to society, emphasizing the need to ensure its benefits reach all, especially the underprivileged.

Addressing a programme organized by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, she highlighted AI as a key driver of India’s economic growth, with the potential to significantly contribute to GDP, employment, and productivity in the coming decades.

“Artificial intelligence is emerging as a growth driver for India’s economy. India is rapidly progressing towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy,” she said, adding that AI should be harnessed to reduce societal, economic, and technological barriers.

President Murmu stressed the importance of skills such as data science, AI engineering, and data analytics in developing India’s AI talent pool. She noted that government initiatives, in collaboration with industry and academia, aim not only to adopt technology but also to shape a responsible and inclusive future.

The President urged citizens to work towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat, transforming India into a knowledge superpower and tech-driven nation under the New Education Policy. She highlighted government efforts to introduce AI in schools, equipping children with innovative thinking and future-ready skills through AI labs and AI models.

On the occasion, she launched the #SkillTheNation Challenge, part of the Skill the Nation programme, to promote large-scale AI learning and innovation. These initiatives are designed to enhance the capabilities of learners and prepare a future-ready workforce.

Participating in the SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) initiative under the Skill India Mission, the President awarded AI certificates to students and Members of Parliament. She also virtually inaugurated the IGNOU Regional Centre at Rairangpur, which will serve as a key hub in northern Odisha to strengthen employability through skill-oriented training programmes.

President Murmu emphasized that AI is not merely a technology but a transformative opportunity for society and the economy. She reiterated the government’s commitment to building digital public infrastructure and implementing the India AI Mission to establish the country as a global AI leader.

“AI must be utilized to reduce barriers and ensure that its advantages reach all sections of society, particularly the marginalized,” she said, underlining the importance of inclusive growth and technological empowerment.

Artificial intelligence is emerging as a growth driver for India’s economy. India is rapidly progressing towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy

Droupadi Murmu President of India