President Droupadi Murmu stated on Thursday that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a significant opportunity to bring about positive change. She emphasized the necessity of ensuring its benefits reach all sections of society, especially the underprivileged.

The President was addressing a program organized by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. She said AI is emerging as a crucial role in advancing India’s economy and will make a substantial contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employment, and productivity in the coming decades.

She stated that AI should be used to reduce social, economic, and technological barriers. The President called upon citizens to work towards the goal of a developed India through the New Education Policy and to transform India into a knowledge superpower and a technology-based inclusive and prosperous nation.

She said the aim of the Skill the Nation Challenge is to promote large-scale AI learning and innovation.

Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is a government body of India, established in November 2014, to coordinate all skill development efforts across the country. Its primary mission is to enhance employability by implementing large-scale vocational training programs, most notably through the flagship “Skill India” initiative, and to promote entrepreneurship as a key driver of economic growth.

New Education Policy

The New Education Policy (NEP) is not a physical place or cultural site, but a comprehensive framework for educational reform in India. Formally approved in 2020, it aims to overhaul the country’s education system by emphasizing holistic, flexible, and multidisciplinary learning from school through higher education. It replaces the previous National Policy on Education from 1986, marking a significant shift towards a more contemporary and globally competitive structure.

Skill the Nation Challenge

“Skill the Nation Challenge” is not a historical place or cultural site, but a modern, large-scale skills competition and festival, typically held in the United Kingdom. It was launched to showcase and celebrate vocational skills, trades, and apprenticeships, aiming to inspire new generations and bridge the skills gap in various industries. The event features live competitions, interactive exhibits, and demonstrations, representing a contemporary cultural movement focused on the value of hands-on expertise.