Bhubaneswar: President of India Droupadi Murmu on Thursday virtually inaugurated the IGNOU Regional Centre and Skill Centre at Rairangpur in Odisha, marking a significant step towards expanding access to higher education and skill development in the tribal-dominated region.
The inauguration took place during a function held 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 that Artificial Intelligence is reshaping economies and societies across the world, transforming the way people learn, work, and access modern services. For a young nation like India, she said, AI is not merely a technological advancement but a powerful opportunity for positive and inclusive change.
She emphasised that India’s approach to technology has always focused on empowering people, promoting inclusion, and expanding opportunities for all. The use of AI, she noted, should help bridge social, economic, and technological divides, ensuring that its benefits reach people from all backgrounds, especially those from marginalised and underserved communities.
Expressing happiness over students preparing themselves for a future full of possibilities, the President urged them to use their knowledge, skills, and technology to serve society, solve real-world challenges, and empower others. She also appreciated the Members of Parliament who have completed AI learning modules, stating that by learning emerging technologies themselves, they have set an example of leadership through learning.
President Murmu said that AI is emerging as a key growth driver for the Indian economy and will play a major role in the country’s GDP, employment generation, and overall productivity in the coming decade. She highlighted the importance of skills such as data science, AI engineering, and data analytics in building India’s AI talent pool.
She further stated that the government, in collaboration with institutions, industry partners, and academia, is working to ensure that India not only adopts new technologies but also shapes a responsible and ethical future through them. Calling for collective commitment, the President urged all stakeholders to work together to build a developed India and contribute towards making the country a 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 continued efforts to equip India’s workforce with future-ready skills for an AI-driven economy.
