President Droupadi Murmu launches “Skill the Nation challenge, emphasizing inclusive AI for India’s future.

New Delhi, January 1, 2026: President Droupadi Murmu on January 1, 2026, launched the Skill the Nation Challenge at a ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre.

On the occasion, she also virtually inaugurated the IGNOU Regional Centre and Skill Centre at Rairangpur in Odisha.

President Droupadi Murmu highlighted AI importance for economic growth:

Addressing the gathering, the President Droupadi Murmu said that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping economies and societies across the world, transforming the way people learn, work, access modern services, and address humanity’s most pressing challenges.

For a young nation like India, she said, AI is not merely a technology but a vast opportunity for positive and inclusive change.

The President emphasized that India’s approach to technology has always focused on empowering people, promoting inclusion, and expanding opportunities for all.

President Droupadi Murmu stressed that AI must be used to bridge social, economic, and technological divides, ensuring that its benefits reach people of all backgrounds and age groups, particularly those from underprivileged communities.

Expressing happiness at seeing students preparing themselves for a future full of possibilities, the President urged them to remember that technology, knowledge, and skills should always be used to serve society, solve real-world problems, and empower others.

She also commended the Member of Parliament who completed the AI learning module, stating that by upskilling themselves in emerging technologies, they have set an inspiring example of leadership through learning.

President Droupadi Murmu noted that Artificial Intelligence is emerging as a key driver of India’s economic growth.

In the coming decade, AI will significantly contribute to the country’s GDP, employment generation, and productivity.

She highlighted that skills such as data science, AI engineering, and data analytics will be crucial in building India’s AI talent pool.

She said the government, in collaboration with educational institutions, industry partners, and academia, is ensuring that India not only adopts AI technologies but also builds a responsible and ethical future around them.

President Droupadi Murmu urged people to commit to building a developed India:

Calling for collective effort, she urged all stakeholders to work with commitment towards building a developed India.

In Line with the National Education Policy, the President said India must strive to become a knowledge superpower and build a technology-driven, inclusive, and prosperous nation.

The program, organized by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to prepare India’s workforce for an AI-driven future.

Also Read: President Droupadi Murmu arrives in Ranchi on a three-day visit to Jharkhand.

EOM.