New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday virtually inaugurated the IGNOU Regional Centre and Skill Centre at Rairangpur, which will serve as a key hub for northern Odisha, enhancing employability through skill-oriented programmes and training.
The inauguration took place during a special programme under SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness), an initiative of the Skill India Mission, where she also launched the nationwide #SkillTheNation Challenge to boost youth participation in AI and future-ready skills.
Speaking at the event held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, President Murmu highlighted AI’s transformative role in reshaping global economies and societie
s. “Artificial intelligence is emerging as a growth driver for India’s economy. India is rapidly progressing towards becoming the world’s third largest economy. In the coming decades, AI will play a significant role in contributing towards the country’s GDP, job-creation, and overall productivity,” she said.
Murmu noted that the government, in collaboration with industry partners and academia, is working to ensure India not only adopts advanced technologies but also shapes a responsible and inclusive future through them. She urged citizens to commit to the vision of Viksit Bharat, transforming the nation into a knowledge superpower and a tech-driven, prosperous society via the New Education Policy.
“Skills such as data science, AI engineering, and data analytics will play an influential role in developing the country’s AI talent pool,” she said.
During the event, President Murmu conferred AI certificates on students, whom she urged to remember that technology, knowledge and skills should be used to serve the society, find solutions to challenges, and empower others.