New Delhi [India]: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized the critical role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of Indian education while speaking at the ‘PadhAI: Conclave on AI in Education’, organized by the Centre of Policy Research and Governance (CPRG) on Wednesday.
Highlighting AI’s growing influence across educational institutions in India, Pradhan said, “Just like the internet, AI has become a basic necessity.” He described AI as both inevitable and essential for the future.
AI as a Catalyst for Empowerment and Innovation
During the event, the Minister pointed out that almost all higher education institutions in India are now actively engaging with AI. He stressed that the increasing accessibility of digital tools has created a “highway of empowerment” for students.
Looking ahead, Pradhan expressed strong confidence in India’s ability to harness AI effectively.
“India’s human intelligence has the power to transform any emerging technology into an indigenous innovation,” he stated.
He also outlined the policy measures needed to prepare the country for technological transformation, including efforts to build mass-scale AI literacy and support AI-driven innovation.
Pradhan acknowledged CPRG’s role in initiating this important policy dialogue, calling the conclave “timely and much-needed.”
Indian Languages Must Have a Role in AI: Chamu Krishna Shastri
Also addressing the conclave, Chamu Krishna Shastri, Chairman of the Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti under the Ministry of Education, stressed the importance of integrating Indian languages into the AI ecosystem.
He noted that AI should be “purposeful and contextual,” urging policymakers to ensure that language diversity is preserved in India’s AI development efforts.
Conclave Highlights the Transformative Role of AI in Education
The two-day PadhAI Conclave gathered policymakers, educators, and technology experts to explore how AI is:
- Expanding learning beyond traditional classrooms
- Transforming higher education landscapes
- Highlighting institutional bottlenecks
About CPRG
The Centre of Policy Research and Governance (CPRG) is a policy think tank recognized by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). Through its ‘Future of Society’ initiative, CPRG has become a key voice in shaping India’s technology and innovation policies.