17-04-2026:Address by the Hon’ble Governor at the State-Level Dialogue Program on “Impact of AI on Education”

Jai Hind!

Today, we have gathered at this sacred land of Devbhoomi, a center of knowledge—where for centuries sages and scholars have regarded knowledge as the ultimate goal of life. In such a divine environment, today’s dialogue is not merely a discussion about technology, but a historic opportunity to determine the future direction of Uttarakhand and our great nation.

Today, we stand at a decisive turning point, where the future is not just a possibility but a responsibility before us. Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant concept; it is a powerful reality of our present. It is continuously redefining our decisions, systems, and ways of accessing knowledge.

The biggest question today is not whether AI will enter our lives and education, but whether we will remain silent spectators of this transformation or guide it with disciplined, visionary, and responsible leadership.

Uttarakhand is not just a state—it is an idea: of Devbhoomi, of a land of knowledge, of penance and sacrifice. This is the same land that has taught us the balance between spirituality and science, tradition and progress. Today, we must combine this balance with modern technology to lay the foundation of a new educational revolution.

Esteemed scholars,

We must understand that education is fundamentally different from all other sectors. Mistakes in industry or technology can be corrected, but even a small error in education can impact generations. Therefore, we must proceed with utmost awareness, sensitivity, and seriousness.

We must link AI with the national vision of “Developed India 2047.” If we aim to build a self-reliant, strong, and knowledge-based India, the foundation will be our education system. I can confidently say that AI-enabled students will be the architects of the nation’s future.

I firmly believe that Uttarakhand has the full potential to become an “AI-Enabled Education Model State.” We can develop a model that guides the entire country. For this, we need clear policies, strong implementation, and continuous evaluation.

Respected colleagues,

First, we must understand that the core of education lies in how we teach, not through what medium we teach. If our teaching methods are weak, technology will only amplify those weaknesses. Digitizing flawed teaching will only promote flawed learning.

Therefore, before adopting AI, we must strengthen our teaching methods, curriculum, and learning processes. AI acts as a catalyst—it can make the good excellent, but it cannot strengthen a weak foundation. Technology must remain a tool, not the goal. In the 21st century, the most successful education systems will be those that keep technology as a tool and teachers at the center.

A common question arises: will AI replace teachers? My answer is clear—No. A teacher is not just a transmitter of knowledge but a guide, motivator, and builder of character.

“Teacher + AI = Better Learning Outcomes” should be our guiding principle. AI can empower teachers, provide analytical strength, and reduce administrative burden. But only a teacher can understand a student’s curiosity, emotions, and connect them with life values. Therefore, AI must be a collaborator, not a replacement.

Attraction toward technology is natural, but restraint is essential in education. Our classrooms are not laboratories where every new technology should be implemented without testing. We must follow the principle of “Pilot → Evaluate → Scale.” This ensures that every initiative is effective and beneficial for students.

Today, we have no shortage of data—but data becomes meaningful only when it leads to decisions and improvements. AI gives us the ability to identify learning gaps, recognize students who are falling behind, and determine necessary interventions. If used properly, we can build a self-improving education system.

Respected educators,

First, we must ensure that quality education reaches remote and mountainous regions of Uttarakhand. The true success of AI will be when a student in a border village of Pithoragarh or the hills of Chamoli receives the same opportunities as a student in a metropolitan city. For this, we must eliminate the digital divide and make technology inclusive.

AI also provides an opportunity to break language barriers. When students learn science and technology in their mother tongues—Hindi, Garhwali, and Kumaoni—education becomes truly effective and inclusive.

AI also opens doors for personalized learning. Every child is unique. Through AI, we can provide education according to individual pace and interest, boosting both confidence and learning quality.

We must also focus on the ethical use of AI. Ensuring data security, transparency, and privacy of children is our responsibility. At the same time, we must develop critical thinking in students—so they use AI not just to get answers, but to ask the right questions.

Evaluation methods in education must also evolve. AI-based assessments can move us away from rote learning toward skill-based, creative, and analytical evaluation systems.

Esteemed colleagues,

The use of AI should not be limited to classrooms. It must be integrated with skill development, startups, entrepreneurship, and employment. Our youth should not just seek jobs but create opportunities.

Remember: AI will not replace you, but those who know how to use AI will lead the future.

Public-private partnerships will play a crucial role in this journey. Collaboration between industry, startups, and educational institutions can create a strong innovation ecosystem.

On this occasion, I would like to express my special gratitude to Shri Vineet Nayar, Founder-Chairman of Sampark Foundation. Your two decades of work in education have proven that keeping teachers at the center can bring transformative change.

Sampark Foundation has reached millions of children, thousands of schools, and teachers, making commendable contributions to education. With an investment of ₹36 crore and a target of 10,000 smart classrooms, this initiative reflects strong commitment to Uttarakhand.

Friends,

Our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of “Developed India 2047” passes through our classrooms. If we want India to become a “Vishwaguru” by 2047, we must make our education system AI-powered today—while adapting technology to our cultural values.

Finally, we must remember that the purpose of education is not just to impart knowledge, but to build life. Technology is like soil and education is like a seed—if both are balanced, the tree of the future will certainly bear fruit.

Let AI be our strength and values be our identity. With this balance, we will achieve the goal of a developed India.

Always remember: “Nation First” is our guiding principle. Every innovation, every effort, and every classroom must contribute to building a developed India.

Let us all take a pledge to make Devbhoomi Uttarakhand AI-literate and develop an education system that is modern yet rooted in our timeless traditions.

With this belief and resolve, I conclude my speech.

Vande Mataram! Jai Hind!