31-07-2026 : ‘AI-for-All’ Initiative Launched for Students of Higher Educational Institutions in Uttarakhand

Publish Date : July 31, 2026

Lok Bhavan Uttarakhand-Information Wing
Press Note

‘AI-for-All’ Initiative Launched for Students of Higher Educational Institutions in Uttarakhand

Students to Gain Access to Employment-Oriented AI Courses through Collaboration between Doon University, IIT Madras, Pravartak Technologies Foundation, and SWAYAM Plus

Lok Bhavan Dehradun 31 July, 2026

To provide quality and employment-oriented education in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to students of higher educational institutions in Uttarakhand, the ‘AI-for-All’ initiative was launched today. The initiative was inaugurated by Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.) at a programme held at Lok Bhavan. On the occasion, Padma Shri Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, and Prof. Surekha Dangwal, Vice-Chancellor of Doon University, signed and exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalizing the collaboration.

The ‘AI-for-All’ initiative will be jointly implemented by Doon University, IIT Madras, Pravartak Technologies Foundation, and SWAYAM Plus. In its first phase, students from universities and colleges across Uttarakhand will have access to several cutting-edge AI courses offered through SWAYAM Plus and the IIT Madras–Pravartak Technologies Foundation.

Speaking at the launch, the Governor said that the initiative is not merely the introduction of new courses but the beginning of a new era that connects Uttarakhand’s higher education system with Artificial Intelligence, innovation, and a globally knowledge-driven future. He added that ‘AI-for-All’ would accelerate the vision of Viksit Uttarakhand and Viksit Bharat, inspiring the state’s youth not only to become consumers of future technologies but also their creators.

The Governor appreciated the collaboration among Doon University, IIT Madras, Pravartak Technologies Foundation, and SWAYAM Plus, describing it as a historic partnership that will connect Uttarakhand’s youth with the country’s finest knowledge resources and set new benchmarks in higher education.

He further stated that the initiative would enable students from the state’s remote districts to access the same quality of education available at India’s leading institutions. Digital education, he noted, has eliminated geographical barriers, and talent will now be recognized based on capability, hard work, and innovation rather than location.

Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, explained that SWAYAM Plus is an initiative of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, being implemented nationwide by IIT Madras. It is designed to provide learners across the country with high-quality, employment-oriented learning opportunities.

Prof. Surekha Dangwal, Vice-Chancellor of Doon University, expressed her delight over the launch of the initiative and the presence of Padma Shri Prof. V. Kamakoti. She described him as an award-winning academic leader and one of India’s most respected institution builders, whose dedication is focused on the nation’s progress and development. She also noted that IIT Madras has consistently secured the top position in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings for several consecutive years.

Prof. R. Sarathi, National Convener of SWAYAM Plus, announced that Doon University will serve as the nodal partner of IIT Madras for the state of Uttarakhand. He added that students in Uttarakhand will receive academic support through SWAYAM Plus and the Pravartak Technologies Foundation.

The event was attended by Mr. Kaushal Kishore Shukla (Legal Advisor), Prof. Tripta Thakur (Vice-Chancellor, Uttarakhand Technical University), Prof. Ambarish Kumar Mahajan (Vice-Chancellor, Shri Dev Suman Uttarakhand University), Dr. Harendra Singh Bisht (Director, CSIR–Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun), Dakshinamurthy V. (Head, PMU, SWAYAM Plus), Mr. Ramu Govindan (Chief Human Resources Officer, IIT Madras–Pravartak Technologies Foundation), Mr. Durgesh Dimri (Registrar, Doon University), along with deans, heads of various schools and departments of Doon University, and other distinguished guests.
.……0…….