31-07-2026 : Address by the Hon’ble Governor on the Launch of the “AI for All” Courses for Students of Higher Education Institutions in Uttarakhand.

Jai Hind!

Respected Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras; Prof. Surekha Dangwal, Vice Chancellor, Doon University; Prof. R. Sarathi, National Coordinator, SWAYAM Plus; distinguished guests, academicians, faculty members, researchers, and my dear students,

Today marks not merely the launch of the “AI for All” courses, but the beginning of a new era that connects higher education in Uttarakhand with Artificial Intelligence, innovation, and a globally knowledge-driven future.

This pioneering initiative will provide fresh momentum to the vision of a Developed Uttarakhand and a Developed India, inspiring our youth to become not just consumers of future technologies, but creators and innovators who shape them.

I am delighted that, through the initiative of Doon University and the collaborative efforts of IIT Madras, Pravartak Technologies Foundation, and SWAYAM Plus, the “AI for All” courses are being launched for the students of Uttarakhand.

SWAYAM Plus is an important initiative of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, implemented by IIT Madras. Its commendable objective is to make high-quality, industry-relevant, and employment-oriented education accessible to every student in the country. Education becomes truly meaningful only when it nurtures not just knowledge, but also confidence, skills, innovation, and self-reliance.

I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Prof. Surekha Dangwal for her sustained efforts and to Prof. V. Kamakoti for his inspiring support. This partnership is a historic step towards connecting the youth of Uttarakhand with the finest knowledge resources in the country. I am confident that this collaboration will establish new benchmarks in higher education in the years to come.

Dear Friends,

In my view, Artificial Intelligence is not merely a new technology; it is the most transformative force of the 21st century. Just as the Industrial Revolution transformed production and Information Technology connected the world, AI is set to redefine education, healthcare, agriculture, industry, defence, governance, justice, research, and innovation.

I firmly believe that in the years ahead, AI will not only drive technological transformation but will also shape knowledge, the economy, good governance, national security, and human development. The societies that understand AI, embrace it, and use it responsibly and ethically will be the ones that lead the future.

We must also remember that technology derives its true value only when it is guided by human sensitivity, ethics, transparency, and national interest. Technology that serves humanity becomes an instrument of progress; technology used solely as a means of power can create imbalance. Therefore, our approach to AI must remain human-centric, responsible, and dedicated to public welfare.

I firmly believe that AI is not a substitute for human intelligence, but an extension of human capability. Its purpose is not to replace people, but to enhance their creativity, decision-making, productivity, and innovation. We must develop technologies that serve humanity, solve societal challenges, and strengthen the process of nation-building.

The youth of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand are not only talented but also disciplined, hardworking, courageous, and capable of transforming challenges into opportunities. The Himalayas have instilled patience in them, nature has nurtured sensitivity, and our culture has endowed them with enduring values. If these young minds are provided with world-class education and access to cutting-edge technology, they can establish a distinct identity on the global stage.

Uttarakhand is also a strategically important border state. Therefore, developing expertise in advanced technologies such as AI among our youth will significantly contribute to disaster management, border area development, good governance, and national security.

The “AI for All” initiative is a powerful reflection of this visionary approach. It offers AI and Machine Learning with Python, AI for Teachers, and AI-enabled courses across disciplines such as Physics, Chemistry, Accounting, and Engineering. These are not merely academic courses—they are transformative initiatives designed to prepare the next generation for the needs of the future.

I am pleased that through this initiative, our students will also have access to quality education in Data Science, Cybersecurity, FinTech, Semiconductors, Sustainable Development, and other emerging fields.

These sectors are poised to become the pillars of the global economy and future employment. A student equipped with expertise in these domains will not only secure employment but will also become a creator of new opportunities and enterprises.

The core objective of the National Education Policy 2020 is to integrate education with skills, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving. Today, a degree alone is not sufficient. A degree may open doors, but leadership demands skills. The future belongs to those who continuously learn, adapt, and innovate.

The most significant social dimension of this initiative is that it ensures equal opportunities in education. Students from Pithoragarh, Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Bageshwar, Champawat, and Rudraprayag will now have access to the same quality of education as students in the country’s leading institutions. Digital education has eliminated geographical barriers. Today, talent is measured not by location, but by capability, dedication, and innovation.

Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is advancing with the vision of Digital India, Skill India, Startup India, and Viksit Bharat 2047. The Hon’ble Prime Minister has expressed his confidence that the third decade of the 21st century belongs to Uttarakhand. This is not merely an inspiring statement—it is a reflection of the nation’s faith in Uttarakhand’s immense potential.

It is now the responsibility of our youth to transform this confidence into tangible achievements. I firmly believe that Uttarakhand can emerge as one of the leading states in the country in the fields of AI, research, and innovation.

Lok Bhavan has also been consistently working in this direction. We have taken several initiatives to promote research, innovation, startup culture, and AI-enabled education across our universities. It is my dream that Devbhoomi Uttarakhand should also be recognized as a land of knowledge, research, innovation, and excellence in Artificial Intelligence.

Dear Students,

I urge each one of you not to view these courses merely as a means to obtain a certificate. Instead, see them as an opportunity to learn, experiment, conduct research, and develop solutions to real-world challenges.

From enhancing agricultural productivity to improving disaster management, healthcare, quality education, environmental conservation, and good governance, AI offers transformative possibilities across every sector. The finest use of technology is that which makes human life simpler, safer, more prosperous, and more humane. I hope every student of Uttarakhand will aspire to lead this transformation.

I also appeal to the Vice Chancellors of all universities, Principals of colleges, and members of the teaching community across Uttarakhand to encourage as many students as possible to enrol in these courses. Lok Bhavan will also issue the necessary guidance to higher education institutions so that the benefits of this important initiative reach every student in the state.

I extend my sincere appreciation to IIT Madras, Pravartak Technologies Foundation, and the entire SWAYAM Plus team for their invaluable contribution. Your confidence in the talent and potential of Uttarakhand’s youth is deeply appreciated. I am certain that this partnership will grow even stronger in the future, enabling our universities to set new standards of national excellence.

I would like to conclude my address with the inspiring message from the Katha Upanishad:

“Uttiṣṭhata, Jāgrata, Prāpya Varān Nibodhata.”

“Arise, awake, and stop not until the highest goal is attained.”

In this age of Artificial Intelligence, this timeless message should become the guiding principle of our youth.

Let us resolve to connect knowledge with innovation, innovation with nation-building, and nation-building with the welfare of humanity. Let every young person in Uttarakhand become not merely a consumer of technology but a creator of it, using AI not only for personal advancement but for the service of humanity, the nation, and the world.

This is the true spirit of “AI for All”, and this is our meaningful contribution towards the vision of a Developed Uttarakhand and a Developed India.

With these best wishes, I formally launch the “AI for All” courses for the students of higher education institutions in Uttarakhand.

Vande Mataram! Jai Hind! Jai Uttarakhand!