Education – India Calls on Youth to Lead Global AI Future
Education – Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday urged students and young professionals to take the lead in developing innovative ideas that can position India at the forefront of the global artificial intelligence movement. He said the country’s future in technology will depend not only on policy direction but also on the creativity and commitment of its youth.
Education and AI Seen as Interconnected Forces
Speaking at a special session titled “Ministry of Education – Pushing the Frontier of AI in India” during the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, Pradhan highlighted the close relationship between learning systems and emerging technologies. He noted that artificial intelligence is not merely a subject to be studied but a tool that can reshape how education is delivered and accessed.
According to the minister, advancements in AI are expected to significantly influence India’s journey toward becoming a global knowledge leader. He linked the technology’s potential to the broader national goal of building a developed India by 2047, often referred to as Viksit Bharat. Pradhan emphasized that embracing AI responsibly and strategically will be central to achieving this long-term vision.
Policy Foundations for AI-Driven Learning
Union Minister of State for Education Jayant Choudhury outlined the government’s efforts over the past decade to prepare the education system for AI integration. He said the ministry has steadily built digital infrastructure, introduced supportive policy frameworks, and initiated institutional reforms aimed at strengthening technology-enabled learning.
Choudhury pointed to national digital platforms and large-scale training initiatives that have helped create a foundation for AI-enabled education. These efforts, he said, are intended to ensure that students and educators are equipped with the necessary skills to adapt to rapidly evolving technological landscapes.
An official statement released during the summit confirmed that, following a Budget announcement last year, the government established a Centre of Excellence in AI for Education at IIT Madras. The centre is expected to serve as a hub for research, innovation, and practical applications of artificial intelligence in academic settings.
Broad Consultations Shape AI Roadmap
The ministry also undertook extensive consultations with academic institutions, industry leaders, civil society organizations, and government agencies to chart a clear roadmap for incorporating AI into the education ecosystem. These discussions focused on aligning technology with learning objectives while maintaining ethical standards and accountability.
Officials said the collaborative approach aims to balance innovation with responsibility, ensuring that AI tools are deployed in ways that enhance educational outcomes without compromising data security or inclusivity.
Experts Discuss Governance and Innovation
A panel discussion held during the summit brought together prominent figures from academia, industry, and the investment sector. The conversation centered on how governance structures, national learning platforms, indigenous AI development, and the careful deployment of advanced AI models can collectively improve education quality in India.
Participants included Dr. Sridhar Vembu, Founder and CEO of Zoho Corporation; Vibhu Mittal, Technologist and Innovation Leader at Inflection; Rajan Anandan, Managing Director of Peak XV Partners; Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur; Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras; and Prof. Sunita Sarawagi, Director of IIT Bombay. The session was moderated by Prof. Manoj S. Gaur, Director of IIT Jammu.
Panelists examined the importance of nurturing homegrown AI solutions while adhering to global standards of transparency and ethical governance. They also discussed the need for investment in research and skill development to ensure that India remains competitive in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
As the summit concluded, the overarching message was clear: the future of artificial intelligence in India will depend on sustained collaboration between policymakers, educators, industry leaders, and the country’s young innovators. With structured planning and responsible implementation, AI is expected to play a defining role in shaping India’s education system and its broader economic aspirations.