‘AI as basic as internet now’: India's education minister

Artificial intelligence is fast becoming as fundamental as the internet, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on May 28, highlighting the urgency of embracing AI in education.

He was speaking at the 'PadhAI: Conclave on AI in Education,' organized by the Centre of Policy Research and Governance (CPRG).

"Just like the internet, AI has become a basic necessity," Pradhan said, calling AI both inevitable and essential to India’s future.

He highlighted that most higher education institutions across the country are already engaging in discussions around AI and its applications.

Emphasizing the need for inclusive technological growth, Pradhan said increasing access to technology has opened a "highway of empowerment" in students' lives.

He expressed confidence in India’s ability to shape global tech trends, saying, "India's human intelligence has the power to transform any emerging technology into an indigenous innovation."

The minister also stressed the importance of policy measures to promote AI readiness, including mass AI literacy and support for innovation.

He praised CPRG for facilitating a timely conversation on AI’s impact on education.

Chamu Krishna Shastri, Chairman of the Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti under the Ministry of Education, also addressed the gathering.

He underlined the importance of integrating Indian languages into the AI ecosystem, saying, "AI should be purposeful and contextual."

The two-day conclave featured multiple speakers exploring the role of AI in reshaping education, from expanding learning beyond classrooms to identifying institutional challenges.

CPRG, an ICSSR-recognized think tank, has positioned itself as a key player in technology policy through its 'Future of Society' initiative.