Govt launches ‘Delhi AI Grind’ to make students future ready

The Delhi government on Saturday launched the “Delhi AI Grind”, a first-of-its-kind Artificial Intelligence initiative aimed at preparing students for the rapidly-evolving era.

Led by the Department of Education, Higher and Technical Education, the programme will cover over five lakh learners in over a 1,000 schools, colleges and universities in the national capital.

The initiative is aimed at equipping students with future-oriented technological skills, and preparing them for an AI-driven world.

Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to set foot on the International Space Station, was present at the initiative’s launch event held on Sunday.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said Shukla’s presence was “a source of inspiration for the youth and his life journey symbolises mindset and capabilities of a new India”.

Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood, senior officials from the Education Department, principals of various institutes, innovation partners and students attended the event.

Praising the initiative, Group Captain Shukla said it “reflects the key areas on which our leadership is focused”. “Such efforts will take us closer to our dream of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047,” he added.

CM Gupta said, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is establishing a global identity in AI, technology and innovation.” She added that technology is now accessible to the general public and the initiative will bring a transformational change to the capital’s education system.

The CM said traditional classrooms will be converted into innovation-oriented labs where students will develop AI-based projects to solve problems faced by Delhi.

Highlighting the initiative’s importance for youngsters, minister Sood said, “Schoolchildren in Delhi are becoming creators of technology, not just consumers. Delhi’s next leap will come from creativity, code and collaboration. With this spirit, the government is advancing the concept of ‘AI for Humanity,’ an AI that is fast yet responsible, powerful yet inclusive and advanced yet human.”

The launch event was followed by a community festival at the Inner Circle of Connaught Place featuring walks, cycling, street performances, participatory art and games.