Learning leap: AI-powered bot for school students launched

With the aim of transforming school education in the state, Secretary (Education) Rakesh Kanwar on Saturday launched Winter: Abhyas Himachal Bot during a state-level mega Parent-Teacher Meeting (PTM) held at Government Senior Secondary Girls School, Portmore, Shimla. The event witnessed the participation of about 600 parents and teachers in person, while more than 50,000 joined online.

Kanwar said the initiative, launched under the Samagra Shiksha programme, is designed to strengthen collaboration between parents and teachers while promoting digital learning. The Abhyas Himachal Bot — available on the SwiftChat app — has been introduced in two formats, winter and summer. Tailored for students of Classes I to X, the bot provides weekly practice questions in Hindi, English and mathematics, aligned with SCERT and NCF learning outcomes.

During the PTM, parents were also sensitised about the importance of home-based learning through APAAR IDs and the use of the newly launched bot. Stressing the need for balanced parenting, Kanwar urged parents not to burden children with unnecessary pressure. “Trust your children, respect their choices and maintain strong communication with them. This partnership between teachers and parents is crucial for a child’s holistic development,” he said.

The meeting concluded with parents and teachers taking a pledge to encourage regular home-based practice, marking a significant step in Himachal Pradesh’s journey towards digital and inclusive education.