“Educational institutions must embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies to prepare future-ready citizens. Along with creating employable graduates, universities must nurture responsible and meaningful citizens capable of leading the nation in the era of technological transformation,” said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday. He was speaking at the inauguration of the AI Centre of Competency – Powered by NVIDIA, during ‘Gyanodaya 2026,’ the induction programme of first year students at Ramdeobaba University (RBU). Padma Shri Satyanarayan Nuwal, Chairman, Shri Ramdeobaba Sarvajanik Samiti (SRSS); Dr S S Mantha, Chancellor, RBU; Dr Rajesh Pande, Vice-Chancellor; Dr Purushottam Paldiwal, Vice-Chairman, SRSS; Rajendra Purhoit, General Secretary; Ashokkumar Pacheriwala, Treasurer; and Adv Pradip Agrawal, Kailashchand Agrawal, both Secretary; Dr M B Chandak, Director, Academics; Dr Yashwant Sonkhaskar, Director, Student Affairs; and other Executive Members of Shri Ramdeobaba Sarvajanik Samiti also shared the dais.

 

The newly-inaugurated facility comprises an NVIDIA AI Supercomputer, an AI Sandbox for experimentation and innovation, a Google Cloud-enabled Digital Campus, and an NVIDIA Edge Computing ecosystem, creating an integrated platform to equip students and researchers with advanced computing infrastructure and industry-relevant AI capabilities. Devendra Fadnavis, in his address, highlighted that Artificial Intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, and deep technologies are ushering in a new industrial revolution that is rapidly transforming every sector of society.

 

He observed that the nature of jobs is expected to change significantly with the advancement of AI, making it imperative for educational institutions to redesign their pedagogy and adopt emerging technologies in teaching and learning. He remarked that understanding AI is no longer optional but essential for the next generation. Calling data ‘the new oil,’ he noted that data would surpass traditional resources in value and would become the driving force behind innovation, governance, and economic growth. The Chief Minister further emphasised that AI is transforming sectors ranging from healthcare and agriculture to manufacturing and public administration. He also stressed that no discipline can progress in isolation and urged academia and industry to work together to prepare graduates who are not only employable but also socially responsible, ethical, and globally competent citizens.

 

Padma Shri Satyanarayan Nuwal, in his address, emphasised that knowledge finds its true purpose only when guided by character and values. Encouraging students to remain focused on their goals, he described failures as stepping stones to success and urged them to embrace innovation with responsibility. He stressed that while Artificial Intelligence will shape the future, it can never replace human values and ethics. Dr Rajesh Pande delivered the introductory remarks. Dr Prachi Saoji compered the programme and also proposed a vote of thanks.