President Droupadi Murmu has announced the nationwide ‘#SkillTheNation Challenge’, calling on citizens, policymakers, educators and youth to participate in India’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) learning movement by enrolling in the SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) programme on the Skill India Digital Hub. She said the initiative would help India build future-ready talent and move towards a technologically empowered and inclusive society. SOAR, launched by the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship in July 2025, offers structured micro-credential AI courses for students, teachers, professionals and lifelong learners. In six months, more than 1.59 lakh learners have enrolled, with thousands receiving certifications in AI awareness and application.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary has also completed the SOAR ‘AI to be Aware’ module. He nominated Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh Rao, Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi and All India Chess Federation President Nitin Narang to continue the challenge. “India’s future workforce must not only be digitally aware but AI confident,” he said, calling SOAR a national mission.
A group of 17 students from PM SHRI Schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas received AI certificates from the President. Fifteen Members of Parliament have also completed the course. In Guwahati, business and education stakeholders say the initiative could significantly boost digital capability in the region. Local training providers expect increased demand for AI-related courses, while industry observers believe improved AI awareness may support startups, IT services and emerging technology ventures across Assam, creating new employment and learning opportunities in the city’s growing knowledge economy.