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Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Aug 26: The inauguration of ‘Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence’ and ‘AI on Wheels’, was held at Manipal Skill Development Centre (MSDC), a unit of Dr T M A Pai Foundation, Manipal, on August 26.
Professor (Dr) T G Sitharam, chairman, AICTE inaugurated the Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence and AI on Wheels, by cutting the ribbon, in the presence of dignitaries.
Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence is a world class facility for AI training, research and industry collaboration, featuring advanced labs, digital classrooms and experiential learning infrastructure. AI on Wheels is a pioneering mobile AI training laboratory, jointly developed by MSDC and VDI, designed to deliver AL education to rural and semi-urban communities. Built on an Indian CNG vehicle, it is equipped with AI kits, a smart classroom setup and a trainer’s console bringing ‘AI to Every Doorstep’.
Professor Dr T G Sitharam, chairman All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), addressing the gathering during the formal event held at Dr T M A Pai Polytechnic Auditorium, Manipal, said, “I am delighted to inaugurate this Centre. In today’s world, skills matter the most. Polytechnic education has reached rural India, proving that we are on the path to becoming technology leaders. One must pick a skill and master it. Tools like ChatGPT have simplified tasks which earlier took time and effort. Even creative abilities such as art and music, once believed to be inborn, are now replicated by AI within minutes, this is why the world is both excited and concerned about it. AI is everywhere, from agriculture to space, and though it originated as early as 1956 under a different name, it has now become integral. Since intelligence is derived from data, accuracy of data is critical. India lags only in computing power, but in digital payments through UPI, no country matches us.”
Dr H S Ballal, pro chancellor MAHE, Manipal, said, “Our founder first established the Academy of General Education with the aim of developing skills. Though India produces over a million engineers every year, only about 35% find employment, which highlights the urgent need for skill development. Learning must be a lifelong process, and rural communities, especially girls, must be brought into the mainstream. When a girl is educated, the entire society benefits from it. At MAHE, over 45% of students are girls, and in computer education, they outnumber and outperform boys. Our responsibility is to ensure that India becomes a technological leader by 2025. AI is now part of every field, but it is important that we master AI, and not let AI master us. With India’s young population being its biggest advantage, I congratulate the entire team for establishing this Centre and incorporating AI into skill development.”
Dr Hari Krishna Maram, founder and chairman Vision Digital India, briefed about the centre and said, “When we first planned this initiative, I wondered how it would take shape, but it came together with precision and vision. What we see today is much bigger than what we originally imagined. A 21-year-old intern, Tarak, along with his team, played a key role in creating this AI lab, and already 140 machines have been manufactured, including those for MSDC. Our mission is to promote AI, and through this mobile lab, we aim to reach schools in rural areas and provide AI education. The dream is to make India an AI-learning nation. The potential of AI is limitless, and India’s greatest strength lies in its youth, who must be equipped with skills like AI to lead the future.”
Tonse Sachin Pai, managing trustee of Dr TMA Pai Foundation, Manipal, said, “Dr T M A Pai began with skill development initiatives before establishing educational institutions, and even today, skill development continues to remain a non-profit mission. At present, MSDC has full admissions with nearly 500 students enrolled. In today’s world, tools like ChatGPT have become indispensable, capable of answering almost any question. Our commitment is to ensure that Manipal is recognized not just for education but equally for its contribution to skill development.”
On this occasion, the book ‘AI for every mind’, a comprehensive introduction to AI, authored by Dr Tarakram Maram and professor (Dr) Umberto Sulpasso was launched. Dr Tarakram Maram, co-founder and CTO Vision Digital India briefed about the book.
Brigadier (Dr) Surjit Singh Pabla, chairman of MSDC, delivered the introductory note and welcomed the gathering. Dr Anjaiah Devineni, registrar MSDC, proposed the vote of thanks. Shruthi Shetty and Anush V K compered the event
Centre Head School of IT Skills MSDC Rajalakshmi Anandani, teaching and non-teaching staff members and students were present on the occasion.