In a historic ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu didn’t just launch another government initiative—she ignited a nationwide movement. The #SkillTheNation Challenge represents India’s ambitious commitment to ensure that Artificial Intelligence literacy becomes as fundamental as reading and writing in the 21st century.

What makes this initiative remarkable isn’t just its scale—it’s the vision behind it. Rather than treating AI as a niche technical skill reserved for engineers and data scientists, the SOAR (India’s National AI Awareness Program) programme democratizes AI education, making it accessible to school students, teachers, working professionals, and even Members of Parliament.

A National Call to Action

President Murmu personally conferred AI course certificates on learners ranging from Members of Parliament to students from PM SHRI Schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas, and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas. This visual representation—policymakers and school children standing together as fellow learners—powerfully communicated that AI literacy transcends age, position, and background.

The SOAR Revolution: 1.59 Lakh Learners and Counting

Launched in July 2025 as part of the 10-year celebration of the Skill India Mission, SOAR has already created impressive momentum. Within just six months, over 1.59 lakh learners have enrolled in AI courses, with thousands successfully completing certifications.

But numbers alone don’t tell the full story. What’s truly transformative is SOAR’s approach to AI education. The programme focuses on three core pillars:

• Awareness before specialization – Building foundational understanding rather than overwhelming learners with technical complexity
• Ethics at the core – Emphasizing responsible AI use alongside technical knowledge
• Universal accessibility – Ensuring rural and underserved communities have equal access to AI education

Leadership by Example: When Ministers Become Students

In a refreshing display of leadership, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, didn’t just launch SOAR—he completed the ‘AI to be Aware’ learning module himself. Following his example, he nominated other prominent leaders to take up the challenge:

• Shri Nara Lokesh, Minister for IT, Government of Andhra Pradesh
• Shri Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO, Prasar Bharati
• Shri Nitin Narang, President, All-India Chess Federation

Most significantly, 15 Members of Parliament have completed the SOAR AI module, demonstrating that India’s highest democratic institution is walking the talk on AI readiness.

Why Teachers Are the Real Game-Changers

While student participation grabs headlines, SOAR’s emphasis on educator readiness may be its most strategic element. The programme recognizes a fundamental truth: sustainable AI literacy doesn’t come from standalone courses—it emerges when teachers integrate AI awareness into everyday learning.

SOAR supports training for teachers across government and private schools to:

• Understand core AI concepts without requiring technical backgrounds
• Adopt responsible and ethical AI practices in educational contexts
• Integrate AI awareness meaningfully into classroom teaching across subjects

Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, this approach ensures AI doesn’t remain a separate “subject” but becomes woven into India’s educational fabric.

Bridging the Digital Divide: Rural India in Focus

Access is meaningless without equity. SOAR courses are delivered through the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), specifically designed to ensure wide reach across regions and institutions, including rural and underserved communities.

During the Rashtrapati Bhavan event, President Murmu also virtually inaugurated the IGNOU Regional Centre at Rairangpur in northern Odisha, strengthening access to skill-oriented education in regions that have historically faced educational disadvantages. This dual focus—digital AI education and physical infrastructure—demonstrates a holistic approach to national skill development.

From Awareness to Confidence: India’s Unique Approach

What distinguishes India’s AI readiness strategy from many global models is its emphasis on building AI confidence before AI expertise. Minister Jayant Chaudhary articulated this vision clearly: India’s future workforce must not only be digitally aware but AI confident.

This philosophy acknowledges a critical reality—as AI transforms jobs, governance, and daily life, the greatest barrier isn’t technical complexity but psychological apprehension. By demystifying AI through accessible micro-credentials and emphasizing ethical understanding, SOAR helps reduce anxiety around AI’s impact on work and society.

Building Resilience Through Education

The #SkillTheNation Challenge positions AI literacy as a shared national responsibility—not just another government programme but a collective endeavor that requires participation from every segment of society.

The special “AI for Beginners” interactive session at Rashtrapati Bhavan, led by a globally renowned AI expert in collaboration with Google, demonstrated the programme’s commitment to world-class content delivery. By combining international expertise with local accessibility, SOAR creates a learning experience that is both globally relevant and contextually appropriate for India.