Nagpur, 2 August 2026:“Educational institutions must embrace Artificial Intelligence 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 the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, while addressing students, and faculty members at Ramdeobaba University on the occasion of the inauguration of the AI Centre of Competency – Powered by NVIDIA. The programme was also graced by Padma Shri Satyanarayan Nuwal, Chairman, Shri Ramdeobaba Sarvajanik Samiti (SRSS).

The AI Centre of Competency – Powered by NVIDIA was inaugurated through a digital launch, followed by an audio-visual presentation showcasing the University’s vision for AI-driven education, cutting-edge research, innovation, and industry collaboration. 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.

In his keynote address, Shri Devendra Fadnavis 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 emphasized that AI is transforming sectors ranging from healthcare and agriculture to manufacturing and public administration. Referring to the Government of Maharashtra’s AI-powered Mahavistar platform, he explained how the application is empowering farmers through intelligent advisory services and multilingual support, including communication in tribal languages, enabling greater accessibility and digital inclusion. He 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.

Addressing the gathering, Padma Shri awardee Shri Satyanarayan Nuwal emphasized 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. He called upon students and innovators to use AI judiciously for the welfare of society and humanity, ensuring that technological progress remains rooted in compassion and integrity.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister was felicitated by Shri Satyanarayan Nuwal. During the programme, Shri Devendra Fadnavis felicitated Mr. John Samuel, and his team from FortRise representing NVIDIA in recognition of their contribution to establishing the AI Centre of Competency.

The dignitaries on the dais included Dr. P. Paldiwal, Shri Ashok Pacheriwala; Shri Rajendra Purohit, Shri Kailashchandra Agrawal, Adv. Pradip Agrawal, and other Executive Members of Shri Ramdeobaba Sarvajanik Samiti. Also present were Dr. S. S. Mantha, Chancellor, Ramdeobaba University; Dr. R. S. Pande, Vice-Chancellor; Dr. M. B. Chandak, Director Academics; and Dr. Yashwant Sonkhaskar, Director, Student Affairs.

The successful organization of the programme was made possible through the collective efforts of Dr. Sanjay Bodkhe, Registrar; Prof. Pravin Dwaramwar, First-Year In-charge; Dr. Dipak Dahigaonkar; Dr. Chandrashekhar Pandhurnerkar; and Dr. Renuka Nafdey. The proceedings were compered by Dr. Prachi Saoji. The programme concluded with the National Anthem