AI in education can empower students across India: Dharmendra Pradhan at DU's Swadhyay Bhawan inauguration

NEW DELHI : Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday said artificial intelligence can deliver learning in multiple Indian languages and empower students across the country. Pradhan inaugurated the Swadhyay Bhawan, the East Regional Centre of Delhi University's School of Open Learning (SOL) at Tahirpur.

Developed at a cost of around Rs 55 crore, the centre is spread over 0.5 acres and houses a seven storey building with two basements, equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, modern pedagogical tools and technology-enabled classrooms, an official statement of DU said. "This East Delhi Regional Centre is not just an institution, but a gateway to opportunity and empowerment. SOL plays a pivotal role in the 'Earning and Learning' initiative, equipping our youth with the skills, confidence, and leadership required for a developed India," Pradhan said.

Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta said the facilities at Swadhyay Bhawan "stand as a testament to SOL's commitment to providing students with the best resources, on par with regular colleges. If a student possesses energy and determination, SOL ensures every necessary facility is made available". Vice-chancellor Yogesh Singh stressed the need for "short, engaging, and graphical videos to make learning interactive and impactful" and said Swadhyay Bhawan should emerge as the epicentre for innovative, skill-based programmes .

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Delhi education minister Ashish Sood called the centre "a gateway of opportunities, ensuring that distance will no longer be a barrier to quality education", while East Delhi MP Manoj Tiwari said it embodied the Prime Minister's vision of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas".

SOL Director Payal Mago said the new centre was dedicated to students who cannot attend regular colleges, recalling how SOL alumni have gone on to become prime ministers, chief ministers, IAS officers, chartered accountants and Arjuna Award winners. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by SOL Principal Ajay Jaiswal, followed by the national anthem and a celebratory gathering.