PAKYONG, (IPR):Education
ministerand area MLA Raju Basnet launched the ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI) on
Wheels’ programme at Ahopul Kishan Secondary School on Monday.
The ‘AI on Wheels’ programme is an initiative of
Pakyong district administration to develop AI literacy among students of classes
7 to 9. It is a three-year program in which around 750 students of 12 government
SSS schools will participate to learn the core aspects of AI. At the end of the
programme, the students will learn to develop AI models from scratch and
understand the coding behind it which will help them learn the real-world
practical applications of AI.
Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP)
2020, the programme is designed to equip students with essential technological
skills, problem-solving abilities, and digital literacy, preparing them to
become future-ready innovators and leaders.
The programme is implemented by Agastya Foundation
and supported by Cipla Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Speaking on the occasion, Raju Basnet expressed
his gratitude to Pakyong DC, Agastya Foundation, and Cipla Ltd for their
efforts in bringing the ‘AI on Wheels’ initiative to the district. Sharing his
insights on AI, he emphasised the role of educators in fostering a learning
environment that encourages responsible technology use and prepares students
for the evolving digital landscape.
Further, he also called upon school heads to take
proactive measures in improving the standards of government schools.
Likewise, Education principal director Sonam Denzongpa emphasised
the importance of integrating cutting-edge technology into classrooms. While
acknowledging the benefits of AI-driven education, he cautioned students against
its misuse and urged them to adopt a balanced approach, using AI as a tool for
empowerment and innovation without replacing hard work and creativity.
Recognising the programme as a first-of-its-kind
initiative, Pakyong DC Rohan Agawane thanked Agastya International Foundation and
Cipla Ltd. for their efforts in implementing the ‘AI on Wheels’
programme.
He outlined the objectives of the programme, which
include preparing students for the AI-driven future and improving learning
outcomes in science and mathematics. He encouraged teachers to actively engage
with the programme and remain enthusiastic throughout its implementation.
Further, he urged Agastya Foundation to stay
committed throughout the three-year duration of the initiative, conduct annual
assessments, and share the collected data to measure its impact. He also
advised students to make the best use of the opportunity to enhance their
knowledge and skills in emerging technologies.
Tenzing Tsedame Bhutia, headmistress,Lumsey
Secondary School, shared her insights on Agastya Foundation’s Science on Wheels
initiative.
At the outset of the programme, Dandy Sherpa, headmaster, Ahopul Kishan
Secondary School, presented a brief report on the school's progress,
achievements and developmental works.
Ujwal Shendre, cluster head ,Cipla Ltd, provided
insights on Cipla CSR and partnership with Agastya Foundation and Education
Department. He highlighted the impact of the initiative, stating, “At Cipla, we
believe in building an ecosystem where students have access to quality
education and technological advancements. ‘AI on Wheels’ is a step towards
ensuring that children in remote areas are not left behind in this digital
revolution.”
Earlier, Vignesh Agrahar, programme executive, Agastya
Foundation, provided an introductory note on the AI on Wheels programme,
outlining its objectives and approach. He stated that the initiative will be
implemented across twelve schools in Pakyong district, engaging students of classes
7, 8 and 9.
As part of the programme, the students
demonstrated AI activities, showcasing their understanding of artificial
intelligence concepts.
The launching programme was attended by Education
joint director and CEO in-charge Narayan Mishra, joint director (Namcheybung
BAC) N.B.Subba, AEO Karuna Chettri, heads of various schools under the district,
representatives from Agastya Foundation, representatives from Cipla Ltd, SMC
members and students.
