President Murmu Launches ‘Skill the Nation Challenge’ to Drive AI Learning
Mumbai: President of India Droupadi Murmu has announced the #SkillTheNation Challenge, calling on citizens, policymakers, educators, professionals and youth to embrace AI learning through the SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) programme on the Skill India Digital Hub. She described the initiative as a step towards building future-ready capabilities and advancing India’s journey to a technologically empowered society.
Launched in July 2025 by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, SOAR offers micro-credential courses designed to make AI simple, ethical and aspirational. In just six months, over 1.59 lakh learners have enrolled, with thousands completing certifications.
Demonstrating leadership, Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, completed the SOAR AI to be Aware module. He then nominated Nara Lokesh Rao (Minister, Andhra Pradesh), Gaurav Dwivedi (CEO, Prasar Bharati) and Nitin Narang (President, All-India Chess Federation) to take up the challenge, creating a cascading national movement.
“India’s future workforce must not only be digitally aware but AI confident. SOAR is not just a skilling programme; it is a national mission to build confidence, capability and curiosity in AI,” said Chaudhary.
On the occasion, 17 students from PM SHRI Schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas across seven states received AI course certificates from the President.
