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India’s First AI University, Universal AI University (UAi), has launched Gramin AI Yojana, a grassroots initiative to teach basic Artificial Intelligence (AI) awareness to rural communities through its focus on practical applications that help people develop their economic activities and social progress.
The idea came from a conversation with the respected Ms. Aanchal Dalal, Superintendent of Police (SP), Raigad District, Alibag who gave us the challenge to take Ai to rural communities, as currently they are using their mobile devices to only consume video content and communicate. Ms.Aanchal Dalal kindly graced the occasion on Friday 27th March when UAi students though ‘nukkad natak’ street plays demonstrated the value of artificial intelligence (AI) to adivasi villagers in Kushiwali village (Karjat).
UAi students performed 5 short plays each focussed on AI’s potential to ease their daily lives. These included focus on using Ai to cook meals on the basis of what’s available in the house, as a safety and security tool when travelling, as a tool to help in best farming practices of identifying what can be done when a plant has been affected by pests, as a tool to support their medical and insurance needs by relying on Government of India schemes and finally to further education.
Inspired by the vision of Mr. Tarun Anand, Chancellor, Universal AI University and supported by Dr. Simon, Founding Vice Chancellor and Dr. Shilpa Joshi, Dean- University, Gramin AI Yojana reflects the institution’s emphasis on inclusive and purpose-driven education. The Gramin AI Yojana program at Universal AI University represents the institution's dedication to providing educational programs that support all learners and educational objectives. The program operates under the academic leadership of Dr. Shilpa Joshi, who serves as Dean of the School of Technology, while Dr. Shivaji Pawar provides his mentorship support.
The Gramin AI Yojana program implements a student-led execution model, which serves as its main distinguishing feature. B.Tech students from the first and second years created and presented artificial intelligence training programs that aimed to educate people in rural areas. Students developed session content based on their knowledge of local environments, which allowed them to present advanced technological ideas through simple language that became easy for listeners to grasp. The initiative focused on three sectors critical to rural development, which include agricultural development, educational growth, and healthcare improvement. The study demonstrated AI applications through core fields, which included smart farming, crop prediction, weather forecasting, digital literacy and future-ready skills development.
Mr. Tarun Anand, Founder & Chancellor of Universal AI University, said, “If we can make a positive impact through AI and bring the power of AI to help rural communities and build India from the ground up, we are truly building responsible AI. Gramin AI Yojana exists to make artificial intelligence accessible to all the people in their local communities who need it most. Our objective is to ensure that AI is not perceived as an elite or urban concept but as a practical tool that can also support farmers, students, and families in rural India. The initiative uses student participation in community outreach activities to develop socially aware technologists who comprehend how their work affects the world.”
Ms. Aanchal Dalal, Superintendent of Police (SP), Raigad District, commented on the initiative. “I am truly delighted that Universal Ai University’s accepted the challenge and demonstrated their efforts in taking AI to the rural villages of Karjat. I witnessed the street plays and the understanding it brought of AI to the adivasi villagers and their children. This is how academia and the administration can build Maharashtra and India.”
Through its Gramin AI Yojana program, Universal AI University establishes a partnership between innovation and social responsibility, which the university uses to support national development and economic growth by creating technological solutions that help all social classes.
