Central Square Foundation, with support from Google.org, has launched ‘AI Samarth’, an AI literacy initiative aimed at raising awareness and encouraging the responsible use of AI among students, parents and teachers across Bharat.

As leaders, educators, and parents, we must come together to ensure that the AI Samarth initiative is adopted widely, integrated meaningfully, and scaled with commitment. The choices we make today will determine whether the next generation enters the AI era as passive users, or as empowered, informed creators of the future.

AI Samarth’s goal is to introduce this awareness at an early stage, helping students develop the skills and perspective needed to thrive in an AI-driven world, while also equipping teachers with tools to guide them in the changing landscape. I encourage all education stakeholders to embrace and champion this initiative as this is more than a curriculum, it’s a foundation for a future where young minds grow up not just using AI, but shaping it. I look forward to seeing this initiative take root across classrooms in India.

At IIT Madras, we believe that AI awareness must begin early. Students need the knowledge and skills to understand, engage with, and use AI responsibly. Equally important is building the capacities of teachers and parents, who play a pivotal role in guiding students in navigating the evolving world of AI. The AI Samarth initiative, in collaboration with the Central Square Foundation, represents a significant step toward this vision, aspiring to empower millions of learners across India with a foundational understanding of AI and its real-world applications. This AI Literacy Curriculum marks the beginning of a movement to democratize AI literacy for Bharat. I urge education departments and school boards across India to adopt and mainstream AI literacy in the formal education system.

With AI becoming ubiquitous in our everyday life, there is a strong need to have AI literacy for all. ‘AI Samarth’ is an ambitious initiative to build improved knowledge, attitudes, and practices around AI for teachers, students and parents. We will take a comprehensive approach to develop curriculum and content, train teachers in the Education system & also communities at the grassroot level to reach our students, and also build salience on AI awareness across stakeholders. With ‘AI Samarth’, we aim to reach over 5 million (50 lakh) educators, students and parents across India, bridging the gap in AI knowledge and creating a foundation for responsible AI adoption to support student learning.

While the evolution of technology offers vast opportunities, it also poses risks and challenges for students, teachers and society. It is essential for students and educators to understand both the potential and limitations of AI, critically evaluate its trustworthiness and thoughtfully examine its ethical implications. Government school students and teachers must not be passive recipients of AI but empowered participants. AI Samarth marks the first step in equipping them to become active co-creators and future leaders who will shape the next wave of AI and technological innovation.