The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, launched the #SkilltheNation AI Challenge under the SOAR initiative of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 1, 2026, while also inaugurating the IGNOU Regional Centre and Skill Centre in Rairangpur, Odisha. Emphasizing that artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping economies and societies, she highlighted its potential as a transformative opportunity for India, urging the youth to utilize technology for societal benefit and empowerment, especially for marginalized communities. The President noted the essential role of skills like data science and AI engineering in developing the nation’s talent pool, projecting that AI will significantly contribute to India’s GDP and employment in the coming decade. She called for collaborative efforts among government, industry, and academia to build a knowledge-driven and inclusive India, aligning with the National Education Policy’s vision for a prosperous future.