"Integrating modern tech with India's traditional knowledge": PM Modi hails Central Sanskrit University's AI & Data Science BTech course
New Delhi, June 28
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded Central Sanskrit University's B.Tech programme in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science saying that the course will prepare the youth for new age technology while keeping them rooted in their heritage.
Addressing the 135th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said the move will facilitate the development of new AI tools for Indian languages.
"Significant effort is underway to prepare the youth for new technology while keeping them rooted in their heritage. The Central Sanskrit University in Delhi is launching a B.Tech program in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science," PM Modi said.
Extending best wishes to the varsity, PM Modi said the initiative marks a crucial step towards integrating modern technology with India's traditional knowledge.
"It will facilitate the development of new AI tools for Indian languages and accelerate the digitization and preservation of our ancient texts and manuscripts. I convey my best wishes to the Central Sanskrit University for this endeavour," he said.
PM Modi also lauded the revival of the ancient Indian tradition of Shastrarth (scholarly debate) at Nalanda University, saying the institution is successfully blending India's civilisational heritage with modern education and technology.
"Nalanda University has revived our ancient tradition of *Shaastraarth* i.e. intellectual discourse. Shaastraarth is not merely a medium for expressing one's views; it is a disciplined process of dialogue, debate, and deep contemplation. It requires articulating one's position backed by logic and facts - areas demanding mastery. This process also teaches us to listen to and understand the views of others with patience. I am pleased that Nalanda University has incorporated this into its convocation ceremony," he said.
PM Modi urged other universities across the country to consider similar initiatives.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone working in AI, I find this incredibly forward-thinking. It would be great to see more integration like this globally—India's ancient texts contain untapped wisdom that modern algorithms could help decode.
Good idea but let's also focus on making Sanskrit education accessible to all, not just a few. And ensure the B.Tech curriculum is rigorous enough to compete in the global AI job market. We need substance, not just symbolism.
Shastrarth at Nalanda being revived is the real gem here! That kind of rigorous debate culture is what we need in all universities—not just for ceremonies, but as a daily practice. Kudos to Nalanda!
Honestly, I'm skeptical. A B.Tech in AI needs solid foundations in math, programming, and statistics. Adding Sanskrit might dilute the core technical rigor. I hope the university doesn't prioritize heritage over employability. Just saying.
This is the kind of innovation we need! Imagine AI tools that can translate ancient manuscripts or even help preserve dying languages. Perfect blend of tradition and technology. Jai Hind! 🙏
I'm excited about the digitization of ancient texts—there's so much knowledge in our palm-leaf
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