India Observes AI Appreciation Day, Marking Decades of Innovation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Appreciation Day is being celebrated across India today, spotlighting the nation’s progress in becoming a global AI powerhouse. From tech hubs like Bengaluru and Hyderabad to rural innovations in farming and healthcare, AI has permeated every sector, revolutionising how India educates, heals, grows food, and governs.
India’s AI journey spans over six decades, beginning with early computer science research in the 1960s. A significant leap occurred in 1986 with the launch of the Knowledge-Based Computer Systems (KBCS) project. In the 1990s, institutions like the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) strengthened India’s supercomputing capabilities, laying the groundwork for artificial intelligence development.
By the early 2000s, IT giants such as Infosys, Wipro, and TCS had begun integrating AI into their systems, while universities started producing AI-ready talent. With the Digital India initiative in 2015 and NITI Aayog’s landmark National Strategy for AI in 2018, the nation’s AI momentum shifted into high gear.
What sets India apart is its real-world applicability of AI. The country’s diversity presents unique challenges — and opportunities — for AI solutions. Whether it’s predicting crop yields, diagnosing diseases, or easing traffic in urban areas, AI is being used to solve day-to-day problems in real-time.
To encourage skill development, the government launched initiatives like the Skill India AI Portal, National AI Skilling Programme, and AI Youth Bootcamp. These programs aim to train youth, upskill professionals, and bring AI awareness to rural vocational centres.
Public-private partnerships are another vital component of this progress. Collaborations with global tech leaders such as Google, Microsoft, and IBM ensure that India stays in sync with global innovations while crafting homegrown solutions.
India’s AI celebration is not just about recognizing technological milestones. It is also a reminder of the ethical responsibility that comes with AI. Fairness, transparency, and inclusivity are key pillars of the government’s “AI for All” vision.
As India continues on this transformative journey, AI Appreciation Day is both a celebration and a call to action — to innovate with purpose and build technology that uplifts every citizen.
