“SAI Will Be a Successful and Pioneering Institution in the Country in Connection with Artificial Intelligence” – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Inauguration of the Symbiosis Artificial Intelligence Institute by the Chief Minister

Pune, Aug 2025 : Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that Indians have the potential to succeed in the fast wave of artificial intelligence. This requires educational institutions that can bring this knowledge to the common people. Symbiosis has taken the initiative at the right time, and the “SAI” (Symbiosis Artificial Intelligence Institute) will become a successful and pioneering institution in the country, he added.

He made these remarks during the inauguration of the Symbiosis Artificial Intelligence Institute (SAII) at Symbiosis International University, Lavale. Present at the ceremony were Padma Bhushan Dr. Shantaram B. Mujumdar, Founder and Chancellor of Symbiosis International University; Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Principal Director and Pro-Chancellor; Dr. Ramakrishnan Raman, Vice Chancellor; and Prof. Dr. Lavleen Gaur, Director of SAII.

Stating that this is the right time to understand and take the lead in the revolution brought by artificial intelligence, Chief Minister Fadnavis mentioned that the state government has initiated efforts to utilize artificial intelligence in the agricultural sector. This technology will benefit farmers at every stage of agriculture and make their lives easier. Useful technologies based on artificial intelligence were showcased during the Agri Hackathon held in Pune.

The state government has developed AI chatbots, enabling farmers to resolve their doubts in their preferred languages. The government has also signed an agreement with Google to suggest solutions for traffic-related issues in Pune through artificial intelligence, allowing timely access to necessary information for traffic planning. This technology can be employed in multiple ways to ease human life. The state government, in collaboration with Microsoft, has initiated three institutions related to artificial intelligence in Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur. These institutions will work in various fields, including law and order, administration, agriculture, and technology, while also training citizens in the fundamentals of artificial intelligence.

Positive Use of Artificial Intelligence is Essential

In today’s era, significant changes are occurring due to artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and semiconductors. By effectively utilizing the challenges of such technologies, there can be positive effects on the pace of progress and efficiency. Therefore, embracing artificial intelligence is a necessity for favorable development. Cases of digital economic fraud are also emerging due to artificial intelligence, making it essential to use AI responsibly and positively. One example of this is the application of AI in healthcare and pharmaceuticals in remote areas.

Take the Lead in the ‘AI Revolution’ Just Like the Internet Revolution

The spread of artificial intelligence has sparked discussions on the challenges faced by society. Questions are particularly raised about the impact of artificial intelligence on employment. Similar concerns were raised regarding the internet and computer revolution in the 1990s, but the country transformed this revolution into an opportunity and established its dominance in the information technology sector. Today, we have the chance to lead in this field by bringing knowledge of artificial intelligence to the general public, stated Chief Minister Fadnavis, also praising the initiative taken by Symbiosis for this purpose.

Dr. Mujumdar remarked that recognizing the absence of institutions providing artificial intelligence education at the undergraduate level for students from arts, commerce, and science streams, such an institution has been established for the first time in the state. Programs such as BBA in AI and B.Sc. in AI have been initiated. He emphasized that artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in the fourth revolution of human development and expressed the need for a revolution based on spiritual values alongside technology in the future.

In her welcoming speech, Dr. Yeravdekar mentioned that the establishment of the Symbiosis Artificial Intelligence Institute is aimed at providing artificial intelligence training without an engineering background. The courses initiated here have received a great response from students, with 190 students enrolled in the first year. She also mentioned that efforts are underway to establish a similar institution in Nagpur in the future.

Chief Minister Fadnavis inaugurated Symbiosis’s multilingual virtual assistant “SAI” (SAII). Dr. Ramakrishnan Raman provided information about this multilingual virtual assistant. A short video showcasing the journey of Symbiosis was presented at the beginning of the event.

Various department heads, professors, and students from the university were present on this occasion.