As Uttar Pradesh accelerates its journey towards becoming India’s “AI Pradesh,” universities are playing a pivotal role in nurturing future-ready talent and driving responsible innovation. In an exclusive conversation with Elets News Network (ENN), Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow, shares the university’s vision for building an AI-ready workforce through multidisciplinary education, cutting-edge research, industry collaboration, and inclusive digital learning. He also highlights how BBAU is aligning with the state’s AI ambitions and the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 by fostering ethical and equitable adoption of artificial intelligence across academia.
Edited excerpts.
As Vice Chancellor of a central university in Lucknow, what is your vision for BBAU’s role in building an AI-ready workforce for Uttar Pradesh?
BBAU envisions becoming a leading contributor to Uttar Pradesh’s AI ecosystem by developing a skilled, ethical, and future-ready workforce. In line with our mission of academic excellence and social inclusion, we are committed to equipping students with competencies in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cyber Security, and digital technologies. Our goal is to ensure that graduates are prepared to address societal challenges and contribute to the state’s economic growth and the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
UP is positioning itself as India’s “AI Pradesh” with the AI City in Lucknow and skilling initiatives like AI Pragya. How is BBAU aligning its curriculum and research with this state vision and NEP 2020?
The initiatives of the Government of Uttar Pradesh provide an excellent opportunity for higher education institutions. BBAU is aligning with NEP 2020 by promoting multidisciplinary education, experiential learning, and skill-based programs. We are encouraging the integration of AI, Machine Learning, and Data Analytics into teaching and research, while fostering innovation in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and governance to support the state’s AI ambitions. The Centre of Excellence in AI to realize these objectives has been established in the University. PG Diploma in ML and AI has been launched to build core industry skills.
What steps is the university taking to integrate AI into teaching, research, and campus administration—and what governance framework guides its ethical use in academia?
BBAU is actively exploring the use of AI to enhance teaching-learning processes, strengthen research capabilities, and improve administrative efficiency through digital platforms. At the same time, we recognize that responsible AI adoption is essential. Our approach is guided by the principles of transparency, accountability, privacy, and academic integrity, ensuring that AI serves as a tool to augment human potential and support informed decision-making.
AI raises concerns of digital divide and equity. As a university committed to social inclusion, how do you ensure marginalized students benefit equally from AI education?
Social inclusion is central to BBAU’s identity. We are committed to providing equitable access to digital infrastructure, learning resources, and capacity-building opportunities for all students. By promoting digital literacy and inclusive educational practices, we aim to ensure that the benefits of AI reach every section of society and contribute to reducing the digital divide.
What collaborations—with industry, government, or global institutions—is BBAU pursuing to strengthen AI research and innovation in the state?
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Collaboration is key to building a robust AI ecosystem. BBAU is strengthening partnerships with industry, government agencies, and academic institutions to promote joint research, internships, faculty development, and innovation-driven initiatives. Such collaborations will help create a vibrant ecosystem for AI research and skill development, enabling Uttar Pradesh to emerge as a leader in digital innovation and knowledge-driven growth.