Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has stressed the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) literacy, saying emerging technologies are creating new opportunities across education, healthcare, agriculture, industry and employment.
In an open letter ahead of International Literacy Day on September 8, the Chief Minister said literacy in the modern era should extend beyond basic reading and writing to include digital knowledge, AI awareness, skills, values and confidence.
Yogi Adityanath said rapid technological changes are transforming everyday life and making AI literacy an important requirement alongside digital literacy.
He highlighted AI, deep-tech and other emerging technologies as areas capable of opening new opportunities across multiple sectors.
The Chief Minister said education should provide students not only with basic literacy but also with knowledge, values, discipline, confidence and an understanding that helps them navigate life in the right direction.
Adityanath said the Uttar Pradesh government is working to integrate traditional knowledge with modern science, technology, innovation and skills.
He highlighted the developing AI City in Lucknow and the focus on drone and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology in Kanpur as initiatives laying the foundation for new technological possibilities in the state.
According to the Chief Minister, these developments can contribute to the state’s future technology ecosystem.
Yogi Adityanath said children should not attend school simply to learn how to read and write.
He stressed the importance of providing students with knowledge and values while developing discipline, self-confidence, curiosity and a sense of responsibility.
Referring to India’s ancient knowledge traditions, he said the gurukul system promoted holistic education by combining knowledge with life values and responsibility.
He said this approach should continue to inform education while ensuring that knowledge remains useful to society.
The Chief Minister described teachers as an important link in the educational journey and acknowledged their contribution to shaping future generations.
He recently had the opportunity to honour 81 teachers on Teachers’ Day, according to the source.
Adityanath said teachers help develop curiosity, discipline, confidence and responsibility among students while connecting India’s knowledge traditions with modern knowledge and innovation.
The Uttar Pradesh government has focused on improving education through initiatives including:
- Operation Kayakalp
- Mission Prerna
- Mukhyamantri Abhyudaya Yojana
- Skill-development programmes
These initiatives cover areas such as school infrastructure, education quality, competitive-examination preparation and youth skills.
Adityanath said these efforts had contributed to progress in reducing school dropout rates and bringing more children into the mainstream of education.
The Chief Minister said achieving universal literacy requires participation from society as a whole.
He called upon citizens to help people around them who lack basic literacy, noting that even a small effort to teach someone to read and write can create greater access to knowledge, confidence and opportunities.
At the same time, he said modern literacy must also include awareness of digital technology and AI.
Ahead of International Literacy Day, Adityanath called for a broader commitment to education and skills.
He urged people to work towards ensuring that:
- Every child goes to school.
- Every student receives quality education.
- Every young person gets connected with skills and innovation.
- Every citizen develops digital and AI awareness alongside basic literacy.
