AI to Enable Multilingual Learning for Students Across India, Says Dharmendra Pradhan

AI in education can empower students across India: Dharmendra Pradhan

Artificial intelligence can deliver learning in multiple Indian languages and broaden access for students nationwide, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said while inaugurating Swadhyay Bhawan, the East Regional Centre of Delhi University's School of Open Learning (SOL) in Tahirpur, New Delhi.

The new centre backs SOL's "Earning and Learning" approach-helping learners build skills while they study. For educators, the signal is clear: build multilingual, flexible pathways that meet learners where they are.

Inside Swadhyay Bhawan

Developed at a cost of around Rs 55 crore, the 0.5-acre campus features a seven-storey building with two basements, state-of-the-art infrastructure, modern pedagogical tools, and technology-enabled classrooms. It has been set up to serve students who cannot attend regular colleges, expanding the reach of open and distance learning.

Delhi University leaders called for short, engaging, and graphical video content and urged the centre to become a hub for innovative, skill-based programmes. Learn more about SOL's work at the School of Open Learning.

Leaders' focus: access, skills, and parity

Pradhan emphasised that the East Delhi Regional Centre is a gateway to opportunity and empowerment, equipping youth with skills, confidence, and leadership for a developed India. He underscored AI's role in delivering learning in multiple Indian languages to broaden access.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta highlighted that Swadhyay Bhawan offers facilities on par with regular colleges, ensuring motivated students get what they need. Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh stressed short, interactive video learning and skill-based programmes. Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood called the centre a gateway of opportunities that removes distance as a barrier. East Delhi MP Manoj Tiwari linked the effort to the vision of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas."

SOL Director Payal Mago dedicated the centre to learners who cannot attend regular colleges and noted that SOL alumni have gone on to hold top public offices and national honours. The ceremony closed with a vote of thanks by SOL Principal Ajay Jaiswal, the national anthem, and a gathering.

Action steps for educators

• Adopt multilingual delivery: Use AI translation, speech-to-text, and text-to-speech to offer lessons and assessments in major Indian languages.
• Prioritise micro-learning: Produce short, graphical videos with focused outcomes; pair them with low-stakes quizzes and quick feedback loops.
• Build skill-based pathways: Map courses to job roles and competencies; integrate industry projects and certifications.
• Design for flexibility: Blend asynchronous modules with periodic contact classes and mentorship to support working learners.
• Upgrade classrooms: Equip rooms for recording, live-streaming, and interactive sessions; standardise templates for reusable content.
• Support faculty: Run weekly clinics on prompt-writing, assessment design with AI, and academic integrity safeguards.
• Track outcomes: Monitor completion, placement, and skills growth; iterate content based on learner data.

Where policy meets practice

The moment calls for practical implementation: multilingual content at scale, consistent micro-learning assets, and clear skill outcomes. Institutions can align these moves with national priorities on inclusive, quality education.

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