Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the Symbiosis Artificial Intelligence Institute (SAII) at Symbiosis International University, Pune, today. The ceremony was graced by Padma Bhushan Dr. S. B. Mujumdar, Founder and Chancellor of Symbiosis International University, along with senior academicians, industry leaders, and dignitaries.
Speaking at the event, CM Fadnavis highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, calling it the “right time to lead the AI revolution”. He praised Symbiosis for taking a timely initiative, stating, “Indians have the ability to succeed even in the fast-changing wave of artificial intelligence.
By spreading AI knowledge to the grassroots, Symbiosis has created an institute that will become a successful and guiding center for the entire country.” The Chief Minister stressed that the state government is actively integrating AI into governance, agriculture, and public services.
He shared that AI-based solutions have already been implemented to assist farmers, citing the Agri Hackathon in Pune, where innovative technologies were showcased. AI chatbots developed by the state are now helping farmers resolve agricultural queries in local languages.
In urban management, the government has collaborated with Google to introduce AI-driven traffic solutions for Pune city, aimed at improving transport planning and easing congestion. Further, in partnership with Microsoft, three AI-focused institutions have been launched in Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur to work across diverse sectors such as law and order, healthcare, agriculture, and administration, while also training citizens in the basics of AI.
Acknowledging both opportunities and risks, CM Fadnavis emphasized the need for responsible use of AI. “While AI is revolutionizing sectors like healthcare, medicine manufacturing, and governance, it also raises concerns such as digital economic fraud and employment challenges. These issues must be addressed with foresight,” he noted.
Drawing parallels with the IT revolution of the 1990s, Fadnavis said that just as Indians turned the internet boom into a global opportunity, the country must now seize leadership in AI, quantum computing, and semiconductor technologies.
The initiative by Symbiosis is commendable, and institutions like SAII will play a critical role in preparing India’s youth for this technological era,” he concluded.The event marked a significant step in making Pune a hub of AI innovation, research, and training, aligning with Maharashtra’s vision of becoming a leader in emerging technologies.
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