Lokesh Says AP Overhauling Education to Sync Youth With AI Era

Vijayawada:Education, IT, and electronics minister Nara Lokesh on Wednesday disclosed that the state government is comprehensively overhauling the state’s education system to ensure that students are ready to embrace emerging opportunities in artificial intelligence, quantum engineering, innovation, and advanced technologies.

“The emerging education ecosystem will enable youth to become entrepreneurs, researchers, and job creators,” he underlined.

Addressing the convocation of Amrita University at Amaravati in the presence of former vice president M. Venkaiah Naidu, Lokesh said AP is building an ecosystem of strengthening university-industry partnerships and creating opportunities for students to learn, build, and lead.

"Our goal is not to produce job seekers but job creators," he maintained, saying the government wants its graduates to emerge as leaders whose contributions make a lasting impact on the society. He said the state is creating opportunities for young people to dream bigger than ever before and build globally competitive enterprises and technologies.

Describing the convocation as the beginning of a new journey, the minister urged students not to fear failure, pointing out that setbacks build courage to attempt something new. "History's greatest changes began with the question, 'Why not me?' Success belongs to those who never stop trying," he remarked, encouraging graduates to move forward with confidence and determination.

Lokesh reminded students that degrees should teach students to take up responsibilities of their families, society, and nation. He emphasised that sacrifices made by parents and the unwavering support of teachers shape the graduates' future.

Praising Amrita University, the minister said the institution stands apart for combining academic excellence with compassion, values, and service. While many universities impart knowledge, Amrita nurtures character, leadership, and a commitment to serving society, he observed. Quoting Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, he pointed out that knowledge provides skills while technology gives power. But compassion gives students their purpose.

Lokesh maintained that society ultimately remembers people not for their CGPA or gold medals, but for the positive change they create. Citing former Indian president Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, he said one's background never determines one's future. He asked graduates to pursue excellence, rather than merely chase success.

The minister advised students to opt for more challenging paths in life, remain lifelong learners, stay curious and humble, and use their knowledge to solve real-world problems. Expressing confidence that some of India's next-generation companies would emerge from campuses like Amrita University, he assured the graduates that Andhra Pradesh would help them achieve their aspirations.

Lokesh called upon the graduating class of 2026 to dream big, serve society with compassion, lead with integrity, and return to the university in the years ahead as entrepreneurs, scientists, doctors, teachers, innovators, and public leaders who inspire future generations.

Those who participated in the convocation included Amrita University executive director Vijayendra, Administrative director Swami Nijamritanandapuri, Amaravati campus registrar Vipin Nair, and dean C.K. Jayashankar.