Kumar Bahukhandi
Chhattisgarh Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary address a two-day national conference on “Artificial Intelligence & Digital Transformation: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Impact” at Maharaja Agrasen International College (MAIC)in Raipur while Management Body and Principal sitting on dais -Photo Credit -Arrangements
Chhattisgarh Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary urged young people to view Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an opportunity rather than a threat while addressing the two-day national conference on “Artificial Intelligence & Digital Transformation: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Impact” at Maharaja Agrasen International College (MAIC).
Raipur : Speaking as the chief guest, Choudhary said the world is rapidly moving towards a knowledge-based economy powered by technology and innovation. He noted that India’s rich legacy was built on education, research, and innovation, adding that the country remained one of the world’s leading economies for nearly 1,600 years because it consistently invested in knowledge and intellectual growth.
Addressing students and young professionals, the Finance Minister said that today’s most successful entrepreneurs have achieved global recognition through innovation and technological advancement. Referring to business leaders such as Elon Musk and technology giants like Nvidia and Apple, he pointed out that the market value of several technology companies now exceeds the GDP of many countries. He urged young people to understand these technological changes and prepare themselves to succeed in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
“Those who embrace Artificial Intelligence will lead the future, while those who ignore it risk being left behind,” Choudhary said. He acknowledged that every technological revolution brings challenges but stressed that it also creates unprecedented opportunities. According to him, the youth must develop the skills needed to take advantage of these emerging possibilities.
While highlighting AI’s transformative potential, the Finance Minister also emphasized that technology cannot replace human emotions, compassion, creativity, and empathy. He encouraged students to consider careers in sectors where the human touch remains indispensable, including healthcare, nursing, education, and other service-oriented professions.
Choudhary further urged young people to move beyond the traditional mindset of seeking jobs and instead become innovators and entrepreneurs capable of building globally competitive startups and technology companies. He expressed confidence that Indian youth possess the talent, creativity, and determination to emerge as global leaders in technology and innovation.
Highlighting the state’s long-term vision, he said that, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’, the Chhattisgarh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, is implementing the ‘Chhattisgarh Anjor Vision @2047’. As part of this initiative, Naya Raipur is being developed into a major centre for technology, innovation, and research. He noted that several landmark projects, including a semiconductor manufacturing unit, an AI data centre, and advanced research facilities at IIIT, are progressing rapidly.
Concluding his address, Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary congratulated the management of Maharaja Agrasen International College, the organisers, and all participants for successfully hosting the conference. He said such academic forums play a vital role in preparing young people for the opportunities and challenges of the future. Expressing confidence in the capabilities of Chhattisgarh’s youth, he said they have the potential to achieve remarkable success in the fields of technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
