The digital age is rapidly transforming education, and with the introduction of Project SALUTE, the Chakra Dialogues Foundation (CDF) is aiming to catapult Indian schools into the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation.

Wing Commander Satyam Kushwaha (Retd.), the founder of CDF, spoke to FinancialExpress.com about this transformative initiative, which seeks to provide high-end AI tools and resources to schools, allowing young students to dive deep into AI technologies that are shaping the future.

Bringing AI to the Grassroots: A Vision of Empowerment

CDF was born out of a passion for nation-building and the desire to foster talent across India. As Wing Commander Satyam Kushwaha explains, the foundation was initially a small group focused on knowledge sharing, before growing into a formalised entity with an ambitious mission. “It was an informal group by the name of KRANTII (Knowledge Resources Analysis Networks Technology Innovation Integration), which slowly expanded and started covering many diverse fields,” says Kushwaha.

“Our aim is to galvanise society and mobilise the nation for strengthening National Power and protecting national interests through collaborative efforts.”

As part of this vision, Project SALUTE, which stands for Schools’ AI Labs for Universal Technology Empowerment, is a bold step toward empowering students with the tools to innovate and lead in the world of Artificial Intelligence. The project focuses on providing students with access to Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) — critical for running AI models and applications — along with high-end software that will help them explore the vast potentials of AI.

The Revolutionary Impact of AI Labs in Schools

AI, particularly through GPUs, is often out of reach for many schools due to its high cost. With Project SALUTE, the goal is to make these essential resources available to schools across India, starting with 150 schools. Kushwaha notes, “We plan to provide not only GPUs but also high-end software to schools, supported through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. This initiative will ensure that students, irrespective of their location or background, have access to the latest in AI technology.”

In addition to the AI labs in schools, CDF is also working on projects for higher academic institutions and innovation incubation centres. As Kushwaha explains, “This isn’t just about schools. We are also focusing on providing hardware and software to colleges and startups, particularly in the defence and AI sectors, to support broader innovation across the country.”

AI Software: Bridging the Gap in Education

One of the unique features of Project SALUTE is the development of AI software designed to support a variety of educational needs. This software, as Kushwaha elaborates, will include an ‘AI Tutor’ chatbot capable of answering students’ questions, explaining complex concepts, and even assisting teachers in administrative tasks such as setting question papers and lesson plans. “This is going to lead to what we call ‘Education 4.0.’ The AI Tutor won’t replace teachers but will supplement them, allowing them to focus more on engaging with students directly,” Kushwaha states.

Moreover, the AI Tutor is designed to work in multiple languages, ensuring that students who may not be fluent in English can still access the information they need in their mother tongue. This makes the AI tools both versatile and inclusive, providing educational equity for students across diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Commodore Arun Golaya’s Revolutionary Vision for AI in India

The software component of Project SALUTE owes much to the vision of Commodore (Dr) Arun Golaya, a former naval officer and now a prominent advocate for AI in education. Dr Golaya, who played a pivotal role in accelerating naval innovations, has turned his attention to revolutionising AI in the educational sector. “Dr Golaya has been instrumental in conceptualising the AI software for schools, specifically the ‘AI Tutor’ platform. His idea is to not just focus on AI but to create an all-encompassing tool that is useful for every student,” shares Kushwaha.

Dr Golaya’s efforts extend beyond AI software. He is also working on an ambitious project to develop AI chips within India, aiming to reduce the country’s dependence on imported hardware. Kushwaha highlights, “The AI Tutor software and the GPUs will be part of a multi-functional system, designed not only for AI learning but also for other educational tasks. The vision is to develop a system that serves the educational ecosystem in its entirety, ensuring maximum utilisation of resources.”

Ensuring Affordability and Accessibility

A major concern for many is the cost associated with implementing such advanced technology in schools. However, Project SALUTE aims to keep this burden off students and their families. “We are leveraging CSR funds to ensure that the students or their parents are not burdened with additional costs. The AI lab will be provided to schools, with all necessary hardware, software, and maintenance included,” assures Kushwaha.

The cost of each AI lab is expected to be in the range of Rs 50-60 lakhs, but by securing funding through CSR channels, the initiative ensures that the program remains accessible to schools from both urban and remote areas. In some cases, CDF plans to cluster smaller schools together to maximise resource efficiency.

A Pan-India Vision: Expanding Reach to All Corners

While the initiative is still in its early stages, the response from schools has been overwhelmingly positive. “We’ve had preliminary discussions with various schools and education societies, and the level of interest has been universally high,” says Kushwaha. The first phase of the project will see AI labs being established in a diverse mix of schools, including both metropolitan schools and those in aspirational districts.

This inclusivity is key to CDF’s mission to bridge the technology gap between different regions and ensure that students in every part of India have access to world-class educational tools.

Empowering India’s Future Leaders

Project SALUTE isn’t just about providing access to technology; it’s about laying the groundwork for a new generation of innovators and leaders in AI, a field that will play a crucial role in shaping India’s future. Through this initiative, CDF is not only equipping students with the tools they need to excel in the digital age but is also fostering an entrepreneurial spirit that will drive India towards global leadership.

As Kushwaha aptly puts it, “The future belongs to those who can harness the power of AI and technology. Through Project SALUTE, we aim to ensure that our students are ready to lead that future.”

With AI at the heart of this initiative, Project SALUTE is poised to revolutionize education and pave the way for India’s next wave of technological advancement.