The School of Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering (sAIDE), Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, successfully organized an AI Awareness Programme for school students at the IIT Ropar campus. The event, titled "AI Awareness Programme: Guiding Students for the Digital Future," was conducted as a pre-summit activity of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled to be held in New Delhi from February 16 to 20, 2026.

The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 75 school students and was aimed at creating awareness about artificial intelligence and its growing role in shaping the digital future. By introducing students to real-world applications of AI, the event sought to encourage curiosity, informed thinking, and responsible engagement with emerging technologies.

The programme commenced with an inaugural session featuring a welcome address by Dr. Abhinav Kumar, faculty member at sAIDE, IIT Ropar. This was followed by addresses from Prof. C. C. Reddy, Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering; Prof. Nitin Auluck, Head of the Department of Computer Science; and Dr. Santosh Kumar Vipparthi, Head of sAIDE. The speakers highlighted the importance of early exposure to AI and its relevance in education and future careers.

Dr. Abhilasha Nanda, faculty member at sAIDE, IIT Ropar, delivered an introductory session on IIT Ropar and sAIDE, providing students with an overview of the institute's academic environment and AI-related initiatives. This was followed by an engaging talk on "AI in Everyday Life" by Dr. Mayuresh S. Pardeshi, faculty member at sAIDE, IIT Ropar, which illustrated how AI technologies are embedded in daily activities and services.

In the post-break sessions, Dr. Neeraj Goel, faculty member in the Department of Computer Science, IIT Ropar, delivered a thought-provoking talk on "AI for Education," focusing on the transformative potential of AI in learning and teaching processes. This was followed by a panel discussion and interactive session with participation from faculty members of sAIDE and accompanying school teachers, providing students an opportunity to ask questions and interact directly with experts.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Anusha Prakash, faculty coordinator of the event. Subsequently, students participated in lab and campus visits, offering them firsthand exposure to research facilities and the academic ecosystem at IIT Ropar.

The AI Awareness Programme reflects IIT Ropar's commitment to outreach and AI literacy, aligning with the broader objectives of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 to promote responsible, inclusive, and informed adoption of artificial intelligence in India.