CM Devendra Fadnavis said technologies like data, AI, and quantum computing will transform the world and help build skilled human resources.
On MKCL’s 25th anniversary in Pune, leaders highlighted the need to bridge the digital divide and empower youth for the technology era.
Ajit Pawar assured that funding will not be a hurdle for setting up research institutions to strengthen Maharashtra’s digital and educational initiatives.
Pune, 21 August 2025: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that rapid advances in data, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum computing will change the world and create opportunities for building a skilled workforce. He cautioned, however, that this digital wave could also widen the digital divide, and called on Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Limited (MKCL) to take proactive steps to bridge it.
Fadnavis was speaking at the silver jubilee celebrations of MKCL, held at Bantara Bhavan in Pune. The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, IT Minister Ashish Shelar, senior scientist Dr. Vijay Bhatkar, Padma Vibhushan Dr. Anil Kakodkar, MLA Dilip Walse-Patil, and MKCL officials.
On the occasion, the website Marathi Sahityadrushti, offering updated information on Marathi literature, was launched.
The Chief Minister noted that while AI poses new challenges, it is essential to ensure that knowledge reaches the last person in society. He said that when the internet era began, MKCL played a crucial role in making digital systems accessible and in bringing transparency and efficiency to administration. “Over the last 25 years, MKCL has successfully delivered impactful changes,” he added.
Dr. Anil Kakodkar emphasized that collective effort and cooperation can create a stronger society. He said that even with a professional outlook, it is possible to drive social transformation through knowledge and technology.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar underlined the importance of preparing the youth for the era of AI-driven changes. He said MKCL had successfully taken digital technologies to rural areas and assured that lack of funds would not stand in the way of setting up research institutes in collaboration with the IT department. “Transforming our population into human capital is the only way for the country to progress,” Pawar said.
The event also featured the release of the book Pranjalache Aarse by Dr. Kakodkar, while MKCL’s journey was outlined by chief advisor Dr. Vivek Sawant.
