From Bhilai to Bharat Mandapam: A young voice in India’s AI conversation

India’s growing role in the global artificial intelligence ecosystem is not being shaped only by policymakers, technology leaders, and corporations. Increasingly, it is also being influenced by a new generation of students who are stepping into global technology conversations with confidence and curiosity. The recent participation of Kriti Priya, a student from Bhilai, at the AI Impact Summit held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi offers a glimpse into how young talent from across the country is finding its place in this evolving landscape.

Kriti Priya, currently pursuing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at Rungta International University and serving as a Google Student Ambassador, was among a select group of six student ambassadors invited by Google to attend the summit. Her presence at a platform that brought together global technology leaders, policymakers, and innovators reflects not only individual merit but also the expanding opportunities for Indian students to engage with cutting-edge technology ecosystems.

One of the defining moments of her experience was the opportunity to interact with Google CEO Sundar Pichai. During the exchange, Kriti spoke about her efforts to promote responsible AI practices and encourage students to explore tools such as Google Gemini for innovation-driven learning. Her engagement reflects a broader shift among young technology enthusiasts who are increasingly concerned not only with developing technical skills but also with understanding the ethical and social implications of artificial intelligence.

In her conversation with Pichai, Kriti asked a simple yet revealing question about what matters most to him. His response — family — left a lasting impression on the young participants. For many students present, the exchange highlighted the human side of leadership in an industry often defined by scale, speed, and technological breakthroughs.

Kriti later described Pichai as approachable and attentive, noting how he took the time to ask students about their backgrounds and experiences. Representing Chhattisgarh, she shared insights into her academic journey and the growing AI ecosystem within her university.

Her presence at the summit was marked with a special expo badge recognising her role as a Google Student Ambassador. The recognition followed a rigorous selection process and acknowledged her efforts to build awareness around artificial intelligence among student communities.

Beyond individual recognition, the moment also reflects a larger trend within India’s higher education system. Universities are increasingly collaborating with global technology companies to align academic programmes with industry requirements. Rungta International University, for instance, has partnered with Google to introduce joint degree programmes in engineering and management that incorporate specialised Google certifications. The collaboration also integrates structured certification pathways, enabling students to earn globally recognised credentials alongside their academic degrees.

Such initiatives are part of a broader shift in education, where institutions are seeking to bridge the gap between academic learning and emerging technology skills. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, the ability of universities to provide hands-on exposure, industry collaboration, and global engagement will become increasingly important.

For Bhilai, Kriti’s participation at the summit carries symbolic significance. A student from the city sharing space with global technology leaders at an international AI forum underscores how opportunities in the digital economy are expanding beyond traditional technology hubs. It reflects the growing democratization of access to knowledge, platforms, and global conversations.

For Kriti Priya herself, the experience marks an important milestone in her journey. For her institution and hometown, it signals a rising presence in India’s expanding AI ecosystem.

More importantly, it highlights a broader reality — that the future of artificial intelligence will not be shaped only in boardrooms and research labs, but also in classrooms, student communities, and emerging technology networks across the country.

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