(Speech at ISWK. STAI 2026

24th October, 05:00 pm)

Chairman,  Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman,

Principal,

Distinguished members of the School Management Committee, 

Esteemed Teachers, 

Proud parents, and 

Above all, the brilliant young minds representing schools from across Oman

A very good evening to you all.

It is a pleasure to join you this evening for the Valedictory Ceremony of STAI 2026, hosted by Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir.

I congratulate the school management, organisers, teachers and participating schools for bringing together young minds around Science, Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Innovation.

This year's theme, “Future World – Innovate, Integrate & Impact,” is particularly relevant. It reminds us that the future will be shaped not only by technological advancement, but also by our ability to collaborate, think creatively and use knowledge to make a positive difference in society.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We are living in a period of rapid technological transformation. AI, ML Robotics, LLM, Chat GPT, Gemini, Deepseek and Siri are reshaping our daily lives and industries, scientific discoveries are advancing healthcare, and digital technologies are changing how we learn, work and communicate.

In this environment, education must go beyond textbooks and examinations. It must encourage curiosity, critical thinking and the ability to solve real-world problems.

STAI 2026 provides students with a valuable platform to explore ideas, experiment, collaborate and develop the skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex world.

The three elements of this year's theme offer a simple yet incredibly powerful message. 

Innovate: Innovation is primary driver of long-term economic growth and  business survival, but it is rarely the sole factor for success.

This brings us to the second pillar: Integrate: Bringing together disparate knowledge, cutting-edge technology, and diverse perspectives to develop superior solutions. We see this vividly in countries like Japan, where the population aged 100 and above has exceeded 1000 people, prompting the innovative integration of AI-powered cognitive checks and digital tools to help older citizens monitor their well-being and maintain their independence. 

When we achieve this balance, we unlock the final pillar: Impact. Impact ensures that our ideas translate into meaningful, tangible improvements in people's lives. We have seen how the world experienced the transformative "Apple revolution" through its sheer innovative rigor, changing how humanity interacts with technology.

Dear students, I encourage you to carry these principles of innovation, integration, and impact far beyond this event, weaving them deeply into your ongoing studies and future careers. As AI becomes increasingly influential in your daily lives, you must always remember the profound importance of its responsible use. Technology should consistently strengthen human capabilities, never replace independent, critical thinking. The future urgently needs leaders who understand technology, but choose to wield it with absolute integrity, sound judgment, and a deep sense of global responsibility. Never be afraid to experiment or make mistakes, because every landmark discovery in human history required curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to learn from failure.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

India has placed science and technology at the heart of its development journey. From space exploration and digital public infrastructure to pharmaceuticals, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing, India continues to expand its technological capabilities.

India is also encouraging its young people to explore AI through initiatives such as YUVAi – Youth for Unnati and Vikas with AI, which empowers school students to develop AI-based solutions to real-world challenges in areas such as healthcare, education, agriculture and environmental protection. Through YUVA AI for ALL, India is also expanding access to foundational AI learning.

These initiatives reflect our belief that young people should not merely use technology, but learn to apply it responsibly to solve problems and improve lives. This is closely aligned with our vision of Viksit Bharat 2047—a developed India by the centenary of our independence, where the knowledge, skills and creativity of our youth will be central to national progress.

The upcoming APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Shenzhen, China, on 18–19 November 2026, underscores the importance of openness, innovation and regional cooperation. As AI transforms our world, international collaboration will be essential to harness technology responsibly, promote sustainable growth and create new opportunities for future generations.

Throughout history, human progress has been defined by our ability to adapt and evolve. From the early transitions of the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras, to the steam engines of the Industrial Revolution, and into the smart systems of Industry 4.0 and 5.0 — each wave brought change. Yet the revolution we are living through today, with Artificial Intelligence, represents perhaps the most profound disruption in human history.

What makes this moment unique is that, for the very first time, the tech industry itself is calling for caution and regulation. There is an urgent, collective realisation that as we push boundaries, we must de-risk technology — to make it inclusive, ethical, and responsible.

Naturally, this raises vital questions about our future. Will AI replace us? Which jobs are at risk, and how will leadership evolve?

The answer lies in understanding the vital difference between automation and augmentation. AI is not here to diminish human potential, but to augment it. By committing to continuous learning and up skilling, we do not just protect our careers — we elevate them.

The real question, therefore, is not simply whether AI will replace us, but whether we will learn to use it to our advantage.

What choices do we have? Will we remain passive consumers of technology, or become responsible creators who use it to address humanity’s most pressing challenges?

And finally, as machines become increasingly capable of analysing information and recommending decisions, how will leadership evolve? What will distinguish a great leader in the age of AI? It will be the ability to exercise sound judgment, demonstrate empathy, uphold ethical values and take responsibility for decisions that affect human lives.

Dear students,

These questions do not have simple answers. But one thing is clear: the future will belong not merely to those who understand technology, but to those who know how to use it wisely.

Do not prepare only for the jobs of today. Prepare yourselves to adapt to the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow. Keep learning, keep questioning and keep evolving. Let AI be a tool that expands your potential, never a substitute for your curiosity, independent thinking or humanity.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Indian schools in Oman play an important role in nurturing young talent and fostering academic excellence, cultural understanding and leadership. I commend Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir for providing students with this opportunity to showcase their abilities and engage with emerging fields of knowledge.

I extend my appreciation to the school management, principals, teachers, mentors, organisers and parents. Your encouragement and dedication create the environment in which young people can discover their potential and turn their aspirations into achievements.

Dear students,

Remember that success is not measured only by the awards you receive, but also by what you learn, the challenges you overcome and the knowledge you gain. And learning doesn’t stop at schools, Its a lifelong process.

Remain curious. Embrace collaboration. Use technology responsibly. Above all, ensure that your abilities contribute positively to society.

Let the theme of STAI 2026—“Future World – Innovate, Integrate & Impact”—inspire you to think boldly, work together and create meaningful change.

Thank you