Lucknow, Nov. 18 -- Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday said Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be guided by the youth, not the other way around. Noting that Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a major hub for AI, data centres and cutting-edge technologies such as robotics and drone systems, he urged universities to integrate these emerging technologies into their academic framework by introducing short-term, certificate and diploma programmes. Addressing students at the Babu Banarasi Das University convocation in Lucknow, he said, "AI has become essential in every field, but it must remain under human direction." India has made substantial progress in robotics, he said, adding that engineering institutes should proactively adopt emerging technologies. AI, he said, will prove valuable not only for students but also for farmers, workers, and professionals across sectors. He encouraged institutions to promote practical work in drones, robotics, IoT, and AI, highlighting their rising importance in multiple sectors. Yogi urged institutions to equip youth with both technological skills and strong values, as these two pillars will help build a Viksit Bharat. "Technology does not take away jobs; it creates new opportunities. It is up to us to harness them effectively," he said. He recalled that when computers gained prominence in the early 1990s, many feared job losses, but technology ultimately expanded employment opportunities. Emphasising that Uttar Pradesh has given a new model of law and order for states, he said it required a little effort. "UP has seen many riots in the past but in the last eight years there has been no incident of riots," he said. "Festivals of all religions are celebrated peacefully. Be it Holi, Deepawali, Dusherra, Bakri Eid, or Christmas, all religious festivals are being celebrated with enthusiasm. I often ask them how the festival was and the response has been very satisfying. When people start abiding by the law, it sends a positive message. We have to make law a part of our life," he added. Reflecting on the state's transformation, he said that Uttar Pradesh was once ranked among the bottom five states in central government evaluations. "People used to claim that Uttar Pradesh could never improve," he said. When his government took office in 2017, he questioned why the state could not rank among the top three. He recalled the situation in 2017, when even existing investors were leaving the state. He said once a strong law and order became a part of everyday life, investments began pouring in. A state that previously struggled to attract even Rs.50,000 crore in five years has now secured investment proposals worth over Rs.45 lakh crore in just eight years. He noted that Uttar Pradesh's share in the national economy was 14% in 1950 but had fallen to below 8% by 2017. "If individuals are not safe, how can capital be safe?" he asked. The government took responsibility for ensuring security, and within two years, UP climbed to second place nationally. Today, it is recognized as a top achiever state, he said. Besides the CM, the convocation ceremony was attended by Jal shakti minister Swatantra Dev Singh, chancellor Alka Das, pro chancellor Viraj Sagar Das, vice chairperson Sonakshi Das Gupta, Devanshi Das Gupta, vice chancellor Prof SK Srivastava, pro vice chancellor Prof SC Sharma, and several other dignitaries....