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. Operation Sindoor showcased India's strength to the world, he asserted, adding that drones developed by the youth of Uttar Pradesh left Pakistan stunned. He added that Uttar Pradesh stood firmly with the nation's armed forces, contributing significantly to defence capabilities. The BrahMos missile is being manufactured in Lucknow, for which the state government provided land free of cost. Emphasising that Uttar Pradesh has given a new model of law and order for states, he said it required a little effort. "Uttar Pradesh 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, Dussehra, Bakri Eid, or Christmas, all religious festivals are being celebrated with enthusiasm," 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. He said with strong law and order becoming a part of everyday life, 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. The state government took responsibility for security, and within two years, UP climbed to second place nationally. Today, it is recognized as a top 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 VC Prof SC Sharma, and several other dignitaries....