Guwahati, January 4 (NationPress) Referring to the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and machine learning as only the beginning, Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, urged students to remain alert and prepare for the future in a world that is evolving rapidly.

He emphasized that depending solely on traditional textbook knowledge is insufficient and encouraged students to acquire skills that meet the changing demands of the global job market. Highlighting the necessity of aligning educational paths with Industry 4.0, the Chief Minister mentioned that the state government is actively modifying its policies and initiatives to keep up with swift technological progress.

During a ceremony held in Changsari, Kamrup district, CM Sarma honored 1,534 students from Bezera and Sualkuchi for their outstanding performance in the HSLC and HS Examinations of 2025. He reminisced about a time when typewriters were commonplace, followed by electronic typewriters, and later, the advent of large computers and laptops. He remarked that artificial intelligence has now taken a dominant role across various sectors, signifying the end of the software era.

Sarma also pointed out rapid shifts in dietary preferences, noting that laboratories are now developing food tailored to human necessities, with bioengineered products entering the marketplace.

He explained that historically, doctors addressed diseases only after their onset, evolving to a focus on disease prevention, and now, with genetic screening, individuals can foresee potential illnesses years in advance and take preventive measures. This will enable the identification of diseases a person might face throughout their lifetime from a young age, allowing for early intervention.

The Chief Minister noted the remarkable advancements technology has brought to medical practices. He explained, “In the past, surgical procedures required opening the body. Now, surgeons can operate using cameras through minimal incisions, and in many instances, robots conduct surgeries while being guided remotely by doctors. Such robotic surgeries have already been carried out at Guwahati Medical College. A future lies ahead where surgeons may operate from significant distances.”

“As technologies such as augmented reality and virtual reality advance, individuals will experience closeness despite physical distance. These innovations will even facilitate classroom learning without a teacher. Additionally, referring to Tesla's self-driving cars that utilize sensor technology, he stated that in the next decade, numerous tasks could be executed without the need for doctors, engineers, or teachers,” CM Sarma concluded.