TV
Dr. Sharmila Subramanian
I asked Copilot, “What jobs will AI take away?” And, upfront came the response,in the wink of an eye, “…Experts predict that jobs involving repetitive tasks and routine decision-making are at the highest risk…Cashiers, truck drivers, journalists, factory workers, software engineers, customer service representatives, financial traders, and graphic designers.” It also said, “The key is to adapt and develop new skills that complement AI than compete with it.” When asked what jobs can never be replaced by AI, it quoted, “…where human skills remain irreplaceable. These roles typically require creativity, emotional intelligence, physical dexterity, and complex decision making skills.” My chat with Copilot is an indication that continuous learning is indispensable in today’s world. Without reskilling and upskilling, human workforce may soon become redundant and obsolete.
Perhaps, that is the reason why in Indian culture, we hail assiduous learning and skill development through festivals and celebrations like Saraswati Puja, Guru Purnima, Vishwakarma Puja etc…The object of these solemnities and sacraments reiterate the importance of acquiring knowledge, skills and wisdom continually. Traditionally, one who has “Kaushal” (Skills) is “Kushal”(Happy). It simply means that skilled individuals can find work and stay happy. But, these skills need to be refined, blended, upgraded and adjusted with changing times and situations. As the fourth industrial revolution, led by Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, data Science, is re-architecting the global workplace, it is pertinent to embrace Kaushal 2.0- an inventive thought that strategizes skilling (reskilling and upskilling included) in the quickest possible manner.
The Industry 4.0 is taking the whole world through an amazing journey of transformation that is piloted by Artificial Intelligence(AI) and Machine Learning (ML). As the machine is learning, it is but obvious that the IQ of AI will soar newer heights. While AI promises automation and optimization, it also threatens job redundancy. The real question is not whether AI will take away jobs — but whether we are prepared to transform ourselves and create new value.
According to a World Economic Forum report, over 1 billion people worldwide will need reskilling by 2030. India, with its demographic dividend of more than 500 million working-age people, is at the epicentre of this change. Odisha alone has over 1.4 crore youth, many from rural belts, aspiring to enter the formal economy. What they need is a bridge — and that bridge is Kaushal 2.0, an innovative idea that is inspired by ancient history of India.
India has had a long history of worshipping “Skills, Knowledge & Wisdom”. Our ancient culture has taught us not only to respect skills but also the instruments that help us in applying those skills. We view this in various age old practices like sharpening the weapons or modifying them to suit our needs. Practicing the learnt skills as well as improvising on them. Changing the instruments to fit the field requirements, and relearning the skills to use the newly chosen equipment. For example, in a battlefield, the terrain, the competencies of enemy, and the weapons available for use, decides which soldier will fight the war. Similarly, in a modern day corporate, the marketplace, the competitive advantage of the competitors, the technology in use,and the Kaushal in demand decide which employee stays!
What is Kaushal 2.0?
‘Kaushal’, derived from Sanskrit, means skill. In today’s context, Kaushal 2.0 symbolizes the evolution of skills in an AI-driven world — skills that go beyond degrees and dive into agility, critical thinking, digital literacy, and emotional intelligence.It is a holistic approach to learning that integrates technical proficiency with uniquely human capabilities, ensuring individuals not only thrive alongside AI, but also lead in applying it ethically and innovatively.
Kaushal 1.0: Rooted in Ancient India
India’s answer to education and skilling dates back to the Gurukul system — a learning model that emphasized learning by doing (Karma Yoga), personalized mentorship (Guru-Shishya Parampara), and integrated physical, mental, and ethical education.In those ancient times, young learners were not just taught scriptures but also trained in skills like archery, astronomy, governance, commerce, and metallurgy — depending on their inclination. The focus was not just theoretical knowledge (Shastra) but applied wisdom (Prayoga).
The modern world needs a revival of this model — a blended learning system where theory meets hands-on practice, where AI and ancient wisdom coexist. Remember, lifelong learning is no longer a luxury but a survival skill.While Kaushal 1.0 laid a strong foundation, several gaps have emerged in the current landscape that demand a Kaushal 2.0 approach
Let’s face the current gap:
- According to NASSCOM, 60–65% of the Indian workforce in the IT sector needs reskilling.
- NSDC (National Skill Development Corporation) data shows that less than 10% of India’s total workforce is formally skilled.
- In Odisha, industrial hubs like Angul, Jharsuguda, and Balasore are seeing a shift in demand from manual to technical jobs, yet vocational training is still lagging behind.
- Sectors that demand urgent skilling includes healthcare, agriculture, education, retail & e-commerce, and logistics.
There is a dire need for AI-driven diagnostics, telemedicine, and robotic surgeries; precision farming, agri-drones, and soil health tech; EdTech platforms, content development, online pedagogy; data analytics, inventory automation, customer experience tools; AI for routing, drone-based delivery systems, on an urgent basis. These technologies cannot be leveraged unless our existing and potential workforce embraces reskilling and upskilling.
For instance, in Odisha, where agriculture and handicrafts dominate rural livelihoods, integrating technology with tradition can change the game — imagine AI-powered soil health cards or e-commerce platforms for Pipili artisans!
Kaushal 2.0 Implementation
Kaushal 2.0 is an inventive thought that emphasises learning technical skills to drive the AI- technology further, as well as honing critical life skills to safeguard the sanctity of human intelligence. This can be done through:
- Digital Gurukuls are digitally equipped centre of education where blended learning aggregates digital skilling under the “guru-shishya parampara”. This simply translates into providing mentorship to every learner. This centre treats learning as an incessant quest for improvement. The teachers are not instructors but are participants in the development of their mentees. These gurukuls leverage technology to provide personalized learning paths, AI-driven assessments, and virtual collaboration spaces, while retaining the core values of mentorship and individualized guidance. This translates into providing mentorship to every learner, fostering a learning community where teachers are participants in the development of their mentees.
- Social Awareness means that people must be made aware of the importance of skill development. They need to understand that it is not the certificate but the ability to perform is at the crux of Kaushal 0.
- Kaushal Kumbhcan be an annual fest where the learners can showcase their skills and talent; develop innovative technological solutions and showcase entrepreneurial capabilities
Kaushal 2.0 is an idea that incites and unites all those who keep pondering over the “future ways of the world”. Can we transform this into reality? Can we embrace Kaushal 2.0? Eager to know!Let's begin this journey of transformation together, fostering a future where human potential and AI innovation converge for the betterment of society.
(DISCLAIMER: This is an opinion piece. The views expressed are the author’s own and have nothing to do with OTV’s charter or views. OTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)
