The demographic dividend in India, with over 65% of its populace being under 35 years of age, presents a unique opportunity to shape the forthcoming global landscape. As we commemorate Youth Skills Day, it is important to acknowledge the significance of learning in shaping a skilled, future-ready workforce. This dedication to nurturing talents is evident in the commitment of companies to hire hundreds of new employees under the Indian government’s innovative employment scheme, aimed to bridge the skills gap.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Appreciation Day 2025 has brought together leaders from the technology, education, and agriculture sectors, highlighting the expanding role of AI in everyday life in India. AI has transitioned from being just a technological jargon to a driving force of inclusive and transformative progress.
The AI Revolution in Education
Karun Tadepalli, the Co-founder & CEO of byteXL, believes that AI is compelling a fundamental shift in the Indian education system. With the global youth gearing up to take the helm in an era defined by AI, automation, and green innovation, it is evident that the future of work will not only be driven by technology but also steered by humans. Empowering and enduring skills are the stepping stones to this future.
Addressing AI Literacy and Governance
However, the journey to a tech-savvy future is not without hurdles. AI literacy and responsible governance are crucial areas that need attention as enterprises and governments transition from contemplating AI adoption to figuring out its meaningful and responsible deployment at scale. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report highlights concerns about the digital infrastructure and the pressing need for workforce upskilling, ranking India 99th in ICT (Information and Communication Technology) access and 113th in skills globally.
Building an AI-Literate Workforce
As we embrace the next generation of technologies, it’s crucial to understand that AI has evolved from being a mere feature to becoming a foundation. The future will be shaped by those who can learn, unlearn, and adapt quickly. Youth Skills Day serves as a pertinent reminder of this fact. The focus is not just on upskilling, but on fostering an AI-literate workforce prepared for the future. With a whopping 95% of employees certified in GenAI, AI fluency is fast becoming a core competency.
Conclusion
While we celebrate the strides made in AI, it is also essential to acknowledge and address the challenges along the way. The journey towards a future driven by AI and human skill is one of continuous learning and adaptation. On this Youth Skills Day, let’s renew our commitment to building a future-ready, AI-literate workforce that will shape the world of tomorrow.
Originally published on https://government.economictimes.indiatimes.com/blog/empowering-indias-youth-unleashing-potential-through-ai-and-skills-training/122477408
