Is the era of MBA and degree-based careers really over? Will AI and automation completely replace traditional jobs? Should India now move rapidly towards vocational and trade skills? Are health and lifestyle now affecting jobs and the economy? Why is the statement of India’s Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V. Ananth Nageswaran in discussion?
CEA Statement MBA Education India: Every year lakhs of youth in India spend lakhs of rupees to acquire huge degrees like software engineering, computer science and MBA. But India’s Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V. Ananth Nageswaran has given a statement which has shaken the entire education system of the country and the traditional pattern of career. Speaking in an ANI podcast, he clearly said that in the changing economy, there can be no guarantee of getting a job just on the basis of bookish degrees. He warned the youth that the time for mindlessly moving forward on traditional paths is over.
‘The golden era of software and MBA is over’: Now which skills will get you a package of lakhs?
CEO Nageswaran said in strong words, “The world of globalization once brought great benefits to the study of software, computer science and MBA, but that era is now over forever.” They have created deep suspense on what direction the future will take. According to him, the coming time is of trade skills, soft skills and such unique professions where mere robots or machines cannot do the work, but there is a strong need for human understanding, empathy and real presence.
Whose jobs will survive in the era of AI? Big revelation of secret conversation with chef
In this era of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation, when everyone is scared of losing their jobs, the Chief Economic Advisor shared an interesting anecdote of his conversation with a young chef. The chef was feeling behind compared to his friends, then Nageswaran explained to him that culinary skills can never be replaced by AI. He said, “The truth is that you have learned a skill that no advanced technology can easily imitate.” In the future, there is going to be a flood of jobs in sectors like counselling, caregiving and hospitality, as these require human touch.
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The bitter truth of foreign diplomacy: Why are jobs like carpentry and plumbing underestimated in India?
Raising questions on India’s social perspective, Nageswaran said that in our country, vocational professions like welding, plumbing, carpentry and electrical work have always been considered inferior or small. Whereas on the contrary, developed countries like Switzerland, Germany, Japan, South Korea and China give the most respect and money to these trade skills. He advised Indian students to increase their practical and vocational knowledge instead of just pursuing higher studies after graduation or joining the blind race of tough competitive exams like UPSC.
Biggest danger: India is becoming ‘unhealthy’ even before becoming rich, crisis looms over productivity
Along with career, the Chief Economic Advisor has also given a very scary warning regarding the health of the country. People often debate whether India will become old before it becomes rich, but Nageswaran said the real and bigger concern is whether the country is becoming seriously ‘unhealthy’ before it becomes happy? Citing the shocking data of the National Family Health Survey, he said that due to sedentary lifestyle, less physical activity and late eating habits, obesity has increased rapidly in all income groups. His final message to young Indians is very clear – pay attention to your physical and mental health along with professional qualification, because a sick citizen can never be a part of the country’s economic progress and its own productivity.