Upskilling and Reskilling- The HR Playbook for Future-Proofing Your Workforce

By – Melody Lopez Director and Chief of Staff Crayon Software Experts

India Artificial intelligence writes code, climate change creates new industries, and remote work has redefined geography leading to the shelf-life of skills shrinking rapidly. In India – a country with the world’s largest youth population and a booming digital economy – the workforce is at a pivotal juncture. The future of work is not a distant concept – it is unfolding now, demanding a bold and strategic shift in how we prepare people for roles that may not yet exist.

As industries face waves of digital transformation and economic volatility, human resources professionals find themselves at a crossroads: react to disruption or future – proof the workforce. For HR leaders, this isn’t just about learning and development – it’s a call to architect a resilient, adaptable, and inclusive workforce. The upskilling and reskilling agenda must be built on the realities of India’s diverse socio-economic landscape, leveraging both grassroots initiatives and cutting-edge technologies to truly future-proof talent.

The Imperative for Skills Development

 The integration of AI into the workplace is transforming job functions at an unprecedented pace. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 predicts that 44% of workers’ skills will be disrupted by AI within just five years. Closer to home, sectors like BFSI, healthcare, and IT services are seeing automation take over routine functions, demanding new skills in data interpretation, cybersecurity, and customer analytics. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund estimates that 40% of global jobs could be impacted by AI – emphasizing an urgent call for continuous learning and agile skill enhancement in India’s diverse employment ecosystem.

 Embracing Skills-Based Hiring

 A significant shift is underway in recruitment: from pedigree to potential. As per research by TestGorilla, 81% of global employers adopted skills-based hiring in 2024, up from 56% in 2022. In India, companies such as Infosys and TCS are leading this change by prioritizing capability over credentials, creating a level playing field for candidates from non-traditional backgrounds. This shift is particularly empowering for India’s tier – 2/3 talent and gig workers who may lack formal degrees but possess relevant digital and soft skills.

Strategies for Effective Upskilling and Reskilling

  • To future – proof the workforce, HR leaders should consider the following strategies:

Align with National Skill Development Schemes –

The Indian government’s continued push through the Skill India Mission, PMKVY, and Digital Skilling for Youth initiative offers businesses a blueprint for scalable skill development. HR leaders can partner with these programs to align corporate skilling objectives with national frameworks – tapping into financial incentives, certified curricula, and a vast training network.

Build Mobile – First, Vernacular Learning Ecosystems – With India’s smartphone penetration crossing 600 million users, learning must meet the learner where they are. HR leaders should co-create app-based, vernacular content that supports microlearning for blue – collar, gig, and frontline workers. Regional platforms like CherriLearn and localized offerings from upGrad are proving instrumental in democratizing access to skilling.

Drive Sector-Specific Skilling (Manufacturing, CleanTech, BFSI – As India positions itself as a manufacturing and renewable energy hub under Atmanirbhar Bharat, specific skill gaps are emerging in solar engineering, EV battery tech, advanced manufacturing, and green auditing. HR leaders should collaborate with ITIs, vocational institutes, and NSDC-accredited partners to tailor skilling programs that meet both global standards and local realities.

Skill the Gig and Informal Economy – India’s gig workforce is expected to cross 23.5 million by 2030, largely driven by logistics, retail, and app-based platforms. HR must recognize gig workers as strategic assets and invest in modular training, digital onboarding, and financial literacy. Tools like WhatsApp – based learning or IVR-powered training (used by Swiggy and Urban Company) can offer scalable solutions to upskill this massive, informal talent pool.

 Enable Internal Mobility Through Skill Mapping – With high attrition rates plaguing Indian tech and services sectors, internal mobility is emerging as a key retention lever. Using AI-driven platforms like Oracle Talent Management, HR can map existing skills, identify gaps, and recommend personalized learning journeys – helping employees transition into new roles, from data operations to DevOps or digital sales.

Strengthen Soft Skills and Leadership Pipelines – As India moves from backend services to global innovation hubs, the demand for leadership, communication, and design thinking is skyrocketing. HR must introduce structured programs for middle and senior management, blending e-learning with mentorship, real-time feedback, and cross-functional exposure. These programs will not only future-proof teams but also improve succession planning.

Cultivate Intrapreneurship Mindsets – In a startup – rich economy like India, fostering intrapreneurship is critical to innovation. HR can drive internal hackathons, “Shark Tank”-style pitch events, or innovation labs – encouraging employees to ideate and solve core business problems. This not only builds new skill sets but enhances employee engagement and retention. 

conclusion:

India is at a defining moment. A demographic dividend, a booming digital economy, and an evolving job market present both a challenge and an opportunity. For HR leaders, the mandate is to move beyond transactional training models and build an agile, inclusive, and skills-first workforce strategy. The numbers speak for themselves: AI, automation, and skills-based hiring are not distant disruptions, they’re current realities. The HR playbook must now combine public-private partnerships, local language content, tech-driven platforms, and empathy-led policies to truly future-proof India’s workforce. In this transformation, the organizations that invest in people will lead the future of work.

Actors revisit India’s timeless heritage on World Heritage Day

World Heritage Day, also known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites, is observed on April 18 every year to raise awareness about the richness of cultural heritage and the urgent need to preserve it for future generations. On this occasion, &TV artists reflect on their most memorable visits to some of India’s iconic heritage sites. These include Neeta Mohindra (Kailasha Bua, Bheema), Yogesh Tripathi (Daroga Happu Singh, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan), and Shubhangi Atre (Angoori Bhabi, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai). Neeta Mohindra aka Kailasha Bua from Bheema shares, “India’s cultural beauty is deeply rooted in its vibrant history, and this is most vividly brought to life in its heritage cities. I had the pleasure of visiting Jaipur, and I was enchanted by its timeless charm. Often called the ‘Pink City’ due to the distinctive rose-coloured sandstone buildings, Jaipur was to step into a living museum. The Amber Fort was particularly unforgettable with its grand ramparts, intricate mirrorwork in the Sheesh Mahal, and panoramic views of the Aravalli Hills. The Hawa Mahal, with its iconic honeycomb façade and hundreds of jharokhas (small windows), offered a glimpse into royal life and architectural brilliance. The City Palace, with its courtyards, museums, and regal architecture, reflected the opulence of Rajasthan’s royal legacy. But beyond the monuments, it was the people, their traditions, colours, and hospitality that made my journey extraordinary. Jaipur was not just a travel destination for me; it was an immersion into history that still breathes today.”

Yogesh Tripathi aka Daroga Happu Singh from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan recounts, “Every monument in India tells a tale, and visiting them is like walking through the pages of history. One of the most unforgettable experiences of my life was visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra. Recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj is an architectural marvel of white marble, symmetry, and artistic finesse built as a symbol of eternal love by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. I did the iconic tourist photo of ‘holding the dome,’ which still makes me smile! Strolling through the lush Mughal gardens and watching the mausoleum’s reflection shimmer in the long water channels was surreal. The delicate pietra dura inlay work, the intricate carvings, and the aura of the entire complex left me awestruck. The Taj Mahal is more than a monument; it symbolises passion, artistry, and India’s rich Mughal legacy. Being there filled me with immense pride for our country’s heritage.” Shubhangi Atre, aka Angoori Bhabi from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, reflects, “As someone deeply connected to spirituality and Indian traditions, my visit to Varanasi was profoundly moving. Believed to be one of the oldest living cities in the world, Varanasi is a sacred tapestry of devotion, culture, and ancient wisdom. I had the divine opportunity to offer prayers at the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and among the most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The sanctity and spiritual energy within the temple left me speechless. A sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River was another soul-stirring experience. As the mist lifted and the sun painted the sky, the ghats came alive with morning rituals, chants, and the timeless rhythm of life. Witnessing the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where thousands gather to witness the mesmerizing synchrony of devotion, was an ethereal moment. The floating diyas, ancient alleys, and stories embedded in every stone made me realize that Varanasi is not just a city but a living embodiment of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. It’s places like these that inspire us to cherish and protect our legacy.”

Watch Bheema at 8:30 PM, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan at 10:00 PM, and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai at 10:30 PM every Monday to Friday, only on &TV!

Majority of Enterprises Expanding Use of AI Agents, Says Cloudera

BANGALORE, India,  April 21, 2025 – Cloudera, the only true hybrid platform for data, analytics, and AI, released the findings of its latest survey report, “The Future of Enterprise AI Agents.” The survey polled nearly 1,500 enterprise IT leaders across 14 countries to understand their adoption patterns, use cases, and sentiments around AI agents. Results show an overwhelming 96% of respondents have plans to expand their use of AI agents in the next 12 months, with half aiming for significant, organization-wide expansion. The applications for this deployment include performance optimization bots (66%), security monitoring agents (63%), and development assistants (62%). 

For business and IT leaders alike, agentic AI marks a new frontier—moving beyond traditional automation to systems that can reason, act, and adapt in real-time. When implemented effectively, these intelligent agents unlock operational agility, drive cost savings, and dramatically improve customer engagement. As a result,  AI agents are quickly becoming a key source of competitive advantage, with 83% of organizations stating that investing in them is crucial  to  maintaining their edge in the market.

In India, the appetite for AI agent adoption is equally strong and rapidly accelerating. Cloudera’s AI Agents survey reveals that 84% of Indian respondents reported implementing AI agents within the past two years, with 36% doing so in just the last 12 months. This trend is set to continue, with 98% planning to expand their use in the coming year, and 78% targeting significant organization-wide deployment. Indian enterprises are also ahead in recognizing the strategic advantage of AI agents, with 94% saying such investments are crucial to staying competitive. As a result, deployments are primarily concentrated in IT and customer-facing functions like support and marketing, while future growth hinges on improved customization, interoperability, and data privacy, signaling strong readiness for scale in 2025 and beyond. 

In addition to the benefits of the technology, Cloudera’s survey answered some of the biggest questions around agentic AI, including: 

  • How widely is this being adopted? Adoption is already underway. A majority (57%) of enterprise IT leaders report they’ve implemented AI agents in the past two years—21% in just the last year—signaling rapid momentum that’s only expected to grow.
  • How are organizations deploying agents? Two-thirds (66%) are building agents on enterprise AI infrastructure platforms, while 60% are leveraging agentic capabilities embedded in existing core applications. This hybrid approach reflects a clear preference for scalable, secure, and close-to-data deployments.
  • What’s getting in the way? The top three barriers are data privacy (53%), integration with legacy systems (40%), and high implementation costs (39%). These pain points all stem from a common root: the need for robust, unified data management and governance.
  • Where should companies begin? Start with a contained, high-impact project—such as an internal IT support agent. These “fast-to-value” use cases help teams prove ROI, build internal confidence, and lay the foundation for broader, scaled deployments.

“AI agents have moved beyond experimentation—they’re now delivering real automation, efficiency, and business results. We’re seeing enterprises run hundreds of models in production, all demanding high-fidelity, well-managed data to drive better outcomes,” said Abhas Ricky, Chief Strategy Officer, Cloudera. “In 2025, agentic AI is taking center stage, building on the momentum of generative AI but with even greater operational impact. Cloudera is enabling this transformation through a robust Enterprise AI Ecosystem, helping global organizations design secure, scalable, and integrated AI workflows that turn data into action.” 

Across Indian industries, AI agents are driving tangible impact in high-priority areas. In finance and insurance, fraud detection (52%) leads adoption, while manufacturing focuses on defect detection and quality control (64% each). Retail and e-commerce prioritize demand forecasting and personalization (72% each), and healthcare sees balanced use across diagnostics, scheduling, and records processing (50% each). Telecommunications stands out with strong adoption in security monitoring (92%) and infrastructure maintenance (83%), reflecting the sector’s dual focus on performance and customer experience.

Cloudera’s report also addresses what enterprises are actually doing with AI agents globally. The top use cases vary by industry, shaped by the specific needs and priorities of each sector: 

  • Finance & Insurance: Fraud detection (56%), risk assessment (44%), and investment advisory (38%) are the leading use cases. AI agents are flagging suspicious transactions in real time, simulating market scenarios to evaluate risk, and supporting advisors with personalized investment suggestions.
  • Manufacturing: Top applications include process automation (49%), supply chain optimization (48%), and quality control (47%). Agents are monitoring production lines to catch defects early, rerouting logistics to avoid delays, and streamlining repetitive tasks to improve efficiency.
  • Healthcare: Appointment scheduling (51%), diagnostic assistance (50%), and medical records processing (47%) are the most common use cases. AI agents are reducing admin burden by coordinating schedules, surfacing relevant EMR data, and helping clinicians identify conditions in imaging data.
  • Telecommunications: The telecoms industry is seeing substantial innovation fueled by AI. Customer support bots (49%), customer experience agents (44%), and security monitoring agents (49%) are key deployments. Agents are resolving service issues instantly, flagging at-risk customers using behavior data, and protecting networks from emerging threats. 

Realme P-Series Carnival Offers Discounts and Bank Deals on New Smartphone Line

New Delhi, April 21, 2025:  realme, the most popular smartphone brand among Indian youth, has announced exciting new offers on the India-exclusive realme P3 Series as part of the P-Series Carnival. Celebrated as India’s fastest-growing new smartphone series and already the choice of over 2 million young users, the P3 Series has seen overwhelming demand. With its powerful hardware, futuristic design, and industry-first features, the P3 Series continues to redefine what users can expect from mid-range smartphones. 

Now, with fresh discounts of up to ₹4,000 available via bank and exchange offers, it’s the perfect moment for consumers to upgrade to a smartphone that blends futuristic design, class-leading performance, and rugged durability.

realme P3 Pro 5G 

Featuring the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset and India’s first Glow-in-the-Dark smartphone design, the realme P3 Pro 5G  is available at a starting price of ₹19,999. Buyers can enjoy bank/exchange offers up to ₹4,000 or ₹3,000 exchange offer from April 22 to 24, along with No-Cost EMI for 3 months. Available in Nebula Glow, Galaxy Purple, and Saturn Brown, this model comes in 8+128GB, 8+256GB, and 12+256GB configurations.

realme P3 5G

India’s first smartphone with the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chipset, the realme P3 5G  is now available in Space Silver, Nebula Pink, and Comet Grey, across 6+128GB, 8+128GB, and 8+256GB variants. As part of the P-Series Carnival, buyers can avail limited-time bank offers of ₹1,000 on the 6+128GB variant, and ₹2,000 on the 8+128GB and 8+256GB variants. With the 8+128GB variant now starting from just ₹15,999*, this is the perfect time to experience power-packed performance and futuristic design at an unbeatable value.

Level up your gaming experience with top deals from popular brands during Amazon.in’s Grand Gaming Days

Bengaluru, 20th April, 2025: Whether you are looking for a new gaming laptop, or a great pair of headphones, now’s the perfect time to upgrade with Amazon.in’s Grand Gaming Days going live from 17th April. Customers can get up to 70% off on a wide selection of gaming laptops, accessories & monitors from top brands. Additionally, customers can also get up to 10% instant discount with Axis*, HDFC* bank and IDFC* credit cards EMI transactions (terms & conditions apply) during the event. Hurry and make the most of these deals, available till 20th April 2025

Some of the best deals on gaming gear during the Grand Gaming Days are:

  • Razer DeathAdder Essential wired gaming mouse: Razer DeathAdder Essential wired gaming mouse comes with 6400 DPI, 5 Hypersense buttons and much more. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 1,195
  • Logitech G 304 Wireless Mouse: Experience ultra-fast lightspeed with Logitech G 304 wireless mouse. It comes with a 12K DPI Hero sensor, 6 programmable buttons and more. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 2,795
  • HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 gaming wired headset: Featuring X Spatial Audio and powerful 40MM drivers, this device provides immersive sound for gamers. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 2,999
  • LG Ultragear 24GS65F: Be ahead of your fellow gamer with LG Ultragear monitor. It comes with a 24” FHD IPS display, 180Hz refresh rate and more. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 10,999
  • LG 27GS65F 27 Inch Ultragear monitor: Enjoy an uninterrupted gaming experience with this LG Ultragear monitor. It comes with a 27” FHD IPS display and 180 Hz refresh rate. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 13,999
  • LG 27GS60QC-B Ultragear Curved monitor: This gaming monitor features 27” QHD IPS display, 180Hz refresh rate and more, making it a perfect buy for gamers. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 17,399
  • ASUS Vivobook 16X gaming laptop: ‘Create faster’ with the ASUS Vivobook 16X gaming laptop. Equipped with a 12th Gen Intel processor, 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, it’s built for multitasking and high performance. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 52,740*
  • Lenovo LOQ gaming laptop: Level up your gaming with the Lenovo LOQ gaming laptop. It comes with features such as AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 24GB RAM and 512GB SSD. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 61,190*
  • Acer ALG gaming laptop: Dominate the game with Acer ALG gaming laptop. It sports a 13th gen Intel processor, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 72,999*
  • HP Victus gaming laptop: Built for gamers and designed to deliver seamless performance, the HP Victus comes equipped with a 13th gen Intel processor, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 74,990* 

Exciting offers from leading partner banks

Avail up to 10% instant discount with Axis*, HDFC* bank and IDFC* credit cards EMI transactions 

Bumper rewards with Amazon Pay

Customers shopping with the Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card get unlimited 5% (Prime customers) and 3% (non-prime members) cashback along with exciting rewards. Moreover, eligible customers can also avail up to INR 60,000 with Amazon Pay Later. Visit Amazon Pay to find out more 

Save MORE with Amazon Prime membership!

Prime takes the very best of what Amazon offers and gives members fast, free delivery, savings, convenience, and entertainment, all in one affordable membership. In India, members get free Same-Day Delivery on over 10 lakh and Next-Day Delivery on over 40 lakh products, unlimited 5% cashback on all purchases using Amazon Pay ICICI credit card, exclusive access to Prime Day and early access to other Amazon sale events & deals. Amazon Prime also provides unlimited access to award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime Video, unlimited access to millions songs, ad-free and millions of podcasts with Amazon Music, a free rotating selection of e-books, magazines and comics and access to the monthly free-in game content and benefits with Prime Gaming.  Anyone can join Prime in India, for an annual Prime membership at ₹1,499 – with full shopping & entertainment Prime benefits; Prime Lite at ₹799 – with full shopping benefits & limited Prime video benefits, or Prime Shopping Edition at ₹299 – which is tailored for customers only looking for shipping and shopping benefits and does not include any digital or entertainment benefits such as Prime Video or Amazon Music. Visit amazon.in/prime to join Prime now.

IVF Over the Age of 35 Still Offers Hope for Motherhood

Dr. Neelam Banerjee, Senior Consultant and Head of Department – IVF, Yatharth Hospital, Greater Noida

Dr. Neelam Banerjee, Senior Consultant and Head of Department - IVF, Yatharth Hospital, Greater Noida

In today’s world, more women are choosing to have children later in life. Whether it’s due to career priorities, financial planning, late marriages, or personal reasons, the average age of starting a family is steadily rising, especially in urban India. But as the age increases, so do the concerns about fertility. One of the most common questions women over 35 ask is: “Will IVF work for me?” Unfortunately, this question is often surrounded by confusion, myths, and fear.

Understanding IVF and Age

After 30, the number and quality of a woman’s eggs start to reduce, and the drop becomes more noticeable after 35. By the time a woman crosses 40, natural conception becomes significantly more difficult. This is where assisted reproductive technologies like IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization) become relevant.

But here’s the good news, IVF can still be highly successful in women over 35. With the right medical care and timely intervention, thousands of Indian women in their late 30s and early 40s have gone on to have healthy pregnancies and babies through IVF.

Busting the Myths

Many people believe IVF doesn’t work after 35, but that’s simply not true. While it’s a fact that success rates are higher for younger women, many women in their late 30s and even 40s have conceived successfully with IVF. The outcome depends on several factors like the woman’s egg reserve, hormone levels, overall health, and the experience of the fertility clinic. Starting the process early and following medical guidance can make a big difference.

Another common myth is that women over 35 always need donor eggs. While donor eggs can be an option for women with very low egg quality, it’s not the rule. Many women in this age group are still able to conceive using their own eggs. Tests like AMH and ultrasound help doctors evaluate the chances and suggest the right path forward.

It’s also important to understand that IVF is not a magic solution. It increases your chances of getting pregnant but does not guarantee a baby. Sometimes, it takes more than one cycle to succeed. Success depends on many things – the woman’s age, the health of the sperm, how well the embryo develops, and the condition of the uterus. Thankfully, advances in IVF technology have helped improve success rates, especially for older women.

IVF in India

India has seen a sharp rise in the number of couples seeking IVF treatment in the past decade. A study by the Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction, shows that over 25% of IVF patients are now above the age of 35, with urban areas seeing higher demand. The awareness is slowly increasing, but more needs to be done to educate women that fertility is not something to be taken for granted.

Taking the Right Steps

If you are over 35 and trying to conceive for more than 6–12 months without success, don’t delay seeking help. A simple fertility workup, including AMH test, ultrasound, and hormone levels can give a clear picture of where you stand.

IVF after 35 is not a dead-end, it’s a carefully managed medical path that has helped countless women become mothers. While age is a factor, it is not the only one. With growing awareness, access to better medical care, and open conversations, more women can make informed choices about their fertility.

 

Gateway Coorg Opens Its Doors

Chandigarh, APRIL 19, 2025: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, today announced the opening of Gateway Coorg, a serene retreat nestled in the heart of Karnataka’s coffee country.

Ms. Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President, New Businesses and Hotel Openings, IHCL, said, “Coorg has fast emerged as one of India’s sought-after leisure and wellness destinations. Opening of Gateway Coorg captures this growing demand and strengthens IHCL’s multi-brand presence in the region.”

Enveloped by lush rainforests and scenic trails, Gateway Coorg features 55 spacious rooms and suites that reflect the tranquillity of their natural surroundings. Guests can indulge in regional and global flavours at Ghat’s Café, unwind at Coorg Cellar, or sip artisanal blends at the Coffee Lounge. The resort is a haven for food enthusiasts, with a menu that showcases the bold flavours of traditional Kodava cuisine alongside contemporary favourites. Wellness and recreation are integral to the experience with a spa, outdoor swimming pool, and a fully equipped fitness centre.

Mr. R Subbaiah Pandian, General Manager, Gateway Coorg, said, “Gateway Coorg is thoughtfully designed to provide a deep sense of connection with nature and local culture. We look forward to welcoming guests to this quiet escape in the lap of nature.”

Often referred to as the ‘Scotland of India,’ Coorg’s rolling hills and coffee estates offer a beautiful backdrop for exploration.

With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have 26 hotels in Karnataka including 13 under development.

Gulf Pride Engine Oil Relaunched with Advanced Formula, MS Dhoni Leads New Campaign

Chandigarh, April 17, 2025 – Gulf Oil Lubricants India Limited, a leading player in the lubricants industry, has rolled out a fresh 360–degree campaign for its flagship two-wheeler engine oil, Gulf Pride. The relaunch introduces a new look and an enhanced formulation—now upgraded to meet the latest API SP specifications. With claims of up to 10,000 km drain interval, 40% better engine protection, and insta pick-up, this is one of Gulf’s most advanced product offerings yet. These upgrades reinforce Gulf Pride’s positioning as the engine oil of choice for riders who demand consistent performance and lasting reliability.

The campaign features Gulf’s long-time brand ambassador MS Dhoni who brings to life the deep emotional bond between a biker and their motorcycle, highlighting the message – “Bike se pyaar rahega hamesha, naye jaisa.” Conceptualized as a love story between a biker and his motorcycle, the campaign celebrates the nostalgic first-bike connection every rider treasures. With its enhanced formula and new look, Gulf Pride is repositioned as the engine oil that keeps your bike’s pick-up like new, ensuring every ride feels as fresh as the first.

Taking the storytelling a notch higher, the TVC for the campaign has been directed by Bollywood filmmaker Punit Malhotra and produced by Dharma 2.0. It presents MS Dhoni in a never-seen-before romantic avatar, capturing his deep love for bikes. The film beautifully juxtaposes MS Dhoni’s passion for motorcycles with the emotional connection riders have with their two-wheelers, delivering a compelling narrative around Gulf Pride’s core promise.

Speaking about the campaign, MS Dhoni shared, “My association with Gulf Oil has been a long and special one. As a biker, I know how important it is for riders to have a machine they can rely on, that performs like new, ride after ride. Gulf Pride plays a vital role in keeping the engine smooth, the pickup strong, and extends the bike’s life—exactly what you need for a machine that becomes a trusted companion over time. The campaign beautifully essays this bond.”

Mr. Ravi Chawla, MD & CEO, Gulf Oil Lubricants India Limited added. “At Gulf, our consumers are at the heart of everything we do. Their evolving needs and bond with their motorcycles drive us to innovate continually. With the all-new Gulf Pride, we are reinforcing a trusted legacy of superior performance and unwavering reliability that bikers have come to love, reaffirming our commitment to cutting-edge engine oil solutions. This campaign celebrates the enduring rider-machine connection, perfectly embodied by MS Dhoni. By blending nostalgia, innovation, and MS Dhoni’s deep connection with motorcycles, we have tried to create a powerful narrative and a strategic campaign that strengthens our brand’s promise while deepening consumer engagement across touchpoints.”

The Gulf Pride relaunch campaign is set to roll out across multiple touchpoints, ensuring maximum reach and impact. The campaign will be aired across leading TV channels and digital platforms. Additionally, retail and BTL initiatives, including specially designed trade engagement programs and mechanic outreach activities, will further strengthen the campaign’s presence across key markets.

As Gulf’s flagship two-wheeler engine oil, Gulf Pride has been a household name among bikers for years. Now with an enhanced formulation, the oil offers 40% better engine protection, extends engine life, and ensures instant, long-lasting pick-up, making every ride feel as smooth and powerful as the first. The new packaging, launched as part of the campaign, reflects Gulf Pride’s refreshed identity and commitment to innovation.

 Gulf Oil has a rich history of innovative marketing and disruptive storytelling, making it one of the most recognizable brands in the lubricants industry. The Company’s association with MS Dhoni spans over a decade, creating a strong emotional connect with Indian consumers. With a sharp focus on innovation and consumer-first marketing, Gulf Oil continues to strengthen its position, driving brand love through engaging campaigns, high-performance products, and meaningful industry collaborations.

Unlocking Collective Potential with Knowledge Transfer and Tech Collaboration

Mumbai, 18th April 2025:  Africa’s largest tech and startup show, GITEX provided a platform for policy leaders, changemakers and visionaries to collectively discuss and deliberate on the opportunities to collaborate and further the imperative of inclusive and equitable growth of the global economy. India, where the pace of digitalization is higher relative to some other developing economies, with established open-source Digital Public Infrastructure systems, have the potential to catalyze speed of digitalization in other developing countries seeking to develop such systems through collaboration and knowledge sharing. Also, India has is a key resource talent hub for AI professionals leading the way with 33.39% YoY growth in AI talent hiring as per AI Stanford Index 2025, which is a clear indicator of the efforts of the government and the industry to nurture an environment for adoption on AI.

Representing India at the summit in Morocco, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India took part in high-level bilateral meetings, panel discussions and interacted with Indian startups showcasing their innovations.

In his discussions, he expressed, “India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has driven transformative changes across areas especially through developments of digital identity (Aadhaar), digital payments (UPI), e-commerce (ONDC) and healthcare. And we are increasingly integrating advanced technologies – AI, cybersecurity, fintech, and digital infrastructure – into our skilling ecosystem. These are areas, rich with potential, for collaboration with our African partners and we can collectively grow our economies through sustained partnerships.”

 On the sidelines of the summit, Shri Chaudhary held productive bilateral meetings with Ms. Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Minister of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform; Prof. Azzedine EL Midaoui, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation; Mr. Younes Sekkouri, Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment and Skills; and Mr. Mohammed Saad Berrada, Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sports. In his discussions, Shri Chaudhary touched upon broadly on exploring synergies in AI, research and capacity; discussed insights on how Digital Public Infrastructure can be a catalyst for inclusion, innovation and equitable growth; and shared India’s experience in building scalable, inclusive technology for public good.

India’s participation at GITEX Africa 2025 reaffirmed its role as a global leader in skilling and digital innovation. Through pathbreaking initiatives like Skill India, Digital India, and the creation of scalable Digital Public Infrastructure such as Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker, and DIKSHA, India has demonstrated how inclusive, technology-driven models can empower citizens at scale. These initiatives are increasingly being recognized as global best practices, offering adaptable frameworks for developing nations seeking to build resilient, future-ready societies.

Unlocking Collective Potential with Knowledge Transfer and Tech Collaboration

Mumbai, 18th April 2025:  Africa’s largest tech and startup show, GITEX provided a platform for policy leaders, changemakers and visionaries to collectively discuss and deliberate on the opportunities to collaborate and further the imperative of inclusive and equitable growth of the global economy. India, where the pace of digitalization is higher relative to some other developing economies, with established open-source Digital Public Infrastructure systems, have the potential to catalyze speed of digitalization in other developing countries seeking to develop such systems through collaboration and knowledge sharing. Also, India has is a key resource talent hub for AI professionals leading the way with 33.39% YoY growth in AI talent hiring as per AI Stanford Index 2025, which is a clear indicator of the efforts of the government and the industry to nurture an environment for adoption on AI.

Representing India at the summit in Morocco, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India took part in high-level bilateral meetings, panel discussions and interacted with Indian startups showcasing their innovations.

In his discussions, he expressed, “India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has driven transformative changes across areas especially through developments of digital identity (Aadhaar), digital payments (UPI), e-commerce (ONDC) and healthcare. And we are increasingly integrating advanced technologies – AI, cybersecurity, fintech, and digital infrastructure – into our skilling ecosystem. These are areas, rich with potential, for collaboration with our African partners and we can collectively grow our economies through sustained partnerships.”

 On the sidelines of the summit, Shri Chaudhary held productive bilateral meetings with Ms. Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Minister of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform; Prof. Azzedine EL Midaoui, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation; Mr. Younes Sekkouri, Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment and Skills; and Mr. Mohammed Saad Berrada, Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sports. In his discussions, Shri Chaudhary touched upon broadly on exploring synergies in AI, research and capacity; discussed insights on how Digital Public Infrastructure can be a catalyst for inclusion, innovation and equitable growth; and shared India’s experience in building scalable, inclusive technology for public good.

India’s participation at GITEX Africa 2025 reaffirmed its role as a global leader in skilling and digital innovation. Through pathbreaking initiatives like Skill India, Digital India, and the creation of scalable Digital Public Infrastructure such as Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker, and DIKSHA, India has demonstrated how inclusive, technology-driven models can empower citizens at scale. These initiatives are increasingly being recognized as global best practices, offering adaptable frameworks for developing nations seeking to build resilient, future-ready societies.