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.

Bengaluru, 20^th 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 17^th 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 20^th 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
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• 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
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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.

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.