Ravi Venkatesan, the former chairman of Microsoft India, called on Karnataka to take the lead in AI skilling across the nation. He emphasized that while AI presents immense opportunities, it also brings challenges, particularly in terms of potential job losses. Venkatesan stressed the importance of proactive measures to harness AI’s benefits while mitigating its risks to the workforce.
In his keynote at the Bengaluru Skill Summit on Wednesday, Ravi Venkatesan, Chairman of the Global Energy Alliance and former Chairman of Microsoft India and Bank of Baroda, described AI as “the defining force of our generation.” He called on Karnataka to position itself as “India’s AI skilling lighthouse.” Reflecting on past technological revolutions, from steam engines to silicon chips, Venkatesan highlighted that while AI presents India with an unprecedented opportunity, it also carries significant risks. “Every revolution is disruptive,” he cautioned. “It creates new winners and many losers. This time, we cannot afford to miss the bus there is no Viksit Bharat without AI.”
Venkatesan pointed out that India’s success during the IT revolution was largely concentrated in a few cities, urging Karnataka to once again “lead the way and become a lighthouse for the rest of the country.” However, he also warned that AI’s early impact is already being felt in the form of job losses, particularly in the IT and services sectors. “AI is undeniably beginning to affect entry-level jobs,” he stated. “In the short to medium term, it will likely eliminate more jobs than it creates.”
Emphasizing the critical role of adaptability, Venkatesan declared, “Adaptability is the new employability.” He outlined three essential “foundational bundles” of skills for thriving in the AI era: digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and human skills such as communication, leadership, and empathy. On the subject of digital skills, he stressed that every citizen must be equipped to use AI tools and critically assess their outputs. “This should be incorporated into the curriculum at schools, colleges, and ITIs,” he suggested, calling for collaborations between government and tech companies to scale up training initiatives.
Venkatesan also referred to entrepreneurship as “the super skill of the century,” emphasizing that in the 21st century, it is not just a career choice but a fundamental life skill. “India will thrive not by building its own chips or models, but by leveraging AI across society to boost productivity and create new businesses,” he explained. Addressing the moral responsibilities of businesses during technological transitions, he urged companies to prioritize reskilling efforts and implement humane severance policies. “It’s not right to expect people to fend for themselves,” he said. “We need safety nets and pathways for lifelong learning.” Concluding his address, Venkatesan called for a national mission that brings together citizens, markets, and government. “AI is the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he said. “Let’s make Karnataka the model for how India can win with it.
