'AI Transformation Is More Of A Human Transformation': Infosys CHRO Shaji Mathew

A panel of industry leaders examines the evolving role of people managers and human resources in the era of artificial intelligence. Francis Padamadan notes that managers must adapt to a hybrid environment combining human-in-the-loop and AI-in-the-loop, urging a willingness to unlearn and learn alongside continuous upskilling. Ayaskant Sarangi emphasizes setting context, managing workplace insecurities, and reimagining governance as AI reshapes organizational dynamics, noting client demands are transitioning from billable effort to real business outcomes. Ruchir Jingran outlines how AI necessitates critical thinking, leadership, and coaching, highlighting ITC Foods' focus on growth mindset, futuristic orientation, and hiring partnerships with regional industrial training institutes to expand manufacturing opportunities, particularly for women. The discussion underscores that rather than eliminating jobs, technological evolution creates an urgent need to bridge employability gaps through soft skills, adaptability, and continuous learning.

A major political crisis has hit Jammu and Kashmir as 25 rebel National Conference MLAs have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the party leadership, threatening to pull the plug on the Omar Abdullah-led government. India Today accessed the explosive letter showing signatures of 16 dissident MLAs, while nine outstation MLAs extended full backing. The dissident group is demanding a complete cabinet overhaul, insisting that ministers who have completed two years in office, including the Deputy Chief Minister, be replaced, alongside the removal of Chief Minister's advisor Nasir Aslam Wani. The rebels have warned that failure to meet their demands within two weeks will force them to march to Raj Bhavan and formally withdraw legislative support. Additionally, the National Conference's sitting MP from Srinagar is expected to resign from the party and Parliament. However, a party voice denied any threat to leave the organisation, calling the letter an internal charter of demands to strengthen the party.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Hyderabad, offering prayers at the Bhagyalakshmi Temple near Charminar ahead of leading the Bharatiya Janata Party's 'Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao' padayatra. The foot march is scheduled to commence opposite Nizam College ground and culminate at Mozamjahi Market, where the Union Home Minister is expected to address a massive gathering. The padayatra serves as a key counter-campaign against protests led by the Congress and opposition parties concerning the Special Intensive Revision process and demands related to electoral rolls. Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of State Bandi Sanjay, and Telangana BJP President N. Ramchander Rao accompanied the Home Minister. The initiative forms part of the BJP's nationwide strategy involving awareness programmes across 800 district headquarters to engage grassroot cadres and refute allegations raised by the opposition.

Industry leaders across technology, precision manufacturing, and retail sectors examined the transition toward skills-first hiring, workforce upskilling, and modern compensation frameworks. Representatives from Razorpay, Eicher, and the retail domain discussed shifting focus away from campus pedigree toward practical problem-solving, behavioral competencies, curiosity, and learnability. The panel evaluated recruitment methodologies, including AI-driven assessments like Buildathons and public repositories as proof of work for emerging roles such as full-stack builders and artificial intelligence engineers. Speakers addressed talent compensation models, debating skill-based pay premiums, modular project-based valuation, and mechanisms to preserve internal equity while meeting market demand for niche capabilities. In addressing rapid technological change, the discussion underscored a shared responsibility among employers, employees, and educational institutions. Panelists emphasized internal skilling ecosystems, psychological safety, hackathons, and structural educational reforms to align institutional curricula with emerging market requirements, establishing sustainable pipelines for precision engineering and advanced technology talent.