Hyderabad Business Leaders Call for AI-Focused Workforce Development
Hyderabad: With technology rapidly changing industries, business leaders at the Hyderabad Management Association (HMA) Leadership Conclave 2025 emphasized the need to develop skilled workers, invest in research, and ensure ethical AI practices. These steps, they said, would help India remain competitive in the global market.
BVR Mohan Reddy, founder chairman of Cyient and former chairman of Nasscom, highlighted the importance of creating a knowledgeable workforce. He stressed the need to improve research and development, strengthen databases, and address AI-related privacy concerns. While automation may replace some repetitive jobs initially, he predicted that AI would create many employment opportunities starting in 2026-27.
During a discussion with PwC Partner Rajesh Duddu, Mr. Reddy reflected on AI’s history. He noted that the first-ever PhD in AI was awarded in the 1960s to an Indian, Raj Reddy, at Stanford University.
AI’s Impact on Leadership and Workplaces
The conclave, which celebrated HMA’s 50th anniversary, also focused on AI’s growing role in leadership and workforce management.
Madan Pillutla, Dean of the Indian School of Business (ISB), urged companies to practice inclusive hiring. He encouraged businesses to embrace diversity and prioritize adaptability over traditional educational qualifications.
Ganesh Natarajan, Chairman of Honeywell Automation, spoke about AI’s ability to transform business strategies. He advised managers to use AI-driven tools to improve efficiency and decision-making.
Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals, highlighted AI’s increasing role in healthcare. She explained how AI is helping with diagnostics and creating personalized treatment plans for patients.
As AI adoption grows, industry leaders agreed that India’s future in the global AI sector depends on its ability to develop talent, invest in new technologies, and implement responsible AI policies.
