‘Artificial Intelligence will not take jobs away directly’

“Artificial Intelligence (AI) will not take jobs away directly. Rather, it is one that knows how to use AI effectively who will replace the other who does not know it,” Vice-President and Country General Manager, Bhoomi India, Debabrata Das has said.

He was delivering the keynote address after inaugurating a two-day national conference VarthMan 2026 organised by GM Business School in association with GM Scientific Innovation and Research LLP at GM University in Davangere on Friday.

Emphasising that continuous acquisition and upgrading of skills are essential for students and working professionals as rapid technological changes are reshaping workplaces, Mr. Das said that they are also required to re-certify their skills as conventional knowledge and practices are becoming outdated.

Mr. Das said that experience by itself will not guarantee an advantage in the workplace unless it is complemented by updated skills.

He cited the banking sector, where services are increasingly being delivered through digital platforms rather than physical branches, as an example of the changes under way.

He urged students and professionals to develop an adaptable mindset to remain employable amid technological disruptions.

Head of the Department of Management, NALSAR University, Hyderabad, Srinivas Subba Rao Pasumarti said that technology, innovation and sustainability are fundamentally changing management practices.

Referring to reports of the International Labour Organization, he said that several conventional courses and skillsets are rapidly losing relevance, making lifelong learning essential.

Presiding over the inaugural session, Vice-Chancellor of GM University S.R. Shankapal said that a degree certificate alone can no longer guarantee employment. Independent thinking, practical skills and continuous learning are increasingly important, he said.

“Memorising theories is inadequate when information is readily available through smartphones. Practical application is what matters in the workplace,” Prof. Shankapal added.

Dean of GM Business School and conference coordinator Dammalapati Ravinath said that the conference will focus on developing leaders with technical expertise and the ability to take ethical and environmentally sustainable decisions in an era of AI, data analytics and digital platforms.

Director of GM Business School Shivakumar S. said that the conference has brought together academicians, industry representatives, entrepreneurs, researchers and students to deliberate on the changing requirements of management education and practice.

Chief Technology Officer, Bengaluru, Devesh Mathur was the guest of honour.

Senior university officials, faculty members, researchers and students attended the event.

Over 70 research papers will be presented at the conference, covering the impact of digitalisation and AI across sectors.