Source Gadgets Now
New Delhi: As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes workplaces across the world, Microsoft India and South Asia President Puneet Chandok has said that humanity is at a historic inflection point, suggesting that the current workforce may be the last generation to work without AI deeply embedded in every job role.
Speaking about the accelerating impact of AI on businesses and employment, Chandok said that artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day reality transforming how work is done. “We are the last generation to have jobs that are not natively designed with AI,” he said, underlining the speed at which technology is being adopted across sectors.
Chandok stressed that while AI will automate several repetitive and routine tasks, it should not be viewed purely as a job destroyer. Instead, he described AI as a powerful co-pilot that can enhance human productivity, creativity, and decision-making. According to him, the nature of jobs will evolve rather than disappear, with new roles emerging alongside the decline of some traditional ones.
He highlighted that organisations adopting AI are already seeing shifts in skill requirements, with greater emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and domain expertise. “AI will change what we do, not why we do it,” Chandok noted, adding that human judgment, empathy, and ethical reasoning will remain irreplaceable.
Emphasising India’s position in the global AI race, Chandok said the country has a unique opportunity due to its large talent pool and growing digital infrastructure. However, he cautioned that skilling and reskilling will be crucial to ensure that the workforce remains relevant. He called for closer collaboration between industry, academia, and government to prepare professionals for an AI-first economy.
Microsoft, he said, is investing heavily in AI training initiatives in India, aiming to equip millions with digital and AI skills over the coming years. Chandok reiterated that the key challenge is not whether AI will replace jobs, but whether people and institutions can adapt quickly enough to harness its potential.
As AI tools become increasingly integrated into everyday work, Chandok’s remarks reflect a broader consensus among tech leaders: the future of work will be defined by humans working alongside intelligent machines, rather than being replaced by them.
