The sixth edition of The Hindu Group's ideas conclave,known as The Hindu Huddle, commenced in Bengaluru on June 5,2026, featuring a range of discussions and talks. Karnataka Chief Minister D.K . Shivakumar inaugurated the event,which has attracted prominent figures from various sectors, including politics,industry, and the arts. Day 2 promises to continue this trend, with notable attendees such as Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and various industry leaders.
During a session focused on the impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce, former Cognizant CEO Lakshmi Narayanan addressed concerns about job displacement. He argued that the narrative suggesting AI is solely responsible for job losses is misleading. Instead,Narayanan pointed to over-hiring as a more significant factor in job displacements,asserting that AI will also create new job opportunities.
Echoing this sentiment, Debjani Ghosh, former President of NASSCOM,emphasized the need to analyze jobs on a task-by-task basis. She warned that entry-level positions are particularly vulnerable to disruption. Ghosh advocated for a reimagining of reskilling initiatives, highlighting importance of equipping workers with relevant skills for the evolving job landscape. “When you move up the job value chain,you need humans to frame the questions and inputs, AI to perform task and humans again to ensure outputs are safe,” she explained.
In discussion about India's AI initiatives, B . Santhanam, former CEO of Saint-Gobain India,praised government's efforts, particularly at institutions like IITs and IISc. He noted that while foundational AI models have become commoditized, the focus should shift to their diffusion across sectors such as agriculture, education,and health. Santhanam also expressed concern about the trend among Gen Z to seek shortcuts,suggesting that educational institutions should leverage AI as a cognitive partner rather than a substitute.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy shared his views on governance and investment during the event. He criticized the perception that Gujarat is leading state for investment,asserting that his competition lies with countries like China and Japan. Reddy's ambitious vision includes making Telangana a hub for manufacturing,aiming to replace China in various sectors. He also highlighted his government's initiatives in women's empowerment, noting that 67 lakh women are part of self-help groups, contributing to solar panel units and petrol bunks.
On topic of drug abuse among youth, Reddy announced the establishment of Eagle Force,aimed at eradicating drugs in Telangana. He acknowledged challenges faced by parents and emphasized the need for effective solutions. Addressing the recruitment process in the state,he mentioned reforms implemented after irregularities were discovered, leading to the highest-ever recruitment drive in Telangana.
Reddy's administration has also focused on agricultural support,with a significant loan waiver program benefiting over 25 lakh farmers. He stated that Telangana's loan waiver,totaling ₹20,616 crores,is the largest in India. As he reflected on his political journey, Reddy expressed his commitment to serving the public,emphasizing that he views himself as an elected servant rather than a ruler .
The discussions at Hindu Huddle continue to explore the intersection of technology, governance, and societal challenges, with leaders from various fields sharing their insights and strategies for the future .
