By Deepshikha Kumar Anand, Founder – SpeakIn
The world is drowning in data. Every click, swipe, and purchase leaves a digital footprint, feeding artificial intelligence systems that churn out predictions, recommendations, and decisions at lightning speed. From stock markets to healthcare, AI tools now handle tasks that once required years of human expertise. Yet, amid this flood of machine-generated outputs, a quiet truth is emerging: the real value lies not in the algorithm alone. The ability to infer, interpret in the light of information not-documented ever before, to predict – a trait which will stay unique to humans.
A report by the World Economic Forum pointed out that while 85 million jobs may be displaced by automation by 2025, 97 million new roles will emerge—ones that demand skills machines cannot replicate easily. Critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and ethical judgement top that list. The message is clear: AI can process information faster than any human, but it still needs direction, context, and moral grounding.
Take the Indian IT sector, a global leader in software services. Companies like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro have invested heavily in AI platforms to automate coding, testing, and customer support. Most of the Indian IT firms now use AI for routine operations. This has improved efficiency and cut costs. But the same report highlights a growing concern: clients are asking for more than automated solutions. They want strategies tailored to local markets, cultural nuances, and long-term vision—areas where human insight remains irreplaceable.
In healthcare, the story is similar. AI-driven diagnostics can now detect diseases like diabetic retinopathy with great accuracy. The system analyses retinal images in seconds, helping doctors screen patients in remote areas. But doctors stress that the final call—whether to operate, wait, or change treatment—depends on patient history, lifestyle, and emotional state. Machines flag risks; humans weigh lives.
The corporate world is waking up to this reality. According to Deloitte’s 2024 State of Generative AI Report (India Perspective), a large number of business and technology leaders worry that heavy dependence on AI without proper human checks could harm accuracy and lead to flawed decisions. One example stands out: a leading e-commerce platform in India used AI to optimise pricing during festive sales. The algorithm pushed discounts aggressively, expecting higher volumes. Instead, profit margins crashed because it failed to account for brand perception and customer loyalty—factors a seasoned marketing head would have flagged instantly.
Education offers another lens. With online learning platforms powered by AI recommending courses and tracking progress, students receive personalised pathways. Yet, the National Education Policy 2020 emphasises holistic development, creativity, and value-based learning—goals that require mentors who inspire, question, and connect ideas across disciplines. A teacher who notices a student’s curiosity about history and links it to data science can spark a career. An algorithm, no matter how advanced, follows patterns, not passion.
Even in governance, the limits of AI are visible. The government’s use of facial recognition and predictive policing has raised eyebrows. A report by the Internet Freedom Foundation warned that without human oversight, such systems risk bias and misuse. Police officers on the ground understand community dynamics, local tensions, and the difference between suspicion and threat. Data can inform; only experience can judge.
The creative industries tell a compelling story too. Bollywood and regional cinema are experimenting with AI for script analysis, audience prediction, and even generating background scores. But film directors mostly rely on instinct, cultural depth, and emotional resonance to craft films that move millions. AI can suggest a plot twist; only a storyteller knows if it will touch hearts.
Start-ups across India are placing strong bets on the partnership between humans and AI. Firms in Bengaluru and other tech hubs bring together machine learning tools and seasoned professionals to tackle tough business challenges. Their edge comes from teams that pair data experts with veterans from the field—factory managers, finance specialists, or healthcare practitioners. The system handles the calculations; the experienced hand knows which questions truly matter.
This balance is not just about keeping humans in the loop. It is about giving them the upper hand. As AI tools become cheaper and more accessible, the ability to interpret outputs, challenge assumptions, and apply judgment will separate winners from the rest. McKinsey’s study of India’s fast-growing industries and core strengths has identified 18 key sectors that could generate USD 1.7–USD 2 trillion in revenue by 2030, up from USD 690 billion in 2023. Together, these sectors could contribute about 30% of India’s additional GDP growth by 2040.
For individuals, the message is urgent. Upskilling must go beyond learning Python or prompt engineering. Reading widely, debating ideas, understanding people, and building ethical frameworks matter as much. Schools and colleges need to prioritise critical thinking over rote learning. Companies must train employees not just to use AI, but to lead with it.
In the end, AI is a powerful assistant, not superior. It can light up paths, where humans decide which one to take. In boardrooms, clinics, classrooms, and courtrooms, the edge will belong to those who can look beyond the dashboard and see the bigger picture. As India races towards a USD 5 trillion economy, this blend of technology and human wisdom will define its place in the world. The future is not man versus machine—it is man and machine, working together, with the human hand firmly on the wheel.