Career Growth Needs Skills, Not Just Degrees: Zoho Founder Sridhar Vembu Says India Must Embrace AI Without Becoming Dependent

What happened: Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu, in an exclusive conversation, stressed that skills matter more than degrees in today’s tech-driven world.

Why it matters now: As India pushes for Made in India and shifts away from Google–Microsoft products in government use, the debate on AI self-reliance is intensifying.

What changes for people: Students and professionals will need strong practical skills and AI literacy, not just formal qualifications, to stay relevant.

Who is affected: Young jobseekers, tech workers, policymakers, and India’s broader innovation ecosystem.

Skill-first future, not degree-first: Vembu’s key message

In a wide-ranging discussion, Sridhar Vembu, founder of Zoho, said India’s next generation must focus on building real-world skills rather than relying solely on degrees. As global technology rapidly evolves, he urged young people to use AI smartly, while warning them not to become overdependent on it.

Vembu noted that AI can amplify human talent, but only if people maintain control and develop independent thinking abilities.

Why this conversation matters today

The debate comes at a crucial moment. With the government encouraging ministries to adopt Indian platforms over foreign tech giants, the question of whether India can build and scale its own AI and advanced tech has gained urgency.

Vembu pointed out that embracing local products is no longer a symbolic choice but a strategic necessity for national resilience.

India’s shot at AI self-reliance

The shift toward indigenous platforms like Zoho reflects India’s aim to build a strong domestic tech foundation. Experts say India can become AI-self-reliant, but only if:

Skilled talent is prioritised over paperwork

AI tools are used responsibly

Local innovation receives long-term support

Students gain hands-on exposure instead of textbook-heavy learning

Vembu emphasised that true progress will come from grassroots capability building, not shortcuts or blind reliance on imported solutions.

The human side of the AI race

While AI promises efficiency and automation, Vembu cautioned that human intuition, creativity, and technical mastery will remain irreplaceable. He urged youth to:

Learn coding, analytics, design, and problem-solving

Use AI as a helper, not a crutch

Build the mindset to adapt continuously

The bigger question for India

As ministries shift away from foreign software, a critical question emerges:

Can India build a sustainable, future-ready tech ecosystem that competes globally?

Vembu believes the answer is yes, provided the focus remains on skill-building, local innovation, and ethical tech adoption.