Shaping Thinkers for the Future: Mr. Shekhar on Building a Future-Focused Skillset

With AI transforming so many aspects of daily life, what skills do you think today’s students should develop to stay future-ready and stand out?

There is no doubt that Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping every sphere of human life, and students must cultivate a balanced set of technical and human-centric skills to remain ready for this era of technology and be distinguished. Instead of distancing themselves from technology, students must learn to adapt to these changes. Students need a strong base in digital literacy and computational thinking. Students must develop basic knowledge and a clear understanding of how algorithms function, how data is processed, and how AI systems operate, which will empower them to engage with technology intelligently rather than passively.

Beyond technical skills, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities are extremely important. At the end of the day, Artificial Intelligence is just that, artificial. It can provide information, solve problems using data, but it is the human mind that must frame meaningful questions, interpret outcomes, and apply them judiciously to real-world situations. Additionally, communication, collaboration, and ethical awareness must not be overlooked. AI lacks empathy and moral reasoning; therefore, students who can articulate ideas effectively, work harmoniously in teams, and evaluate the societal impact of technology will be invaluable contributors to any field.

And of course, the qualities of curiosity and resilience will ensure that students perceive AI not as a threat, but as a partner in progress. Those who approach technology with an open, creative mind and the courage to experiment will not only adapt to change but also help shape its direction. They will be able to use AI as a tool to extend their abilities, rather than replace them. As Sundar Pichai rightly remarked, “The future of AI is not about replacing humans, it’s about augmenting human capabilities.”