India's Chief Economic Adviser, V Anantha Nageswaran, has urged young people to rethink traditional career paths and focus on acquiring skills that are likely to remain relevant in an era of rapid technological change. Speaking on a podcast, Nageswaran said students should carefully evaluate whether their educational choices will lead to sustainable employment, particularly as advancements in technology continue to reshape labour markets across the world.

Nageswaran observed that many students continue to follow a conventional path of graduation, higher education and preparation for competitive examinations. While acknowledging the value of formal education, he stressed the importance of considering future employability and adapting to changing economic realities. According to him, career planning should increasingly be guided by long-term skill relevance rather than solely by traditional academic qualifications.

Highlighting the importance of vocational professions, the Chief Economic Adviser said India has historically placed less emphasis on trades such as welding, plumbing, carpentry and electrical work. He pointed to countries including Switzerland, Germany, Japan, South Korea and China, where skilled trades receive greater recognition and respect. Nageswaran argued that such professions offer practical expertise that remains in demand and is less vulnerable to disruption from emerging technologies.

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He further stated that the period during which degrees in software, computer science and business administration automatically provided a significant career advantage has largely passed. Instead, he suggested that future opportunities are likely to favour trade skills, soft skills and professions requiring human judgment, interpersonal interaction and physical presence. Careers in counselling, caregiving, hospitality and other people-focused sectors could become increasingly valuable in the years ahead.

To illustrate his point, Nageswaran recalled advising a young chef who felt discouraged after comparing his career progress with that of friends in other professions. He encouraged the chef not to judge success through social media comparisons and emphasized that culinary expertise represents a skill set that technology cannot easily replace. The anecdote underscored his broader message about the enduring value of practical and human-centred professions.

Beyond employability, Nageswaran also highlighted the importance of health in supporting economic growth and productivity. Referring to findings from the National Family Health Survey, he noted rising obesity levels across income groups despite improvements in several health indicators. He argued that physical and mental well-being are critical components of a productive workforce and urged young Indians to invest in both their health and their skills to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving economy.

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