Opinion: Why Are So Many Tech Graduates In India Unemployable? It's The 'Cliff Effect'

A young tech graduate, full of potential, steps into the job market, only to find their skills outdated and their opportunities limited. This scenario is all too common in India, where despite substantial investments in higher education, a stark divide has emerged among students, particularly in the computer science stream. I call this phenomenon the 'Cliff Effect' as it highlights the precipitous drop in the quality of education beyond top-tier tech institutes like the IITs and IIScs. This 'cliff', which leaves many students underprepared and alienated from cutting-edge advancements, underscores the need for comprehensive reform in India's computer science education.

Squandering The Demographic Dividend

As much as 65% of India's population is under the age of 35. Yet, many lack the necessary skills required to function in a modern economy. According to the recent Economic Survey, just about half of India's youth is employable. Another report, by NASSCOM, flags a significant employability gap among engineering graduates in India. This gap has far-reaching implications, considering that India aims to become a $5 trillion economy by 2025. 

The quality of computer science education across many Indian institutions is far from what's needed in today's job market. Universities do not update their syllabi frequently, leaving students unprepared for the demands of the industry. The lack of experiential learning and hands-on training further exacerbates the problem. Compounding all these issues is the stagnant entry-level pay offered by some major IT companies in India. Despite the industry's growth, salaries have seen little change over the years. For instance, one major company's campus placement offer was just about Rs 3.5 lakh per annum, compared to an average of Rs 4.15 lakh per annum a decade ago. The stagnation indicates the lack of value ascribed to fresh graduates.

India, all in all, needs a systemic overhaul in education and industry practices.

Beyond Just 'Coding'

Knowing how to code is no longer enough. Thanks to AI, the job landscape is evolving rapidly, and employers in the coming years will seek candidates with deep domain knowledge and an interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving. This shift will be crucial because technology alone cannot drive innovation; it must be complemented by a thorough understanding of the domain in which it is applied. Only then can solutions be developed to effectively address real-world problems.

For instance, a coder with a deep understanding of agriculture can design AI-driven solutions to optimise crop yields, manage pest control, and predict weather patterns, thereby enhancing productivity and sustainability in the agricultural sector. Similarly, a coder who understands pedagogy can develop advanced learning platforms that cater to diverse educational needs, personalise learning experiences, and track student progress effectively.

India stands to benefit significantly from computer scientists who possess interdisciplinary skills and don't rely solely on technical knowledge. In that light, integrating interdisciplinary courses in computer science education is important to foster a holistic understanding of technology and its impact on society. It is essential that the next generation of technologists embodies responsible and trustworthy AI values and is aware of and actively addressing challenges like privacy, security, and other ethical concerns. 

An Interdisciplinary Framework

To build an interdisciplinary approach to India's computer science education, it is essential to foster collaborations between universities, industry experts, and policymakers to ensure that the curriculum is both relevant and future-proof. Universities should design programmes that include mandatory courses on ethics, data privacy, cybersecurity, and AI. Incorporating case studies and practical examples from various industries can help students grasp the real-world applications of their technical skills.

Practical training should be a cornerstone of this interdisciplinary approach. Internships, live projects, and workshops should be mandatory components. Establishing partnerships with other academic departments can promote cross-disciplinary projects, fostering a holistic understanding of technology's impact on different fields. Additionally, universities should create platforms for students to engage with industry professionals through guest lectures, mentorship programmes, and industry-led workshops.

Mozilla Foundation's Responsible Computing Challenge in India (RCC), backed by USAID, exemplifies this approach. It funds and supports the development of curricula that combine computer science with ethics, social sciences, and interdisciplinary knowledge. The RCC aims to revolutionise the teaching of technology and computer science by embedding responsible computing practices into the education system. By integrating ethics and interdisciplinary approaches into computer science curricula, RCC fosters a more inclusive computational future, as well as a culture of ethical innovation. 

Breaking The Status Quo

Building an interdisciplinary approach in computer science education is fraught with challenges. One significant obstacle is the institutional framework, which often clings to the status quo. Many institutions are resistant to reform. While most educators are dedicated to providing the best for their students, a substantial number also harbour a "this-is-how-we-have-always-done-it" attitude, which hinders progress and innovation. 

Additionally, there is a crucial need to convince parents to think beyond traditional programmes. Many parents, understandably, want their kids to follow 'safe bet', conventional career paths over more innovative and interdisciplinary fields. Changing this mindset is vital for students to have diverse educational experiences that equip them with the skills needed for the complexities of the modern workforce.

(Jibu Elias is an AI ethicist, activist, researcher, and currently the Country Lead (India) for the Responsible Computing Challenge at Mozilla Foundation)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author

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Indian Influencer Under Fire For Mocking Chinese Locals: "Racist, Uncouth"

Jaspreet Kaur Dyora, a social media influencer from India, is facing criticism online for her disrespectful behaviour while travelling in China. A video posted by Ms Kaur shows her roaming the streets of China and mocking the locals by passing derogatory and rude comments in Hindi. 

The video begins with Ms Kaur saying, “Jaise aap log corona de sakte ho world ko, toh kya mein aapko trauma de sakti hu? (Just like how you gave the world corona, can I give you trauma in exchange?)''

Ms Kaur's comments in the video include asking a food vendor about the type of animal they slaughtered, inquiring about the quality of a bridge because it's "made in China," and asking people if they're wearing knock-off brands. She asks them if they are from Sarojini Nagar, as they could be seen wearing a ''Gucci copy.''. 

This video was shared in March, though it has gone viral now.

Here's the video:

The video has faced severe backlash, with netizens calling out her behaviour as ''offensive'' and ''racist''. Many expressed disappointment, stating that there's a thin line between being funny and being disrespectful and accused her of defaming India. 

One user wrote, ''Why do some people want to act like this and bring shame to others? I don't understand.''

Another wrote, ''This makes me sad to see this type of content. There is a thin line between being funny and disrespectful. This might get you lots of engagement for sure, but it won't last long as a person. They are the sweetest people. Sorry from India.''

A third said, ''These words are harassment, and it is criminal offence, you will be charged if someone report to Indian police or Chinese police.'' A fourth stated, ''These type of influencers do more harm than good. Totally racist and uncouth way to treat random people for no reason and film them.''

A fifth added, ''This is not good. Disrespecting other human being in their own country. If someone from Europe does the same in India, how would we feel?''

 

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Air Canada Flight Cancelled After Staff's Meltdown Over Blanket Request

An Air Canada flight from Morocco to Montreal was cancelled on Friday morning following an altercation between a passenger and a flight attendant. According to the New York Post, the argument occurred when a passenger requested a blanket due to excessive air conditioning, which enraged the flight attendant. She yelled at the passenger, called the police, and asked the passenger to disembark.

The flight attendant was heard shouting in French, ''You will behave or we will get off! I'll tell the captain right away. Yes or no?'' 

When a passenger asked the flight attendant to call the captain, she refused and said, ''I don't want any bullying against my crew.'' She then stormed up the aisle, turned around and shouted, ''Everyone behaves! Be quiet … or you're getting off.''

In support of the passenger, other passengers onboard also left the flight, leading to the cancellation. Flight radar data shows that flight AC73 was taxiing to the runway before returning to the terminal.

Here's the video:

Stress levels are quite high in the sky these days : An Air Canada flight from Casablanca (CMN) to Montreal (YUL) was canceled due to the inappropriate behavior of a flight attendant on July 26, 2024.

The Airbus A330-343 aircraft (C-GHLM) did the taxi aiming a departure while… pic.twitter.com/h3s4fbGF5A

— FL360aero (@fl360aero) July 27, 2024

Air Canada confirmed that the flight was cancelled, with a different crew brought in to take the passengers to their destination on Sunday. The airline stated that they are taking the incident seriously and will take appropriate action. They also apologised to their customers and offered compensation for the inconvenience.

A representative for Air Canada added, ''We take this issue extremely seriously. It is being reviewed, and we will take the right action. We apologize to our customers and deeply regret that their experience today fell far short of what they have come to expect when flying with Air Canada.''

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"Excited For Future Collaborations": Gautam Adani Meets FedEx CEO

Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, on Monday had an "insightful meeting" with FedEx CEO Rajesh Subramaniam, adding that he is "excited" about future collaborations with the global logistics company.

In a post on X, Gautam Adani appreciated Subramaniam for visiting Mundra to see the Group's world-class Port and Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

"Proud to see an Indian at the helm of a top company revolutionising global logistics through digital innovation," said the Adani Group Chairman.

Just had an insightful meeting with FedEx CEO Rajesh Subramaniam. Appreciate him visiting Mundra to see our world-class Port and Special Economic Zone. Proud to see an Indian at the helm of a top company revolutionizing global logistics through digital innovation.… pic.twitter.com/iurl6haqx5

— Gautam Adani (@gautam_adani) July 29, 2024

Gautam Adani further said that the FedEx CEO's vision is truly inspiring, adding that he is "excited for future collaborations".

Subramaniam said recently that India is a key market for the company as its GDP continues to grow amid robust talent and digital transformation. FedEx recently launched its advanced capability community in India that will serve as a hub for the company's technological and digital innovation.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Watch: Visakhapatnam Couple's iPhone-Themed Wedding Card Amazes Internet

A wedding card is more than just an invitation, it's a reflection of the couple's taste, and style, and a sneak peek into their special day. In recent years, fancy and customised wedding cards have become a sensation in the wedding scene. Keeping up with the times, a couple in Visakhapatnam has come up with a unique iPhone-themed wedding invitation card. 

Laxman Wedding Cards posted a video of the invite on their Instagram page that has gone viral. The video shows the innovative wedding invitation that has been designed to resemble an iPhone, complete with a booklet-style layout consisting of three pages glued together. The cover page features the couple's photo as the 'background', just like a phone's wallpaper. Above the photo, details of the wedding time and date are prominently displayed. 

One of the pages inside the invitation features a WhatsApp conversation, complete with a "Send Location" title, revealing the venue details in a fun way. Meanwhile, the 'back cover' of the invitation boasts a striking camera illustration, complete with a 3D-like effect. 

Watch the video here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Laxman_weddingcards and More (@laxman_weddingcards)

So far, the video has amassed a whopping 15 million views. Internet users were amused and intrigued by the unique design and posted a variety of comments in response. Some also enquired about the cost of these wedding cards. One user wrote, ''When a designer gets married! I love the idea.'' Another joked, ''Very expensive wedding card.''

A third said, ''Appreciate your idea.'' A fourth added, ''You are really talented.''

In the past, the company has also crafted other innovative designs inspired by everyday items. Alongside the iPhone-style invites, they offer wedding cards that resemble passports and newspapers, adding a fun element to the traditional invitation format. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Laxman_weddingcards and More (@laxman_weddingcards)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Laxman_weddingcards and More (@laxman_weddingcards)

Last year, a unique wedding card that looked like a research paper went viral on social media. The title of the card included the names of the couple, along with the venue of the wedding. It also included an abstract explaining the importance of marriage. 

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"We'll Remember This Day": Harmanpreet After India's Asia Cup Final Loss

A distraught India captain Harmanpreet Kaur admitted that there is room for a lot of improvement before the upcoming T20 World Cup and her team won't easily forget the eight-wicket humbling at the hands of Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final here on Sunday. India scored a decent 165 for 6 but rival skipper Chamari Athapaththu (62) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (69 not out) were severe on the visiting bowlers, finishing the match in 18.4 overs. The women's T20 World Cup will be held in Bangladesh later this October.

“We are looking to improve in some areas. We will definitely work hard and remember this day. They have played such good cricket for so long and they played good cricket throughout this tournament,” Harmanpreet said at the post-match presentation ceremony on Sunday.

She admitted that her side's bowling didn't work as per plans with hardly any breakthroughs to show for their efforts.

“We played good cricket throughout the tournament and, no doubt, we made a lot of fumbles today and that cost us.

“It was a decent total, we were looking for breakthroughs in the powerplay but it didn't go according to plan and Sri Lanka batted really well,” the India skipper added.

Her Lankan counterpart Athapaththu was delighted after the island nation's first major success in women's international cricket.

“I am really happy about our team performance, especially the batting performances, especially Harshitha and Dilhari.

“We have played really good cricket in the last 12 months and we want to continue it. Never saw such a crowd, so special thanks go to the Sri Lankan people who came out to watch the game.

“This win is good not only for the team but the whole Sri Lanka because we have to inspire the next generation,” Chamari said.

Athapaththu played the most important knock of her life while anchoring the chase.

“I have to lead from the front, that's my duty for my country. We always talk about positive things in the dressing room, for which the credit goes to the head coach and the support staff. Our next target is the (T20) World Cup,” she concluded.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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PM, Biren Singh's First Face-To-Face On Manipur Violence: Sources

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh had a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his ongoing visit to Delhi. Mr Singh and PM Modi had discussed the situation in the state that was hit massive ethnic violence last year, sources told NDTV amid much speculation over the meeting.

The Chief Minister is in Delhi for a special conclave of Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states. But the 25-minute closed door session was specially scheduled to ensure that the state sticks to the Centre's peace plan for the state, sources said.

Union ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh were also present for the meeting, but no officials from the Centre or the state attended it, sources said, underscoring its exclusivity.

The meeting comes amid massive Opposition pressure on the BJP over the Prime Minister's alleged silence on Manipur. Slogans of Manipur had rent Lok Sabha as the Opposition interrupted PM Modi's speech on the Motion of Thanks following President Droupadi Murmu's joint address for over two hours.

The BJP, though, has been especially focussed on Manipur after the two Lok Sabha seats in the northeastern state went to the Congress in the recent general election.

The meeting also comes on a day that Manipur governor Anusiya Uikey was removed and new Assam governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya was given additional charge of Manipur.

Over the last year, the clashes between the valley-dominant Meitei community and nearly two dozen tribes known as Kukis -- a term given by the British in colonial times -- who are dominant in some hill areas of Manipur, has killed over 220 people and internally displaced nearly 50,000.

The general category Meiteis want to be included under the Scheduled Tribes category, while the nearly two dozen tribes that share ethnic ties with people in neighbouring Myanmar's Chin State and Mizoram, want a separate administrative carved out of Manipur, citing discrimination and unequal share of resources and power with the Meiteis.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval meanwhile has gone to Myanmar, where ethnic pro-democracy rebels are fighting the junta. 40,000 Myanmar refugees living in Mizoram, and a few thousands in Manipur.

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