'Young people won't just participate in the AI era, they will lead it': Salesforce's Arundhati Bhattacharya

Salesforce has joined forces with SmartBridge, a talent accelerator and educational technology organization, to launch the ambitious 'YuvaAI Bharat: GenAI Skill Catalyst' program. This nationwide initiative aims to equip learners across India with essential AI skills for the future. Targeting both academic and industry participants, the program plans to utilize Trailhead, Salesforce's complimentary online learning platform, to train one hundred thousand individuals by the close of 2026. During the launch event, Arundhati Bhattacharya, President and CEO of Salesforce South Asia, highlighted the urgency of introducing AI education early in students' academic journeys. "To prepare the country for an AI-driven future, we must initiate learning at the school level. Today’s youth are naturally more inquisitive and tech-savvy than previous generations. Our goal is not only to teach them how to use technology but also to help them grasp its workings and responsible applications," she remarked. Bhattacharya reaffirmed Salesforce’s long-term commitment to education and workforce development in India, asserting that this initiative represents a significant advancement toward inclusive AI education. The YuvaAI Bharat program will provide learners with practical experience through expert-led sessions and self-paced modules, ensuring a comprehensive approach to AI training. "The ability to continually learn, reskill, and adapt will be the hallmark of success in the years ahead. Instilling this mindset early will empower India's youth to not just partake in the AI revolution but to lead it," Bhattacharya stated. Amarendar Katkam, Founder and CEO of SmartBridge, elaborated on the collaboration’s focus on addressing the existing talent gap in the AI sector. He emphasized that their approach is tailored to swiftly fill immediate gaps within the talent ecosystem, especially at the higher education level. Katkam noted that while the current emphasis is on higher education, similar initiatives are being implemented in schools through various national programs. He mentioned that certain educational institutions are already integrating AI-focused subjects into their curricula, though the effectiveness of such programs hinges on how students engage with technology. "Awareness is crucial; we must educate students on responsible technology use. With AI becoming increasingly embedded in education, there will be a need for guidelines and regulations from both regulatory bodies and educational institutions. Ultimately, it will depend on how responsibly the end-users apply this knowledge," Katkam explained. Regarding timelines for broader training initiatives, Katkam clarified that SmartBridge's immediate focus remains on higher education while curriculum integration is being managed by educational boards. He acknowledged that while the enthusiasm for AI is palpable, practical implementation will require time and patience. Katkam also highlighted SmartBridge's plans to go beyond general AI training, aiming to fill specific market gaps in areas such as healthcare, education, and cybersecurity. He remarked on the growing demand for initiatives that focus on practical applications of AI, which aligns with Salesforce’s commitment to enhancing employability. Kavita Bhatia, Group Coordinator of the AI & Emerging Technologies Division at MeitY and COO of IndiaAI, praised the Salesforce-SmartBridge initiative for its synergy with the Centre’s IndiaAI Mission. "The youth of India are integral to our AI future. With the YuvaAI program under the IndiaAI Mission, we strive to unlock their potential through appropriate skills and opportunities. This initiative embodies our collective effort to inspire and cultivate the next generation of AI innovators," Bhatia concluded.