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News18
a day ago
- Business
- News18
‘No More Kitne Aadmi The': Former Tech Mahindra CEO CP Gurnani Calls TCS Layoffs End Of IT's ‘Sholay Era'
Last Updated: CP Gurnani, former CEO of Tech Mahindra, said that layoffs show that measuring IT companies by how many employees they have is becoming outdated. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) recently announced its massive layoff. Amid this, CP Gurnani, former CEO of Tech Mahindra, said this shows that measuring IT companies by how many employees they have is becoming outdated. Using Sholay's famous dialogue, he explained that the time when people asked 'Kitne aadmi the" will soon be gone. Now, companies will focus more on how their work impacts customers and business outcomes. Speaking with CNBC-TV18, Gurnani said, 'The focus on the Sholay dialogue 'Kitne aadmi the' or judging the Indian IT industry based on headcount, thank god that period will be over. All of us will have to rewire ourselves to start looking at output and outcome-based business models, outcome-based pricing, and look at what it does for business and customers, instead of looking at IT and systems in isolation." 'I am actually quite excited because we, as in the Indian IT industry, have a chance to prove that we will build platforms and accelerate innovation, and we will rule the world focusing on the application cycle," he added. According to a report by Moneycontrol, TCS is planning to cut around 2 per cent of its workforce, which means about 12,000 employees may lose their jobs. The company is doing this to become faster and better prepared for future changes. A source told the portal that both the industry and educational institutions need to focus more on training and re-training people with the right skills. But TCS CEO K Krithivasan explained that the job cuts are not directly linked to the rise of artificial intelligence. Instead, the company wants to make sure it has the right talent to match the needs of the future. view comments First Published: July 29, 2025, 16:18 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
TCS layoffs: Former Tech Mahindra CEO CP Gurnani quotes Sholay line and sends a message to techies
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) recently announced its plans to lay off 12,000 employees which is roughly 2% of its workforce. Now, former Tech Mahindra CEO CP Gurnani has shared a thought-provoking message to the Indian tech industry. Quoting the iconic dialogue from popular Bollywood film Sholay 'Kitney aadmi the?... Thank God that period will be over.' Speaking to CNBC-TV18, Gurnani has urged the tech industry to move beyond the obsession of headcount and embrace outcome-based models. Gurnani stresses on a shift from the traditional pyramid-style delivery system which has long been associated with Indian IT. He further emphasise that the Indian tech industry should prioritise enhanced productivity, specialised skills, and advanced technological capabilities. A sector in transition During the recent round of layoffs, TCS insists that the job cuts are not driven by AI but by skill mismatch and the need to realign talent with emerging business demands. TCS CEO K Krithivasan also clarified that the decision of the company is majorly driven by deployment feasibility and not productive gains from AI. Apart from TCS, Infosys and Wipro have also witnessed a decline in headcounters from over 12,000 and 25,000, respectively, in the past two years. Additional, HCLTech also announced restructuring at the company due to location and skill mismatches. Also, experts suggest that the roles such as low level coding, testing and documentation have now become obsolete. Time to change the working model For decades, India's IT prowess has been built on its vast talent pool. However, as global demands shift towards more complex, niche, and AI-driven solutions, the emphasis is increasingly on quality over quantity. Former Nassscom chairman Ganesh Natarajan also spoke in support of Gurnani's viewpoint. Natarajan called the pyramid model as 'Jurassic Park material'. He also feels that agentic AI — software that autonomously performs complex tasks—will force companies to rethink team structures and delivery models. Analyst are also of the viewpoint that the layoffs may also increase due to the market share shifts and vendor consolidation, not just automation. The entry level jobs at BPO and customer service roles are the most vulnerable. Gurnani's message aims to encourage Indian tech professionals to upskill and reskill and embrace new AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
TCS layoffs mark the end of the ‘Kitne aadmi the' era, ushering in AI and automation-led Indian IT future
The Indian IT industry, long regarded as a stable and secure employment hub, is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), known as one of the safest employers in the sector, has announced plans to lay off approximately 12,000 employees over the coming years. This decision is largely driven by the global adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, reshaping how companies allocate human resources and deliver value. Former Tech Mahindra CEO and current AIonOS co-founder CP Gurnani has weighed in on the development, declaring an end to the 'Sholay days' of Indian IT, referencing the iconic Bollywood film to signify the closure of an era defined by manpower-heavy operations. TCS's decision to cut jobs and CP Gurnani's declaration of the 'end of the Sholay days' symbolise the closure of one chapter and the beginning of another for India's IT sector. The shift from manpower-centric models to AI-driven, outcome-based operations marks a fundamental evolution in how IT services are delivered and valued. While it may disrupt traditional employment patterns, it also opens the door to new opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and global competitiveness—provided companies and employees adapt quickly to the change. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like I Asked ChatGPT What Humanity Will Achieve In The Next 30 Years — Here's What It Said Liseer Undo TCS layoffs showcase AI-driven transformation of Indian IT: End of 'Sholay days' TCS has traditionally been seen as an employment safe haven in India's IT ecosystem. Its decision to cut jobs signals a fundamental shift not just for one company but for the entire industry. The mass layoffs highlight how AI is replacing routine roles, reducing reliance on manual processes while increasing efficiency. The message is clear: employee headcount is no longer the primary measure of success. For decades, Indian IT companies competed based on workforce size, winning global contracts on the strength of large delivery teams. Now, automation and AI are reducing the need for such scale, and businesses are increasingly prioritising productivity, innovation, and technological expertise over sheer numbers. CP Gurnani's 'End of Sholay Days' remark: 'Kitne aadmi the?' In an analogy referencing Sholay's famous dialogue 'Kitne aadmi the?', Gurnani said the industry must abandon its fixation on workforce strength. He noted that the era of measuring success based on manpower metrics is over and urged IT firms to embrace output- and outcome-based pricing models. These models shift client engagement away from billable headcount to value delivery, where contracts are based on performance and results rather than working hours. According to Gurnani, this transformation will position companies for success in an AI-driven global marketplace. AI-driven IT era focuses on skills, innovation and outcome-based work culture Artificial intelligence and automation are at the core of this transformation. Tasks that previously required entire teams can now be executed by AI agents or automated systems, reducing operational costs while increasing speed and accuracy. Gurnani emphasised that routine jobs will inevitably be automated, but he also pointed out that this will create new, specialised roles requiring advanced skills in AI, machine learning, data science, and cybersecurity. This shift demands a workforce that is reskilled and upskilled for emerging technologies. IT professionals will need to adapt quickly, transitioning from performing repetitive tasks to delivering strategic, high-value contributions. Gurnani's view challenges traditional work philosophies, including the recent statement by Infosys founder Narayana Murthy advocating extended working hours for young professionals. In contrast, Gurnani argues that working longer is not the solution; working smarter is. He stresses the importance of focusing on measurable outputs, innovation, and strategic impact rather than the number of hours clocked in. This approach mirrors the shift already seen in leading global tech firms, where success is defined by agility and outcomes rather than manpower-heavy models. Gurnani leads AIonOS to bring AI into business operations As Executive Vice Chairman and Co-Founder of AIonOS, Gurnani is directly contributing to this paradigm shift. AIonOS is focused on integrating AI across business operations, enabling companies to operate with greater efficiency, speed, and profitability. The venture aims to help businesses transition into AI-native enterprises—organisations built around automation, data-driven decision-making, and advanced analytics. By positioning AI at the core of enterprise architecture, AIonOS seeks to blend human ingenuity with machine intelligence, creating scalable models that optimise performance while reducing operational redundancies. The TCS layoffs and Gurnani's remarks highlight a broader trend: the Indian IT sector is at a crossroads. The industry, once driven by large workforces and offshore delivery models, must now reinvent itself around advanced technology, innovation, and outcomes-based client relationships. For employees, the lesson is clear: reskilling and upskilling are essential. Professionals who develop expertise in AI, data analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity will be best positioned to thrive in this new era. Companies, meanwhile, must invest in workforce transformation to ensure they remain competitive globally. Also Read | Bill Gates reveals the success mantra for winning in AI era: Curiosity, reading and…
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
‘Kitne aadmi the': CP Gurnani explains why TCS layoffs are a sign that the ‘Sholay era' of IT companies is over
Tata Consultancy Services ' (TCS) recent decision to lay off around 12,000 employees is being viewed by industry leaders as a sign of a major shift in how Indian IT firms operate. Former Tech Mahindra CEO CP Gurnani said the move signals the end of evaluating IT companies based on workforce size, calling for a stronger focus on outcome-based models driven by artificial intelligence (AI). Shift from headcount to output-led metrics Speaking to CNBC-TV18, IT veteran CP Gurnani said Indian IT firms will increasingly move away from being measured by employee numbers. 'The focus on the Sholay dialogue 'Kitne aadmi the' or judging the Indian IT industry based on headcount—that period will be over,' Gurnani told CNBC-TV18 . 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Human-centric AI will reshape jobs, not just cut them Addressing concerns over job losses, Gurnani noted that although some roles may be cut due to automation and AI integration, new types of jobs are also emerging. He pointed out that hiring in AI roles is already on the rise. 'If you see the job openings at these companies, they have only increased since the previous year. This is because they need more AI engineers, more data scientists, prompt engineers and people who can collapse few functions of an organisation,' he said. Live Events You Might Also Like: TCS layoffs 2025: Why India's biggest IT co is asking 12,000 techies to leave, who's at risk, and what severance package they will get 'There is no point of having an HR organisation. Ultimately, it will become how do I serve my employee. That means it is a data-centric organisation, with a human touch,' Gurnani added. TCS trims workforce amid shift in business priorities TCS recently confirmed that it would reduce its workforce by about 2%, affecting nearly 12,000 employees, over the course of 2025. The company cited changing technology demands, client expectations, and strategic realignment as key reasons for the move. The layoffs are expected to mainly impact employees in mid-level and senior roles across various business units. According to the company, the job cuts are part of its long-term plan to become more agile and focus on emerging areas like artificial intelligence, data science, cloud computing, and automation. Revised bench policy puts pressure on unallocated staff Amid layoffs, TCS has also introduced a stricter deployment policy that limits bench time to 35 business days per year. Employees are now required to be billed for a minimum of 225 working days annually. Failing to meet these expectations may affect their salary progression, promotion prospects, and continued employment. You Might Also Like: TCS layoffs: Job cuts due to skill mismatch, not AI automation, says CEO K Krithivasan During their time on the bench, employees must attend office and spend four to six hours daily on upskilling through internal and external learning platforms. The company has asked staff to take initiative and work closely with the Resource Management Group (RMG) to find project opportunities. Workers' group flags mental health and job security concerns The Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) recently raised concerns over the pressure faced by employees under the revised bench policy. In a letter to the Union Labour Minister, the group described the policy as 'inhumane' and said it was causing mental stress among skilled professionals who were temporarily without assignments. 'Instead of support, they are met with suspicion, coercion, and threats,' NITES president Harpreet Singh Saluja wrote in the letter. The organisation also accused TCS of withholding experience letters from those unable to secure new roles within the prescribed time. Hiring slows across India's top IT companies The layoffs come at a time when the overall hiring outlook in India's IT industry has weakened. Data from recent quarters shows that job additions at leading IT companies have dropped significantly. In the April–June 2025 quarter, the top six Indian IT firms added only 3,847 employees, compared to 13,935 in the previous quarter. You Might Also Like: TCS layoffs: IT major to mass fire 12,000 senior, mid-level staffers amid AI push With rising costs, automation, and global economic uncertainty, industry analysts expect more firms to adopt tighter workforce management strategies. As AI continues to replace repetitive tasks, companies are increasingly looking for employees with specialised skills in digital transformation, cybersecurity, and advanced analytics.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
AIonOS makes strategic investment in Salesforce partner cloud Analogy
AIonOS , a global enterprise AI leader and joint venture between InterGlobe and Assago Group, has announced a strategic investment in Cloud Analogy, a Salesforce Summit Consulting Partner specializing in multi-cloud implementations and enterprise CRM solutions. The investment positions AIonOS to accelerate AI-driven customer experience transformation by combining Cloud Analogy's proven Salesforce expertise with AIonOS's proprietary agentic AI platform, IntelliMateTM. The partnership will deliver intelligent, scalable digital transformation solutions to global enterprises seeking to optimize their CRM ecosystems. "This investment is not just about expanding capabilities—it's about shaping the future of enterprise technology," said CP Gurnani, Co-founder and Vice Chairman of AIonOS. "With Cloud Analogy's delivery excellence and our AI-led Customer Experience platform, AIonOS is uniquely positioned to lead AI-first CX transformation." The strategic move expands AIonOS's global delivery capabilities across North America, UK, ANZ and Asia-Pacific markets while strengthening its presence in the Salesforce ecosystem. Cloud Analogy brings deep multi-cloud expertise and industry-specific solutions targeting BFSI, automobile, healthcare, education, retail, and real estate sectors. "Partnering with AIonOS aligns with our vision to drive digital transformation through intelligent, agile, and scalable solutions," said Ajay Kumar Dubedi, Founder and CEO of Cloud Analogy. "Together, we're empowering businesses with smarter CRM ecosystems and AI-driven platforms that accelerate innovation." The combined entity will leverage Cloud Analogy's Agentforce capabilities alongside AIonOS's AI automation and predictive customer analytics to deliver tailored industry solutions. The investment also integrates AIonOS's talent development engine LearNowX for scalable workforce growth, positioning the partnership to capitalize on the growing demand for AI-native enterprise solutions. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
