In India’s IT sector today, we are seeing large companies cut thousands of mid- and seniorlevel jobs—many held by people who have been with their organisations for 15 or even 20 years. The reasons cited are slowing growth, the impact of AI, and rising costs. But letting go of people who stood by you through difficult times—especially during the pandemic—feels deeply unfair. In our tradition, we would call it “adharmik”, because it goes against the values of loyalty, fairness, and gratitude. At EBIX & Vikas Group, these values are not just words—they are the most sacred oath we uphold from top to bottom. For the past 26 years, we have been part of the IT and technology industry. Like others, we too feel the pressures of this turbulent phase. Yes, the sector is changing rapidly and AI is becoming a part of everyday operations. But our approach will never be an ad-hoc decision to remove people in bulk. We will manage our costs carefully, but at the expense of the very people who have built our strength.

A Partner, Not a Threat

One of the biggest misconceptions today is that AI will replace humans completely. In reality, AI can be a powerful assistant—it can process information faster, automate repetitive tasks, and support decision-making.
But the heart of business is still human judgment, creativity, and values. Machines can calculate, but they cannot build trust. They can analyse, but they cannot understand the cultural and emotional realities in which we work. At EBIX & Vikas Group, we see AI not as a threat, but as a tool to help our people achieve more.

Over Termination

The best way to handle change is to prepare people for it. Instead of removing experienced employees when new technology arrives, we should train them to use it effectively. At EBIX & Vikas Group, we have two dedicated branches focused on training employees in emerging technologies, including AI and other advanced tools. Our goal is not just skill development, but building the confidence to adapt and thrive.
The worst mistake a company can make is to treat its people as a cost to be reduced instead of as partners in growth. Layoffs might improve the balance sheet for one quarter, but they damage trust that takes decades to build—and when trust is broken, both the company and the sector lose.

Guided by Values

The most sacred book we follow when it comes to moral and human relationships, the Bhagavad Gita, says:
“Those who stand by you in your time of trial should never be betrayed.”
This is not just a spiritual teaching—it is also sound business wisdom. In times of crisis, the loyalty and experience of long-term employees are invaluable. Removing them not only hurts them personally, it weakens the company itself.
Dr. Vikas Garg, Chairman – EBIX & Vikas Group, often says:
“The wave of AI should not become a wave of mass layoffs. Technology is best managed by human brains, and humans should remain at the center of everything we do. Training, not termination, should be our first response.”

A Call to Industry and Government

We believe the government also has a role to play. These are testing times for the IT sector, and if India is to remain at the forefront of global technology, we must ensure our talent pool remains strong and confident. This means supporting companies in reskilling efforts, offering incentives for employee training, and creating a positive ecosystem where technology adoption leads to more opportunities, not fewer.

At EBIX & Vikas Group, we will continue to face challenges head-on—but always with our people at the center of our decisions. In the long run, this is not just the right choice morally —it’s the smart choice for any business that wants to last.