Promote alternative career paths This refers to “NEET aftermath: Parents and teachers must anchor our students,” (THI, May 22). The paper leak has rightly angered people, but anger alone will not protect the next batch of students. What is more worrisome is the singular importance we have attached to just one examination. Families invest everything — emotionally and financially — into a single outcome, leaving young people with no psychological fallback. Schools and parents must actively normalise alternative career paths, not as consolation but as genuine choices. Counselling should be embedded in the academic calendar, not offered after a crisis strikes. Systemic reforms matter, but the cultural shift around success and failure is equally urgent.

Prajesh Paramasivan, Neelambur-641048

Students must focus on GCC space

With reference to the article “Bright story of growth in GCC space awaits us beyond layoffs” (THI May 22), the increasing wave of layoffs in global technology companies has become a major concern for employees, students and parents across the country. In recent months, leading multinational firms have laid off thousands of workers worldwide. However, the changing situation should not alarm our IT professionals given that India is the preferred destination for GCCs because of its skilled workforce and growing digital ecosystem. More global firms are setting up technology centres in the country, which is expected to open fresh employment opportunities. Employees must adapt themselves to this transformation. Those who fail to keep pace with emerging technologies may find it difficult to survive in the changing market. Workers should also branch out into communication skills, teamwork and problem-solving abilities. Educational institutions should step in and update their syllabus according to industry requirements. Youngsters must understand that the IT industry now opens opportunities not only in coding but also in analytics, robotics, AI systems and digital transformation. Companies should invest in reskilling and upskilling programmes rather than simply laying off workers. Internal training sessions and mentorship initiatives can help employees move into new domains. Governments and industry bodies can bolster employees through skill development schemes. Skilled professionals who adapt themselves to the changing demands are likely to secure rewarding careers in the future. India’s GCC ecosystem is expected to create large-scale employment opportunities in the long run. Employees, students and educational institutions must work together to prepare for the changing technological landscape instead of getting discouraged by temporary setbacks.

Raju Kolluru , Kakinada

Engineers should eye GCC positions.

Thisrefers to “Bright story of growth in GCC Space awaits us beyond layoffs”. Rather than worry over layoffs, professionals must take comfort from the fact India’s growing GCC ecosystem offers real hope. Many mid-level professionals are still anxious about job security and the rapid shift towards AI-driven roles. Rather than relying solely on market forces, we need practical steps: targeted government-industry partnerships for short-term AI and data science certification programmes, easier credit for tech startups, and clearer pathways for experienced engineers to move into GCC positions. Companies too must invest more in internal reskilling instead of sudden headcount cuts.

M Barathi, Bengaluru - 560076

Reskilling is the need of the hour

Apropos “Bright story of growth in GCC space awaits us beyond layoffs,” (THI, May 22). The anxiety around layoffs is understandable, but the bigger concern is whether India’s IT workforce is preparing itself for what comes next. GCCs are expanding, and that is genuinely good news. But expansion does not automatically translate into opportunity if skills remain static. Many mid-level professionals are still anchored to roles that AI is steadily absorbing. Reskilling cannot remain a talking point in corporate presentations. Universities, employers, and industry bodies must together create credible, accessible pathways for professionals to transition into AI-adjacent roles. India has the scale and the talent base to lead this shift. The question is whether we move with enough urgency before the window narrows.

A Myilsami, Sulur (PO) – 641402