Rajesh Dhuddu

@MahindraRise experience. I was driving from Hyderabad to Puttaparthi to deliver a class on GenAI for various staff members of Satya Sai Institutes & Satya Sai Central Trust. It was yet another opportunity to enjoy the long drive in my #XUV700. I was also looking forward to this class as I was scheduled to deliver this lecture and hands on training at the same computer lab where I learnt using computers for the first time, 30 years ago. After travelling 90 kms or so, I started noticing the warning sign on the XUV dashboard saying Front Brake pad worn out. I barely completed 20% of my journey. I had another 370 kms to go. I was in two minds ie - 1. I don’t want to turn back and lose the opportunity to deliver the class 2. Is it safe to drive in such condition as the warning was flashing every now and then. I pulled the SUV aside and asked Gemini Flash what does the warning imply? The answer gave me a comfort and assured me that it’s not that dangerous to drive. I was roughly 110 kms away from Kurnool. I called my ex colleagues at Mahindra- Baneshwar. He was in middle of a meeting but was kind enough to answer my call. I explained the problem to him. He immediately got his team into action. Pratyush the regional manager called me and informed about where the dealership in Kurnool was. He also assured me that it was safe to drive with that condition for about 500 kms assuming the speed doesn’t exceed 80 k mph. The dealer executive Raghavendra called me and informed that they are ready with the new set of break pads and waiting for me to arrive. When I arrived there after careful driving, the dealer team fixed the break pads in 20 minutes flat and also replaced rear break pads as they were nearing the end of life. After this intervention I was able to reach Puttaparthi safely and deliver the GenAI session to a power packed class!! Thanks to Mahindra team for rising to the occasion and helping me fulfil commitments to my alma mater!! @SSSIHL @mahindraauto

Awards are indeed special moments. But what truly endures is the effort of all our associates, who show up every day to lead with purpose ... who are bold, agile and collaborative ... to build something larger than any of us individually. This recognition reflects that collective spirit across @MahindraRise, teams that care deeply, challenge convention, and lift each other higher. I’ve been fortunate to be shaped by mentors, colleagues, friends, and family who have continually raised my own bar and expectations of what leadership must stand for. And, in particular, for @anandmahindra's mentorship, which has played a huge role in this journey. Grateful and honoured by this recognition.

We often have a long "wish list" for the people around us. We wish they were: • More caring when we’re stressed. • Extra generous with their time. • Large-hearted when we make mistakes. • Easy to work with during a busy week. • A little more loving in their words. • Less argumentative when opinions differ. • Full of empathy for what we’re going through. It is so easy to expect these things from others. It is much harder—but far more powerful—to actually be that person for them first. Instead of waiting for the world to change, why not be the change someone else is waiting for? Kindness isn't a transaction; it's an investment in a better environment for everyone. What is one quality you’re trying to bring to the table today? #leadership, #empathy, #selfworth

Ambition, AI, and the Future of Money 🎤 Last week, I spoke at three forums exploring the intersection of leadership and technology. Here are my field notes: Act 1: Talk on Leadership 🏔️ At the Aspire Leadership Program curated by two HBS professors, I shared my journey from a non-descript student to a corporate executive. The room was a diverse mix of students, all bound by one thing: a dream to do well in life despite massive constraints—economical, social, and the general hardships life throws at you. I didn't want to give them hearsay or textbook theories. Instead, I shared my own story—from my days as a non-descript student to becoming an accomplished corporate executive.  I believe advice hits harder when it’s direct and authentic. My advice: • Plan B is mandatory: Life is unpredictable; be prepared. • No role is "suboptimal": Treat every position as a stepping stone. • The High Note Rule: Pivot when you are doing well, not when you’re on a low. • Break the Inertia: Monetize your expertise and build true thought leadership. Act 2: Making AI Make Sense (GrowthX) 🤖 At FTCCI GrowthX, we discussed "Data as a Foundation." AI success depends on explainability, which is contingent on data veracity. The "AI Edge" in India is set to add $550B to our economy. This isn’t just a stat—it’s growth powering the pillars of Viksit Bharat: our Youth, Women, the Poor, and our Farmers. Act 3: The Digital Asset Revolution 💳 At the Jio Convention Center, we cleared up a big myth: It is NOT illegal to hold Bitcoin in India. We are moving towards a massive integration of CBDCs and Digital Assets. • Programmable Money: CBDCs will complete the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) agenda. • Tokenization: Unlocking liquidity for MSMEs via "Real World Assets." Tokenizations. • Blockchain for MSMEs: Innovations like "Deep Tier Discounting" will reimagine access to working capital. Whether mentoring a student or explaining a ledger, the goal is the same: Unlocking potential. Which area—Leadership, AI, or Digital Assets—is top of mind for you? Let’s discuss below. 👇 #Leadership #AI #Web3 #Blockchain #ViksitBharat #DigitalAssets #MSME #GrowthMindset

Om Nama Shivaya!! Maha Shivaratri is often called the "Great Night of Shiva," and it holds a unique position in the calendar because it marks a point where spiritual tradition, biological rhythm, and planetary alignment intersect. 1. The Religious Significance In Hindu mythology, Shivaratri is celebrated for several profound reasons: * The Union of Shakti and Shiva: It is widely celebrated as the day Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati, symbolizing the convergence of Purusha (mind/spirit) and Prakriti (nature/matter). * The Legend of Neelkanth: It is believed that on this night, Shiva drank the Halahala (poison) that emerged during the churning of the ocean to save the universe, turning his throat blue. * The Tandava: It is the night when Shiva performs the Ananda Tandava—the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. * The Lingodbhava: Legend says Shiva manifested himself as a pillar of light (Jyotirlinga) on this night to settle a dispute between Brahma and Vishnu, proving the formless nature of the Divine. 2. The Planetary & Scientific Perspective From an astronomical and physiological standpoint, Shivaratri is more than just a ritual; it’s about alignment. * Natural Upsurge of Energy: On the night of Maha Shivaratri, the northern hemisphere of the planet is positioned in such a way that there is a natural centrifugal upsurge of energy in a human being. * Centrifugal Force: Because of the planetary positions, there is a natural pull that assists the movement of energy upward through the human spine. This is why tradition mandates staying awake and upright (spine vertical) throughout the night to allow this energy to flow freely. * The Darkest Night: It occurs on the 14th day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Phalguna. This "darkness" is seen as the state of the universe before creation—a state of absolute stillness and "nothingness" (which is what the word Shiva literally translates to). 3. The Significance of Fasting Fasting (Vrat) on Shivaratri is not about punishing the body, but about purification and focus. Detoxification - It allows the digestive system to rest, redirecting the body's energy toward cellular repair and mental clarity. Increased Awareness - A heavy stomach leads to lethargy (Tamas). Fasting keeps the mind alert and the body light, which is essential for the night-long meditation. Willpower - It serves as a discipline to transcend the physical needs of the body, reminding the practitioner that they are more than just their physical cravings. Lunar Influence Since the moon (which governs the mind) is at its weakest during this time, fasting helps stabilize the emotions and prevent mental fluctuations. | Maha Shivaratri is essentially a "festival of the soul." Whether you view it through the lens of a devotee seeking Shiva's grace or a seeker looking to capitalize on planetary energy, the goal is the same: inner awakening.

India had software boom and hardware doom. We have an opportunity to correct this in the #QuantumComputing arena. Amravati Quantum Valley is one such bold initiative to create India leadership in Global Quantum Computing markets. It was wonderful to witness the launch of Quantum Valley by Hon Min Dr Jitendra Singh (Minister of State Atomic Energy),  Hon AP CM Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Hon IT Minister of AP Lokesh Nara in the presence of several #IIT Deans Prof Kamakoti et al, industry leaders from #IBM, #TCS and others, start up founders. The function was also graced by a large number of STEM students who kept the energy levels high through their boisterous cheering and farmers who pooled more than 33,000 acres and donated them to build Quantum Valley and Amravati Capital. Seeding Quantum Valley at Amravati has both spiritual and scientific importance. Amravati has spurred the growth of Buddhism in ancient India and is home to one of the sacred temples of Shiva in India. The scientific importance stems from the fact that it will host India's 1st  On premise Quantum Computer that is indigenously made to a large extent. Many activities of National Quantum Mission of India will be shaped from Amravati. Quantum computing wields significant importance as it taps into the compute power that classical computers are not able to do so. The Boolean variables 0 or 1 are binary in nature and harness the computer power using only one of their two states, thus bits are limited. On the other hand, in Quantum Computing world, a Qubit holds the potential of being in 0 or 1 states simultaneously. In classical computing bit is like a light switch - it can be either on or off where as in Quantum computing, the quantum computer performs calculations by leveraging qubits even though they have not decided in which state they need to be. Quantum computing is not easy to understand. It's not coincidental or drawing a fun relationship that #MandokyaUpanishad which is a treatise on AUM & four states a human being goes through every day / every time - waking the A part of Om / Aum chanting, Dreaming the U part, Deep Sleep the M part and Turiya that represents silence after the M; explains Quantum computing science, phenomena. Am not the only one saying this Eminent Scientists like #Schrödinger, #NielsBohr, Werner Heisenberg & Robert Oppenheimer have turned to Mandokya Upanishad to understand Quantum Science. Schrödinger said the Unity & Continuity of #Vedanta are reflected in Unity & Continuity of Wave Mechanics. #PWC is proud to be associated with this Initiative. To demystify Quantum Computing & foster its learning, we will be starting Let's Learn Quantum series soon on LinkedIn!

My article @CNNnews18 @rajeshdhuddu news18.com/opinion/opinio… #India has moved decisively from #digitisation to capability-led #industrialisation #AI #QUANTUM #semiconductors #space are now treated as #national & #enterprise #Infrastructure

At #IDS2026, we discussed the key aspects of building a national AI stack for #ViksitBharat 2047. This discussion came at opportunistic time when #PWCIndia Chairman has launched the insightful paper AI Edge for Viksit Bharat. AI can add USD 550 bn to Indian economy by driving value in Energy, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture & Education. Key components of stack will be Inclusivity, Explainability & Accountability in addition to sovereign models, compute infrastructure!!

51 years till date I never got an opportunity to hoist the Indian flag. Today was the debut opportunity - what an opportunity it was. Got to unfurl the #tiranga as part of the attempt to set Guinness World Record for hoisting 2026 flags along with NCC Girl Cadets. #JaiHind

From Gen A to Gen AI, at Week 10 of the Gen A Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, Rajesh Dhuddu (PhD) - Partner of Emerging Tech at PwC - demystified Artificial Intelligence. Participants explored AI's practical applications, from vibe coding to transformative business strategies. The session provided invaluable insights for the cohort at Sadhguru Sannidhi Bengaluru #sadhguruacademy #genaentrepreneurshipbootcamp

The two days I spent teaching the AI course at #Sadhguru academy in Bengaluru went like a breeze. But the memories and learnings will stay with me forever. The class had around 40 entrepreneurs drawn from different walks of life, possibly more accomplished than me, pursuing the most transformative part of their professional sojourn through the GenA program. Their zeal and spirit to accompanlish deep impact and contribute to something meaningful is indomitable In the 2 day boot camp & course we covered the journey and maturity of #AI right from Dartmouth Conference to the current state covering RPA, ML, DL, GenAI, Agentic AI, AGI, Responsible AI, Ethical AI, Explainable AI et al. We also covered concepts like Word2Vec, CNN, RNN, Turing Test, Einstein Test, LLMs, TLMs, SLMs, Ministry of Experts, RAG Neuromorphic Computing, ChainofThoughts, Sentient AI While the underlying tech building blocks and concepts contributed to holistic understanding of AI, we focused on how to be led and guided by business outcomes primarily to build meaningful solutions and not get carried away by the tech per se! #pwc, @SadhguruJV

Thanks @thinkers360 for these recognitions. May you guys continue to support all the Thinkers without any deep commercial interests. Greatly appreciate your utopian work in recognising my contributions to tge Tech world over the last 8 years . #soyoucan, @MahindraRise, #pwc

To punch harder, one needs to pause stronger. #PWC takes a break to come back rejuvenated, refreshed and revitalised to support customers and stakeholders in 2026

In a span of 28 years I got the opportunity to transition from the recipient of a Gold Medal in MBA to a giver of Gold Medals to 3 bright MBA students at #ChandigarhUniversity (CU) Thanks to CU officials and colleague from #PWC for giving me the opportunity to be the Chief Guest and presiding over the Convocation Ceremony of over 800 MBA graduates My convocation address focussed on following aspects 1. The benevolence of time made me move from being a recipient of MBA degree to handing over MBA degree certificates to over 600 MBA graduates 2. It's important to understand the Purpose of life. In absence of purpose, one tends to drift through the life. Purpose helps one to craft the life adequately 3. The concept of arrived in life is a big myth. There is no finite point of arrival at all. When one milestone gets accomplished, the need to accomplish another milestone ushers in 4. Today the world is characterised by RUPT - Rapid, Unpredictable, Paradoxical and Tangled. The trinity of PPP - Purpose, Passion and Personality that reflects amply one's purpose & passion will help to tide over RUPTed world 5. Vuca is an old concept. With the help of PPP one can convert A. Volatility into Vision, B. Uncertainty into Certainty, C. Complexity into Clarity & D. Ambiguity into Agility In the end, I reiterated learnings obtained from my Late dad. (He would have been exuberant watching me as the Chief Guest at the convocation ceremony wearing the convocation robe, am sure he may have witnessed this in his spiritual form from up above) Professional lessons 1. Work is worship 2. Give Rs 2 worth of work to the company when one is paid Rs 1 for that work by the company. No AI can replace the job of the person who exhibits this trait and delivers double the value Personal lessons 1. Don't be subservient to any one in the matters involving integrity 2. Your hand should always be above, on the giving side 3. Uplift every one whom you meet in your path, if you cannot uplift it's fine; atleast don't hurt others I urged the students to give and in today's world that giving which they can do easily; is the gift of time to others who deserve it. I gave the example of Usain Bolt who works hard every race inspite of being a world champion. Every race he needs to bow down to run (humility), he needs to be alert to hear the gun shot and run as fast as he can. He is not entitled to any privileges in the race even though he is a world champion. He has to endure and excel as a normal contestant in every race. Finally I offered help to all the students in their professional journey in case they need it. Sharing some pics of the convocation ceremony!!

@MahindraRacing @anandmahindra Cheering for it…

All will be revealed...😉 #Mahindra #TogetherWeRise #FormulaE

Mahindra & My Experiences (M&Ms) - 6th episode!! On the triple auspicious occasion of - 1. Dussehra 2. Gandhi Jayanti & 3. Mahindra Foundation Day - group was established on 2nd Oct 1945 I would like to share the 6th serving of M&Ms. 3 years ago exactly during this October, we embarked on a journey to Harvard Business School and MIT for a week long immersion program under the aegis of Mahindra Universe and Mahindra Future Shapers Programs. The Mahindra Universe program is the brain child of @anandmahindra who wanted to provide a unique opportunity every year to the senior leaders in Mahindra Group to experience the iconic pedagogy of Harvard Business School, the HBS campus and in the process stir new thinking and perspectives. He called this entire experience as a Brain Spa. Indeed it was one such spa that refreshed the thinking aided by wonderful perspectives on Leadership and Strategy facilitated by distinguished HBS Professors. The other added benefit of this program was that Spouses were also sponsored to the HBS program where they had an opportunity to sit through the classes post lunch and observe the classroom discussions. Thereafter they joined different evening cultural & networking programs that were held every day. In the forenoon session they went for sight seeing while we flexed our neurons in the classroom. The Mahindra Future Shapers Program is the manifestation of strategic foresight of @anishshah21 who conceptualised this program to create a pool of future senior leaders and Group Executive Board members in Mahindra. We were truly blessed to be part of the Foundation Batch. Yes, over the last 3 years many of my classmates have taken on senior roles in the group leading diverse businesses. The Mahindra Global Relationship Partner Role for me at #PWC gives me an ample opportunity to continue the relationship with my classmates and also collaborate with them actively by bringing in the power of #valueinmotion #soyoucan from PWC and coupling it with #Mahindrarise to drive business excellence, strategic acumen and strength for diversified businesses in Mahindra group. This way I consider myself to be lucky to continue to contribute to the Future Shaping of Mahindra Group from outside precincts of the group. An experience that is rarest of the rare!!

From blockchain to the metaverse, he’s shaped how enterprises adopt the future. ⚡️ @rajeshdhuddu, Partner & Leader – Emerging Tech @PwC_IN, joins #metamorphosis2025 to share how Web3 + AI are redefining business at scale. 🗓️ Sept 27-28 📍 Le Meridien, Gurugram

Interesting facts about evolution of #IndianFlag. Many of these are new to me! How about you?