Karthik Unscripted: 20 Years of Thoughts and Insights: Where Has the Human Touch Gone in 2025?

#631

Personal Update:-

3 Women who I "Rever, Dear and Fear"...(International Women's day!) I leave the guesswork on who's who to you! hahah! 8th March 2020.

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Yesterday, I received some messages and reflected on my own experiences. They all point to one thing: something feels missing in how we connect with each other today. Whether it’s at work, in personal life, or even with strangers, the warmth, gratitude, and care we once saw seem to be fading. Let me share these stories and my thoughts with you.

Story 1: The Lonely Recruiter and Forgotten Thanks

A recruiter from a big city in India messaged, he’s been helping people get jobs for 35 years. In the past, when candidates got selected, they’d send him thank-you cards, visit his office, or bring sweets to share the joy. But for the last 10 years, things have changed. Now, no one tells him if they got the job. Companies don’t even share feedback. He’s also a talented photographer who sends beautiful pictures to friends, but people—especially those aged 20-40—don’t even say thanks. I had a similar experience too. I emailed 130 people in my network, suggesting a 30-minute call every few months to stay connected. Only 9 replied, and just 7 made real plans. One person met me for lunch, which was nice, but I wonder—why don’t more people care to keep in touch?

Story 2: A Manager’s Death, Forgotten in Hours

An Indian employee shared a sad story. His manager passed away 20 hours ago. You’d expect people—colleagues, peers, or the team—to feel something, to pause and remember him. But just 2 hours later, it was business as usual. No one seemed affected. The employee felt hurt and asked, “Is this all life is in 2025? Where are the feelings?” The family was left to grieve alone, with only a small effort from the company. It’s as if the manager never existed. How can people move on so fast?

Story 3: A Young Girl’s Struggle in a New City

My manager (91-96) messaged me about his grand-niece, a 20-year-old from North India. She got an internship at an IT company in Madras and moved there Monday morning, with big hopes. I shared some information to him on Paying Guest facilities, contacts to reach out in Madras, etc to work her way. But within 72 hours, Thursday night, she flew back home. Why? The company environment, hygiene, and place she stayed felt cold and unwelcoming. She could feel the hostility in everything. No one helped her settle in—no buddy, no care. She wasted time, money, and energy, and went back disappointed. How can a young girl in a new city be left so alone?

The Common Theme: Losing the Human Touch

What ties these stories together? It’s the loss of the “human touch”—the small acts of kindness, gratitude, and care that make us feel connected. The recruiter misses appreciation. The employee sees no emotion for a manager’s death. The young girl finds no warmth in a new place. Even my own effort to connect with friends showed how little people respond. In 2025, with so much technology, why are we losing what makes us human?

My Thoughts: Why Is This Happening?

As a 60-year-old with 40 years of work experience, I can tell you things weren’t like this when I left the corporate world 13 years ago. Back in 1999, interactions had meaning. People cared, said thanks, and supported each other—at least that’s how I saw it, even though I wasn’t in Indian organizations for the last 30 years. Something has changed, and it’s drastic. Here’s what I think caused it:

Speed and Pressure: Work today is faster. Deadlines are tighter, targets are bigger. People don’t have time to stop and chat or help someone new.
Technology Overload: In 1999, we had phones, but not smartphones or WhatsApp. We talked face-to-face or wrote letters. Now, everything is quick texts—easy to send, easy to ignore.
Money Over People: Companies chase profits more than ever. Employees are just numbers, not humans with feelings. Care isn’t “productive,” so it’s gone.
Younger Mindset: The 20-40 age group grew up with tech and competition. They’re focused on “me” and “now,” not “us” or “later.”
No Leadership Example: Back then, managers took time to know you. Today, they’re too busy or don’t see it as their job to build bonds.

In India, we’re known for our big hearts and strong bonds. But these stories make me wonder—are we losing that too?

Debate: Were We Naïve Then, or Are We Impractical Now?

This change bothers me, and I wonder—what do corporates and employees say to justify it? They might argue:

“It’s Efficiency”: Companies could say, “We can’t waste time on feelings. Work must go on, even if someone dies or leaves.” Employees might add, “I’m too busy to thank everyone—it’s not personal.”
“Times Have Changed”: They’d say, “In 1999, life was slower. Now, we compete globally. We can’t afford to be soft.”
“It’s Not My Job”: A manager might claim, “I’m not paid to babysit interns or mourn with teams. HR should handle that.”

But were we naïve back then to care? Were thank-you cards and team lunches silly? I don’t think so. They built trust and made work human. Today’s “practical” world—where a manager’s death is forgotten in hours or a young girl is left to sink—feels cold and wrong. Maybe we weren’t impractical then; maybe we’re just heartless now. Were we fools to value people over profits? Or are we fools today to think this robotic life is progress? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

What Can We Do?

Should we just shrug and move on? No, I don’t think so. Small steps can bring back the human touch. Here’s what we can try:

Say Thanks: If someone helps you—a recruiter, a friend, anyone—send a quick “thank you.” It takes 10 seconds but means a lot.
Check on People: Call a friend, colleague, or family member once in a while. Ask how they are. Don’t wait for them to reach out.
Be Kind at Work: If you’re a manager, support your team. If you’re a colleague, show you care—especially when someone is new or struggling.
Pause for Feelings: If someone passes away or something big happens, take a moment to feel it. Don’t rush back to “normal.”
Teach the Young: Companies and families should show kids and new employees how to be warm and grateful. A buddy system for interns is a great start!

Final Words

Life isn’t just about jobs, money, or getting ahead. It’s about people—the ones who help us, work with us, or just pass through our lives. In 2025, let’s not let the human touch slip away. We can’t change everyone, but we can start with ourselves. A smile, a thank-you, a helping hand—small things can make India feel warm again. Were we better off caring in 1999, or is this cold world the future? What do you think—can we bring back the care we’re losing?

Karthik

8th March 2025

9am.