Anand Mahindra’s New Year 2026 Vision: The Rise of the ‘Gold Collar’ Worker

As 2025 draws to a close, Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, has released a New Year message to employees that serves as both a victory lap and a strategic roadmap. Reflecting on a year defined by market leadership across the Group’s diverse portfolio—from automotive and farm equipment to financial services—Mahindra’s message pivots toward a future where the definition of "prestige" in the workforce is undergoign a radical transformation.

The centerpiece of Mahindra’s address is his bold assertion that "blue collar is the new gold collar." While much of the global conversation around Artificial Intelligence (AI) centers on the fear of displacement, Mahindra offers a contrarian and optimistic view. He argues that AI will act as an "accelerator" for practical, hands-on skills rather than a replacement for them.

According to Mahindra, as intelligent systems take over repetitive and routine tasks, the value of the "maker"—the person who can build, repair, and operate the physical machinery of life—will skyrocket. He envisions a world where a technician proficient with digital tools or a craftsperson whose intuition is sharpened by data analytics becomes a premium asset.

"When technology amplifies skilled hands, those hands can become as rewarding, if not more rewarding, than traditional white-collar work," Mahindra noted. "AI can turn blue collar into gold."

Reflecting on the performance of 2025, Mahindra described it as a "deeply satisfying year." The Group did not just lead markets; it redefined expectations. Highlights include:

 1. Automotive: Record market share in the SUV and electric three-wheeler segments.

 2. Farm Equipment: Reaching historic quarterly market share highs.

 3. Tech Mahindra: A sharpened focus on AI and operational excellence.

 4. Mahindra Finance: Strong profit growth coupled with top-tier asset quality.

Mahindra also highlighted a "tectonic shift" in global talent mobility. As Western education policies become more restrictive and visa norms tighten, he believes India is on the cusp of a significant "brain gain."

To capitalize on this, he emphasized the Group’s commitment to nurturing world-class talent within India. His personal involvement as Chairman of the Board of Governors for the Young India Skills University and the continued expansion of Mahindra University are strategic investments intended to ensure that the next wave of global innovators is groomed on Indian soil.

Looking ahead to 2026, Mahindra’s message is clear: uncertainty is not an enemy, but a "proving ground." By equipping the workforce with deeper skills and sharper capabilities, the Mahindra Group aims to move beyond navigating the storms of shifting geopolitics and technology to charting entirely new courses for growth.

In his closing remarks, he issued a call to action that resonates beyond the walls of his company: "The future belongs to those who build it. Let us build it together."