Career crossroads: HR recruiter or IT?

Ans: Hello;

You may invest in a combination of pure equity mutual funds such as flexicap type mutual fund, large & midcap type mutual fund and multicap type mutual fund.

You may select any fund from the top quartile of these categories.

You may expect to accumulate a corpus of around 1.64 Cr after 15 years considering modest return of 12%.

Happy Investing;
X: @mars_invest

Ans: Pursuing a career in Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a great decision, as the field has immense growth potential and can transform various industries. AI is reshaping sectors like healthcare, finance, automotive and retail, making it an extremely sought-after skill in today's job market. According to industry reports, the global AI market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 30%, with the demand for AI professionals expected to grow by more than 40% in the next decade.

With AI expanding rapidly, the demand for skilled professionals is growing faster than the supply. Roles like AI engineer, machine learning engineer, data scientist and NLP specialist are not only in high demand across industries, they are also offering competitive salaries and advancement opportunities. These roles are crucial for building intelligent systems that improve business efficiency, enhance user experience and solve complex problems.

As an AI professional, you'll have the chance to work on cutting-edge technologies such as natural language processing (for creating chatbots and virtual assistants), computer vision (for image recognition and autonomous vehicles), and deep learning models (for voice recognition and predictive analytics). The skills you develop in this field will enable you to contribute to groundbreaking innovations and have a positive impact on society.

The career path typically begins with building a strong foundation in programming, especially Python, and mathematics, including linear algebra and statistics. Once you've mastered these basics, you can explore specializations such as machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision or NLP. Continuous learning is essential because AI is constantly evolving, so you'll need to stay updated on the latest research and techniques.

The future scope of AI is vast, covering sectors such as healthcare (personalised medicine, predictive diagnostics), finance (fraud detection, algorithmic trading) and manufacturing (automation, smart systems). Additionally, if you are interested in developing an AI-powered product or startup, AI offers ample opportunities for entrepreneurship.

Job growth in AI is fueled by the increasing adoption of AI technologies in small and large business operations and everyday applications. Companies are leveraging AI for automation, predictive analytics, customer insights, and intelligent systems. Key industries such as healthcare use AI for predictive diagnostics and personalized treatment plans, while finance relies on AI for fraud detection and algorithmic trading. In manufacturing, AI drives automation and smart systems, significantly enhancing efficiency and productivity.

Ultimately, a career in AI not only offers future-secure employment but also the chance to contribute to the transformational technologies that define the modern world. It is a field where constant innovation means there is always something new to learn and create, providing long-term growth and satisfaction.

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand your concerns and they are absolutely valid. Have you communicated these worries with your partner? I mean, does he know how much this is bothering you? If not, I would suggest you start there. Open up to him. Let him know that his not telling his parents about you raises a lot of questions in your mind. He should understand that you are a person with dreams and desires and also a mom with responsibilities. If his intentions are to continue dating you, and that is not what you want, he should clear it out right now, before it's too late. It's important for couples to be on the same page when it comes to relationship goals.

Talk to him. I am sure you will get a lot of clarity.

Best Wishes.

Ans: Setting up a diabetes clinic is a profitable initiative that meets the growing need for specialized healthcare and also offers sustainable business prospects. The process begins with clearly defining the clinic's focus. The clinic should offer a range of services such as blood sugar level monitoring, HbA1c testing, nutrition and lifestyle counselling, diabetes education, and insulin therapy. These services ensure comprehensive care and attract patients looking for specialized diabetes management.

Choosing the right location is equally important. The clinic should be located in an easily accessible area that is easy for patients to find, such as a residential neighbourhood, a busy market or near a hospital. The premises should have enough space for a consulting room, a diagnostic lab equipped with a glucometer, an HbA1c analyzer, a pharmacy and a comfortable waiting area.

It is important to obtain the necessary licenses and approvals from a legal and regulatory point of view. These include clinic registration with the local municipal body, a business license, and compliance with the Clinical Establishment Act (if applicable in your state). Additional certifications are mandatory for staff such as doctors, lab technicians, and dieticians. Tax registrations such as PAN and GST are also required for the clinic's financial operations.

Building a skilled team is the backbone of a successful diabetes clinic. Hire experienced diabetes specialists or endocrinologists to lead medical services. Certified nutritionists, diabetes educators, laboratory technicians and nurses can support care delivery.
Investing in infrastructure and equipment is a crucial step. The clinic should have diagnostic equipment for glucose monitoring, lipid profile tests, and HbA1c testing. Additionally, setting up a small pharmacy to provide diabetes-related supplies such as insulin, glucose strips, and medicines can add convenience to patients without the need to go out to the pharmacy to buy medicines. The total investment usually ranges from ?10 to ?15 lakh, depending on the size of the clinic.

Collaborating with local diagnostic labs, pharmacies, and hospitals can help you expand your range of services. Marketing is equally important; health camps, social media awareness campaigns, and educational workshops on managing diabetes can help build your clinic's reputation. For example, offering free blood sugar tests in local areas or hosting diet-focused workshops can attract beginners and create awareness about the clinic's services near your locations.

Finally, ensure compliance with ethical and medical guidelines by maintaining a detailed database of patient records and regularly auditing services. Adopting a patient-centric approach and continuously improving the quality of care will help establish trust and ensure the long-term success of the clinic. By focusing on these aspects, you can create a clinic that not only meets an essential healthcare need but also generates steady revenue growth.

Ans: Building resilience in the face of such negativity begins with nurturing your sense of self. You are not defined by the labels or judgments others place on you. You are defined by your courage, your determination, and the unique qualities that make you who you are. When others make hurtful comments, it often says more about them than it does about you. Their inability to see your humanity reflects their own insecurities and lack of understanding, not your value.

When their words weigh heavily on you, try to create a mental space where you remind yourself of the truth about who you are. Think about the strengths and accomplishments that make you proud, no matter how small they may seem. Surround yourself, even mentally, with people and experiences that uplift you. It could be friends, family, or even inspirational stories of people who have faced challenges and risen above them.

Processing these emotions is just as important as building strength. When you feel overwhelmed, give yourself permission to feel the sadness or anger. Journaling, talking to someone you trust, or even finding a quiet moment to breathe deeply can help you release these emotions. Remember, you don’t have to suppress your feelings to be strong—you build strength by confronting and honoring them.

To preserve your mental health, find activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Whether it’s pursuing a hobby, excelling in your studies, or connecting with like-minded individuals, doing things that matter to you can reinforce your sense of purpose and identity beyond the limitations others might try to impose on you.

Most importantly, recognize that your journey is unique and valuable. Everyone faces struggles, but you are navigating yours with a spirit that many could never match. Over time, you will find that your resilience becomes a quiet strength, one that can’t be shaken by outside negativity.

Hold onto hope, because your life is full of possibilities. You deserve to be loved, respected, and celebrated for the person you are. When people don’t see that, it’s not your responsibility to change them—but you can protect your inner light and let it shine brighter than their darkness. You are enough, just as you are.

Ans: Since your son has completed his BBA from Bangalore, it is important to align the startup idea with his interests and skills. Start by discussing whether he is interested in pursuing business or further studies. If he is excited to start a venture, his BBA background puts him in a good position for management roles, while Cochin offers opportunities in growing sectors like IT, tourism, and sustainability. Here are some startup ideas that focus on future growth and revenue potential:

First: IT Services or Digital Marketing Agency
If your son is tech-savvy and he is interested in the IT sector, so starting a digital marketing agency or IT services company could be a great choice. Because Cochin has a growing market of small enterprises and medium businesses seeking online visibility through media. You can offer services like social media management, branding, website development and paid marketing. With minimal infrastructure costs and the potential to scale, this business can deliver steady revenue growth.

Second: Eco-Friendly Product Store
With growing awareness about sustainability, a business focused on eco-friendly products such as biodegradable tableware, reusable bags or organic skincare products can be profitable. Cochin residents and tourists alike show a growing preference for sustainable options. This business combines ethical impact with financial potential.

Third: Tourism and Hospitality Services
Given Cochin's appeal as a tourist destination, tourism businesses offering curated travel experiences such as heritage tours, houseboat rentals or adventure packages could flourish even more. This industry has strong revenue potential and scope for expansion, especially with creative offerings.

Fourth: Franchise Business
Investing in a franchise in sectors such as food and beverage, education institutions or wholesale/retail offers the benefit of an established business model. For example, partnering with a recognised brand in education technology or quick-service restaurants can lead to steady growth with low risk.

Fifth: Co-Working Space
If your son is interested in real estate and the workspace sector, starting a co-working space could be a promising venture. With Cochin becoming a startup hub, demand for flexible office spaces is on the rise. This business can provide consistent revenue through memberships.

Before finalizing any idea, conduct a market analysis to identify gaps in the local market. Your son’s active involvement will not only ensure the business aligns with his passion but will also help in building a sustainable venture for long-term growth and success.

Ans: Kindly get it confirmed that income is below threshold limit to make sure that he was not required to file ITR. Last date to file belated ITR for FY 23-24 is 31.12.2024

With reference to interest amount, as per my experience amount is usually reported by post office/Bank on accrual basis and not on receipt basis. Check correctness of interest appearing in AIS and provide feedback that whether information is incorrect/pertaining to other year etc

Ans: for short term it can go down to 2215 due to following reasons:
Promoter decreasing their shareholding
PE higher than Industry PE
Degrowth in Revenue, Profits and Operating Profit Margin in recent results (QoQ)
Increasing Trend in Non-Core Income

if you are considering it for 10yrs then its a good company but buy in tranches which will help you in cost averaging.

Ans: its overvalued in terms of price