As 2025 comes to a close, Uday Kotak, the founder of Kotak Mahindra Bank, has taken to social media to reflect on the significant economic, technological, and social changes his generation has witnessed. In a post, Kotak expressed his gratitude for the opportunities his generation has had, citing the advent of television, space exploration, emails, smartphones, and exponential computing power. He also noted the absence of world wars and economic depressions, as well as the growth of financial markets.
However, Kotak also highlighted some of the potential downsides of these advancements, including the decline of in-person interactions, environmental degradation, and increased social divisions. He also noted the rise of transient and transactional relationships, as well as the dominance of “hard power” over “soft power” in international relations. Kotak expressed his hope that in the coming year, 2026, people will be able to progress with “conviction, sensitivity, and equanimity.”
The post generated a range of reactions from users, with some agreeing with Kotak’s assessment and others offering their own perspectives. One user noted that the erosion of the value of money over time has been a significant driver of economic stress, while another praised Kotak for acknowledging the existence of India before 2014, a reference to the current government’s tenure. The post has sparked a conversation about the complexities of progress and the need to balance economic growth with social and environmental considerations.
Kotak’s reflection is a timely reminder of the need to consider the broader implications of technological and economic advancements. As the world hurtles towards a more interconnected and complex future, it is essential to prioritize sensitivity, empathy, and equanimity in our pursuit of progress. By acknowledging both the benefits and drawbacks of the changes his generation has witnessed, Kotak is encouraging a more nuanced conversation about the kind of world we want to create in the years to come.