What happens when technology stops being just a tool and starts learning from us? This question shaped an engaging conversation with digital transformation leader Mallika Bajaj at GLS University, where she joined “Decoded with Chandni Kapadia”, hosted by Ms. Chandni Kapadia, Executive Director, GLS University. The conversation explored AI, algorithms, privacy, digital sovereignty, education and the changing relationship between technology and society.
Mallika’s own journey provided the starting point. A former competitive tennis player who represented India, an injury eventually led her towards media and broadcasting. Reflecting on her journey, she compared life to tennis — where the court and opponents may change, but the responsibility remains to stay prepared and keep playing the best shot possible.
Her journey later took her into entrepreneurship, digital transformation and global communications, including the founding of Little Yellow Beetle Studios and her work with WHO South-East Asia. It also shaped her philosophy of “Creating Kinder Content.”
The conversation then moved to one of the biggest concerns of the digital age — privacy. Discussing everything from biometrics and photographs to apps and online behaviour, Mallika highlighted how much information people willingly share without fully understanding its value.
One of her strongest observations was: “Privacy is part of the price we pay for free software.” She emphasised that digital awareness is essential and that individuals must take greater agency over what they allow technology to access.
The discussion also explored virality and algorithms. Mallika explained that when people find themselves reacting emotionally or engaging deeply with content, they should pause and question whether they are being drawn into a larger digital design architecture.
Her views on digital sovereignty brought the conversation into the Indian context. Mallika argued that India’s digital future requires stronger ownership of its digital ecosystems, with greater attention to data, infrastructure, cybersecurity and citizens’ digital rights. She stressed that digital governance must go beyond simply creating more apps and technology platforms.
The university setting made the discussion around AI in education particularly relevant. With students increasingly using AI for assignments, emails and coding, Mallika emphasised the need for universities to build stronger learning ecosystems that protect student research, innovation and data while keeping technology human centred.
The conversation also touched upon digital content and young audiences, with Mallika questioning who controls the platforms through which people consume information and stories. She emphasised the importance of India developing and owning ecosystems that allow it to communicate its own stories and knowledge.
The lighter segments brought out another side of Mallika. In the rapid-fire round, she chose “Gut” over algorithm, described Instagram as “weaponized”, and said she does not give apps enough importance to feel the need to delete one. In “Skill or Skip,” she identified emotional intelligence, digital media literacy, critical thinking and storytelling as important skills, ultimately giving storytelling a straight 10/10.
The conversation concluded with the Decoded Signature Segment, where Mallika reflected on Success, Algorithm and Virality. For her, success is about whether her presence or work has made a difference somewhere. Her journey, she shared, has also taught her to trust her instincts and find her own pace.
She signed off with a phrase that has remained central to her work — “Creating Kinder Content.”
Through “Decoded with Chandni Kapadia,” GLS University continues to create conversations that connect students with accomplished personalities and ideas shaping the world beyond the classroom. Mallika Bajaj’s interaction went beyond AI and technology to leave students with a larger thought — in a world increasingly shaped by algorithms, understanding how technology works may be the first step towards making more conscious choices.