The Importance and Future of Skilled Hands in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
- In developed countries, a much respected and widely used term exists for skilled people, it is “Handyman”, a master of many trades, or a craftsman with golden hands.
By Abdullah Usman Morai | Sweden
Human society progresses and daily life continues to function smoothly not only because of great scientists, engineers, and thinkers, but also because of a group of people who quietly work behind the scenes, using the magic of their hands to make life easier for everyone. In developed countries, a much respected and widely used term exists for such people, it is “Handyman”, a master of many trades, or a craftsman with golden hands.
At first glance, the word “handyman” may seem simple, but it carries deep meaning and importance. A handyman is someone who, through skillful hands, mental ability, simple tools, and experience, can perform tasks that ordinary people either cannot understand or consider beyond their capability.
Such a handyman or craftsman can handle everything from home repairs to electrical work, mobile phone, computer repairing, plumbing, machinery, vehicles, carpentry, metal work, modern electronics, and countless everyday technical problems. In other words, these hands become solutions to difficulties that others cannot solve. That is why the English expression “Golden Hands” is often used for such individuals. They truly possess golden hands, and their expertise makes them an essential part of society.
In developed countries, handymen are treated with great respect. People rely on them to repair homes, offices, and factories. They possess technical knowledge, practical experience, and a natural ability to solve problems. In many countries, being a handyman has become a complete profession, where individuals receive formal training, licenses, and economic security. This is because they silently play an extremely important role in keeping everyday life functioning.
The Golden Hands of Sindh
Whenever I hear the word “handyman,” two personalities immediately come to my mind: Jan Muhammad, also known as Aijaz Soomro from Moro, and the late Muhammad Qasim Soomro from Nawabshah. Both, in their own unique ways, were individuals blessed with exceptional mental ability and practical craftsmanship. They represent outstanding examples of this great skill at our local level.
Late Muhammad Qasim Soomro was one of those golden-handed craftsmen who had the ability to repair almost anything. Whether it was a machine failure, an electrical issue, a broken household item, or a technical problem that would leave ordinary people helpless, he always seemed to have a solution. With patience, observation, and craftsmanship, Qasim Soomro could restore almost anything. People like him learn less from books and more from life itself. They view problems differently. They do not merely see broken objects; they see hidden possibilities inside them. He did not simply repair things, he worked with the precision, care, and passion of an artist.
Similarly, Aijaz Soomro possesses the same nature and remarkable skill. He is someone who can perform many tasks with astonishing expertise that ordinary people either cannot understand or hesitate to attempt. He has what can be called a “developing mindset”, a mindset focused on continuous learning and improvement. Such individuals are always eager to learn, understand, and experiment with new things. Rather than fearing problems, they view them as challenges. The natural curiosity to open, understand, and repair things is not something everyone possesses. In my opinion, Sindh likely has many other golden-handed craftsmen like them who may only be known within their local communities and regions.
The Bitter Difference between Opportunity and Environment
Many handymen around the world are born with highly creative, intelligent, and innovative minds. Those who receive the right environment, proper education, and suitable opportunities often rise to remarkable levels of success. Unfortunately, not everyone is fortunate enough to receive such support.
Many brilliant, skilled, and creative individuals become victims of poor environments, financial hardship, and lack of resources, weak educational systems, or social neglect. Their abilities are never properly recognized. If given the right environment, proper education, and modern tools, many of them could become great inventors/innovators.
In our society, intelligent children are often encouraged only toward becoming doctors, engineers, or government officers, while practical craftsmanship and technical skills are undervalued. In contrast, developed societies place tremendous importance on technical expertise. There, a skilled plumber, electrician, machine technician, or handyman can earn respect, good income, and economic stability.
Although Muhammad Qasim Soomro managed to secure a government job during his life, Aijaz Soomro still works independently and supports his family through his own hard work. One cannot help but wonder: if these two craftsmen had been born in a developed country, where handyman culture is respected and professionally licensed, their lives, social status, and economic position might have been entirely different today. They would likely have had countless opportunities to further polish their skills. Perhaps they would have received advanced training, modern tools, government support, and opportunities to work internationally. They might even have become part of major industrial companies, technical firms, or engineering institutions. Developed societies have the ability to recognize talent and help it flourish.
The Age of Artificial Intelligence and the Importance of Practical Skills
Today, as the world enters the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation, many experts are giving young people important advice: learn and strengthen practical and physical skills.
AI can perform many intellectual and office-related tasks, but it still cannot completely replace human craftsmanship, technical experience, and practical problem-solving ability. Systems and software may be managed by AI, and machines may provide instructions or suggestions, but fixing a broken pipe, repairing a leaking tap, identifying electrical faults, connecting wiring, opening machinery, tightening bolts, or carrying out complex repairs still depend heavily on human skill. Such tasks continue to require human beings and their golden hands.
This is why a new future market is emerging based not only on degrees, but also on practical skills. Young people who learn technical trades, understand machines, develop repair skills, and gain handyman-like abilities will be able to secure their livelihoods and accelerate their success in the future. The world will always need people who can repair, build, and solve real-world problems.
In essence, the purpose of this discussion is simple: our society needs to change its mindset. Every skilled individual deserves respect. Every hand that can solve a problem, restore a broken object, or reduce someone’s difficulty is truly a golden hand.
Perhaps there are many more Qasim Soomros and Aijaz Soomros around us today. Such people are not merely craftsmen; they are symbols of inspiration. Yet we often ignore them, assuming they are ordinary individuals. They are the silent engineers of society, voiceless inventors, and the true heroes of everyday life.
The need of the hour is to appreciate such hidden gems in our society and encourage the younger generation to learn practical skills and craftsmanship because the future belongs to those whose hands are golden.
Read: The Fragrance of Currency Note Garlands
____________________________
Abdullah Soomro, penname Abdullah Usman Morai, hailing from Moro town of Sindh, province of Pakistan, is based in Stockholm Sweden. Currently he is working as Groundwater Engineer in Stockholm Sweden. He did BE (Agriculture) from Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam and MSc water systems technology from KTH Stockholm Sweden as well as MSc Management from Stockholm University. Beside this he also did masters in journalism and economics from Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Mirs, Sindh. He is author of a travelogue book named ‘Musafatoon’. His second book is in process. He writes articles from time to time. A frequent traveler, he also does podcast on YouTube with channel name: VASJE Podcast.
