Candidate Spotlight: When Skills Meet the Right Operational Ecosystem

“I applied for a machine operator role with only basic ITI skills. Meraqui assessed my real strengths and placed me in a role that matched my capabilities. The company had clear SOPs, training support, and proper on-boarding. Within 12 months, I moved from trainee to certified operator. Skills mattered—but the system around me made all the difference.” — Ritesh Kumar, Machine Operator Trainee (Meraqui Workforce)

This story reflects a growing truth across India’s evolving labour market—skills-first hiring works only when supported by strong operational readiness. Companies can assess skills accurately, but without structured workflows, training support, and productivity systems, those skills never translate into performance.

Why Skills-First Hiring Is Only Effective When Operations Are Ready

Over the last few years, skills-first hiring has transformed from a trend to a strategic necessity. In 2026, as automation deepens and workforce agility becomes essential, organizations are learning that hiring based on degrees or designations is no longer enough. Talent must be evaluated on real capabilities—digital literacy, machine handling, problem-solving, quality processes, and adaptive skills.

However, the shift to skills-first hiring often fails if operations are not prepared for this new workforce model. At Meraqui, we have seen organizations unlock major productivity gains only when hiring, training, and operational systems work in harmony.

2026 Trend Snapshot: What’s Driving Skills-First Hiring?

1. AI-Led Automation Across Industries

By 2026, nearly half of repetitive manual tasks have been automated or augmented by AI systems. This shift requires a workforce that can adapt quickly and operate tech-enabled workflows.

2. Micro-Skill Based Job Structures

Companies are breaking roles into micro-skills, enabling faster hiring and easier cross-training. This aligns perfectly with a skills-first approach.

3. Growth of Gig, Flexi, and Apprentice Workforce

India’s emerging industries—EV, e-commerce, logistics, renewable energy—require large numbers of skilled workers. Skills-first hiring helps tap diverse talent pools quickly.

4. Increasing Compliance Requirements

Operational workflows must be standardized, documented, and compliant—especially for contract labour, safety, and apprenticeships.

5. Talent Gaps in High-Growth Sectors

Workforce demand continues to outpace supply, making skills-first talent pipelines critical for continuity and scale.

Why Skills-First Hiring Fails Without Operational Readiness

Even when companies screen for skills correctly, success drops if operational systems are outdated. Skills-first hiring collapses in environments where:

1. Skill Frameworks Are Undefined

Operations must clearly define the skill levels required for each role. Without structured skill matrices, hiring remains subjective.

2. Training Systems Are Missing

Skills-first hiring demands:

• On-the-job training

• Micro-learning modules

• SOP-based guidance

• Real-time feedback

Without these, skill-matched candidates struggle to perform consistently.

3. HR and Operations Are Not Aligned

A major challenge emerges when:

• HR screens for one set of skills

• Operations require another

• Deployment happens without proper coordination

This misalignment leads to mismatches and early attrition.

4. Worker Experience Is Not Structured

Without clear workflows, proper supervision, and onboarding, even skilled workers feel unsupported. This directly impacts productivity and retention.

How Meraqui Makes Skills-First Hiring Actually Work

At Meraqui, we integrate hiring, training-, deployment, and compliance into one seamless, tech-enabled ecosystem.

1. Skill-Mapped Job Architecture

We define and map skills for each job role, aligned with operational KPIs.

2. Digital Skill Assessments

Our platform measures:

• Technical skills

• Behavioral attributes

• Role fit

• Safety readiness

This ensures high match accuracy.

3. Seamless Deployment & Performance Tracking

Meraqui’s workforce platform covers:

• Digital onboarding

• Shift allocation

• Attendance & productivity tracking

• Real-time dashboards

This bridges the HR–Operations gap and optimizes outcomes.

4. Continuous Learning & Upskilling

We provide on-site and digital training that enhances capability and reduces time-to-productivity for every worker.

5. Compliance + Payroll Automation

We ensure complete compliance and transparency through:

• Statutory management

• Contract governance

• NAPS/NATS integration

• Fully automated payroll

• Accurate documentation

The Future: Skills + Systems + Scale = Workforce Excellence

The organizations winning in 2026 are those that understand:

Hiring for skills is only half the solution. Building the right operational ecosystem completes it.

With aligned systems, companies achieve:

• 20–35% lower attrition

• 15–25% higher productivity

• Faster onboarding cycles

• Greater workforce stability

• Stronger compliance and governance

Skills-first hiring is not just a hiring strategy—it’s an operational transformation.

Conclusion

Skills-first hiring is powerful, but only when backed by structured operations, digital systems, and continuous upskilling. As India moves toward a more automated and agile workforce era, companies must align their hiring philosophy with operational realities.

Meraqui enables organizations to build compliant, efficient, and outcome-focused workforce models that scale sustainably.

Contact Us

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As we move through 2026, the conversation around Artificial Intelligence (AI) in India has matured. What was once dominated by speculation and anxiety has now evolved into practical adoption and measurable outcomes.

At Meraqui, we are witnessing this transformation firsthand. AI is no longer confined to innovation labs or global tech hubs—it is actively reshaping India’s labor market, from Bengaluru’s GCC ecosystem to the manufacturing corridors of Pune and the logistics hubs of tier-2 cities.

The widely predicted “job apocalypse” has not materialized. Instead, India is experiencing a structural workforce shift—one that prioritizes skills over titles, adaptability over tenure, and outcomes over headcount.

1. The Numbers That Matter: Demand vs. Supply

The defining reality of 2026 is not job loss—it is talent scarcity paired with opportunity.

• Growing Employability Rates According to the India Skills Report 2026, India’s overall employability has risen to 56.35%, reflecting progress in digital skills and job readiness, especially in roles influenced by technology and AI.

• AI Talent Share and Growth The same report notes that India accounts for around 16% of the world’s AI talent, with projections estimating this will continue growing toward 2027.

• AI Adoption Across Workforce Segments Over 40% of India’s IT and gig workforce now use AI tools for automation, analytics, and productivity — underlining the growing integration of AI in day-to-day work. now use AI tools for automation, analytics, and productivity — underlining the growing integration of AI in day-to-day work.

These trends make it clear: demand for AI-savvy talent has intensified — but supply is still catching up.

2. From “Degree-First” to “Skills-First” Hiring

The labor market in 2026 is redefining what it means to be job-ready.

At Meraqui, insights from karam.ai, our AI-enabled workforce platform, reflect what national reports also highlight: employers are increasingly prioritizing verifiable skills and digital fluency over traditional academic credentials.

Key Recruitment Shifts

• AI Fluency Commands Value Professionals who can effectively use AI tools — regardless of formal education — are reporting higher compensation and hiring preference. This aligns with industry signals about skills-first trends in the broader workforce.

• Rise of Tier-2 & Tier-3 Cities With digital hiring and AI-enabled assessments, talent sourcing has expanded to cities like Lucknow, Kochi, and Chandigarh — narrowing the urban-rural divide.

• Emergence of “Blue-Collar Tech” Roles Warehouse logistics, delivery partners, and manufacturing technicians are increasingly using AI-guided tools to enhance performance — blurring lines between conventional labor and tech-augmented roles.

In 2026, a skills-first workforce landscape is not just a buzzword — it’s a reality reshaping talent pipelines and hiring practices.

3. The Displacement Myth: Redefinition, Not Replacement

Is AI eliminating jobs? In some cases, yes—particularly in repetitive, rule-based functions such as basic data entry or transactional support.

However, the broader trend points to job redefinition rather than job destruction.

AI is changing what work looks like, not eliminating the need for work itself.

4. Meraqui’s Perspective: Human-Centric AI at Scale

At Meraqui, our philosophy is simple: AI can automate processes—but it cannot automate trust.

We deploy AI to handle the heavy operational lift—compliance tracking, workforce orchestration, payroll processing at massive scale, and intelligent candidate matching. This enables our human teams to focus on areas where technology falls short: judgment, empathy, problem-solving, and long-term career guidance.

The true impact of AI in 2026 lies in its role as a force multiplier. A skilled, AI-enabled worker today can deliver outcomes that once required a team of three—provided they have the right tools, training, and support.

Looking Ahead

The future of India’s workforce will not be defined by AI alone—but by how thoughtfully it is integrated with human capability.

In 2026 and beyond, the winners will be organizations that invest not just in technology, but in people who know how to work with it.

At Meraqui, we remain committed to building workforce solutions that are scalable, compliant, and—above all—human.

📞 Phone: +91 96252 09004
📩 Email: contact@meraqui.com
🌐 Website: www.meraqui.com

India’s economic landscape is quietly but powerfully shifting. For decades, the major metros like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai have been the engines of growth, magnets for talent, and hubs for industry and innovation. But the story is changing. The real growth story lies now in the Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities and towns across India. These smaller urban centers may not be as glamorous or crowded as the metros, but they have emerged as crucial talent pools that are supporting the next phase of India’s growth.

Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities are those with smaller populations and less developed infrastructure compared to metros, but they offer a deep reservoir of young, ambitious, and increasingly skilled workers. These cities, including places like Indore, Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, and even smaller towns, are now becoming the backbone of India’s manufacturing, IT services, logistics, and other sectors. They benefit from more affordable living costs, improving infrastructure, and better access to education and technology, allowing local talent to thrive without having to migrate long distances.

As India urbanizes and broadband connectivity expands, Tier 3 and 4 cities are flourished with new opportunities. Many companies are now deliberately sourcing, training, and hiring talent from these cities. This approach offers several competitive advantages, including reduction in attrition, significant cost savings, and access to highly loyal and motivated workforces that prefer to live close to home.

Why Tier 3 and 4 Cities Matter as Talent Sources

The biggest advantage of Tier 3-4 cities is the sheer size and availability of untapped talent, holding 51% of India's MSMEs and a young, growing workforce. Education institutions, polytechnics, and vocational training centers have rapidly increased in numbers. Many young people are learning skills relevant to current industry demands, ranging from digital literacy and software development to machine operation and quality control.

• Local governments and industry bodies have invested in improving infrastructure, such as roads, transport, and digital connectivity. This has made it easier to establish industrial corridors, IT parks, and logistics hubs. The growth of affordable housing and better urban amenities mean the workforce is more stable and less likely to churn.

• In addition, the cost of living in Tier 3 and 4 cities is significantly lower, enabling businesses to offer competitive but affordable wages. This affordability translates not only to cost savings for companies but also better quality of life for employees, increasing satisfaction and reducing turnover risks.

• Companies benefit from reduced absenteeism and higher workforce retention, as many workers prefer to stay close to their home region rather than move to expensive metros.

Key Sectors Driving Tier 3-4 Talent Demand

Tier 3 and 4 cities are attracting investments in core industries that align with India’s economic growth strategy. Manufacturing hubs flourish in smaller cities with access to raw materials and a trained workforce. These industries include automobile parts, consumer goods, textiles, and electronics assembly.

• Logistics and warehousing have also expanded as e-commerce booms across India. These sectors need large blue-collar workforces that can be sourced locally. Additionally, the expanding IT and digital services industry is decentralizing, establishing service and development centers in smaller cities to leverage lower costs and emerging tech talent.

• Sectors like defence manufacturing, semiconductor assembly, and renewable energy have created specialized pockets of employment with high potential for growth. The talent in these fields is steadily being developed through targeted government initiatives and partnerships with private providers, including tech-enabled workforce platforms.

Meraqui and karam.ai: The Bridge to Tier 3-4 Talent

Finding and managing talent in these cities, however, requires a new set of skills and technology. This is where companies like Meraqui come in. We specialize in connecting businesses with these emerging talent pools efficiently and reliably. Our platform extends its reach across dozens of Tier 3 and 4 cities, sourcing verified candidates and managing their end-to-end workforce lifecycle.

Powered by karam.ai, an AI-driven workforce management tool, Meraqui enables companies to digitally handle recruitment, onboarding, attendance, payroll, and compliance from a single platform. This integration reduces errors, improves compliance, and enhances worker trust.

Our technology-driven approach enhances operational efficiencies and retention rates, ensuring a more stable and productive workforce. This is especially critical for roles that traditionally experience high churn, such as blue-collar manufacturing and logistics support staff.

Practical Benefits for Employers

Employers who engage Tier 3 and 4 talent experience tangible benefits:

• Lower attrition and absenteeism: Local hires tend to stay longer due to family ties and lower relocation costs. The ability to monitor attendance in real-time through apps helps reduce absenteeism.

• Cost-effective hiring: Beyond salary, associated costs like housing, transport, and supervision are lower, reducing overall operating costs.

• Improved workforce reliability: Digitized workflows from recruitment to payroll create transparency, trust, and timely payments, improving morale and productivity.

• Community impact and goodwill: Hiring locally helps companies build community relationships and contributes to regional economic development, bolstering brand reputation.

Potential Challenges and the Next Thing Ahead

While the growth of Tier 3 and 4 talent pools is promising, challenges remain. Skill gaps persist in specialized roles, and infrastructure deficiencies can hamper scaling. Language and cultural differences require tailored communication strategies. However, initiatives by governments paired with innovative private-sector platforms like Meraqui are actively addressing these hurdles.

Training programs focused on relevant hard skills, logistics support such as transport and housing, and financial wellness through early wage access are crucial enablers. With steady improvements, Tier 3 and 4 cities are poised to become the cornerstone of India’s inclusive growth.

Meraqui, powered by karam.ai, helps enterprises seamlessly source, manage, and retain talent across emerging India through a unified, tech-enabled workforce platform.

Partner with Meraqui to build your workforce where India’s growth truly begins.

🌐 www.meraqui.com | 📩 contact@meraqui.com

Meraqui has taken another significant step in its growth journey with the inauguration of its new office in Noida. This milestone marks not just the launch of a physical workspace but also reinforces the company’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and delivering future-ready workforce solutions.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of Mr. Lalit Singh, Co-founder & CEO of Meraqui, along with senior leadership members Mr. Amit Duggal (CXO), Mr. Sandeep Shevale (CXO), and Mr. Ajay Jha, Business Head of the Noida office. Their presence and vision set the tone for what the new office represents: a hub of growth, opportunity, and excellence.

The event began with an auspicious pooja, symbolizing prosperity and positive beginnings. This was followed by engaging discussions, team interactions, and a spirit of celebration that reflected both pride in the journey so far and excitement for the road ahead.

A Strategically Designed Workplace

The new Noida office is more than just a new address. Thoughtfully designed and strategically located, it will serve as a vital link between Meraqui, its clients, and its expanding talent network. The office stands as a testament to the organization’s vision of delivering faster, smarter, and scalable workforce solutions that align with the ever-evolving demands of the business landscape.

Driving Growth and Collaboration

The inauguration highlights Meraqui’s determination to strengthen client relationships, empower teams, and enhance service delivery. With this expansion, Meraqui aims to accelerate its efforts in shaping the workforce of tomorrow—where agility, technology, and human potential come together to create sustainable business success.

Looking Ahead

The launch of the Noida office is not just about physical growth but about embracing new beginnings and setting the stage for powerful collaborations. As Meraqui continues to innovate and lead in the HR tech and workforce solutions space, this milestone signals a future of shared success with clients, partners, and employees alike.

Here’s to growth, innovation, and shaping the future of work — together with Team Meraqui.

📧 contact@meraqui.com | 🌐 www.meraqui.com 📱 Follow us: LinkedIn – Meraqui

In this exclusive feature, Mr. Singh highlights how #Meraqui is transforming the HR tech landscape with a comprehensive workforce management platform that:

• Streamlines the employee lifecycle – from job requisition to exit management

• Simplifies training & assessments with integrated solutions

• Ensures compliance & boosts productivity through automation and analytics

As India’s HR tech market continues to evolve, Meraqui remais committed to solving workforce challenges, enabling businesses with agility, and empowering employees with smarter systems.

This recognition is not just a milestone for us, but also a reflection of the trust our clients and partners place in Meraqui. We look forward to driving more innovation and impact in the HR technology space.

Read the full story here: CIOTechOutlook Feature

Let’s build your workforce of tomorrow.

📧 contact@meraqui.com | 🌐 www.meraqui.com 📱 Follow us: LinkedIn – Meraqui

Every morning at 6 a.m., 22-year-old Rakesh logs into his delivery app, zipping through the streets of Delhi on his scooter—his office is the road, his boss is an algorithm, and his paycheck depends on hustle. He’s part of a silent revolution sweeping across India: the gig economy. Powered by smartphones, digital payments, and the sheer ambition of youth, millions like Rakesh are redefining what work looks like in the 21st century.

India’s workforce is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by its young population—especially Gen Z and Millennials—who are reshaping the way work is defined, delivered, and distributed.

Meraqui doesn’t just observe workforce trends — we decode them into actionable insights that empower organizations to stay ahead of the curve. Among the most game-changing shifts today is the meteoric rise of the gig economy, driven by the energy, ambition, and digital fluency of Gen Z and Millennials.

What Is the Gig Economy?

The gig economy isn’t just a trend—it’s a new way of life for millions of young Indians. Whether it’s a delivery rider navigating busy city lanes, a freelance designer working from a café, or a technician fixing appliances on-demand, gig work is reshaping how work is found, done, and valued.

Across sectors like logistics, retail, digital services, and field operations, platform-based jobs are unlocking flexibility and opportunity like never before. In 2020–21, over 7.7 million Indians were part of this workforce, and by 2030, that number is expected to triple to 23.5 million (NITI Aayog).

This shift is powered by a young, tech-savvy generation—especially Gen Z—who value freedom, digital convenience, and meaningful work over traditional 9-to-5 setups. With smartphones in hand and UPI just a tap away, gig work is no longer just a backup plan. For many, it’s the first choice—and a bold one at that.

Gen Z vs Millennials

Gen Z vs Millennials: Who's Leading the Gig Charge?

Millennials (born 1981–1996) were the original catalysts of the gig economy. As digital platforms began to rise in the 2010s, they jumped at opportunities offering flexibility, side income, and autonomy. They brought maturity, tech adaptability, and a willingness to hustle — making gig work mainstream.

Gen Z (born after 1997), however, are digital natives who grew up in an app-driven world. Their entry into the workforce has accelerated the gig trend with new energy. Unlike Millennials who often used gig work as a side hustle, Gen Z is choosing it as a primary career path — prioritizing purpose, flexibility, and freedom over stability.

🔹 Millennials: Gig work as income booster

🔹 Gen Z: Gig work as lifestyle choice

Millennials, who first embraced the shift, and Gen Z, who are now taking it to new heights.

• Penetration in India’s gig space: Millennials and Gen Z (ages 19–25) account for 48% of gig workers nationally, underscoring the youth-led nature of this surge.

• Global preference: According to Deloitte, 94% of Indian youth say ‘yes’ to gig work—far ahead of their global peers. For them, it’s not just a side hustle. It’s the main stage.

• Role differentiation: Millennials often treat gig jobs as income supplements, while Gen Z increasingly opts for them as full-time professions—especially in last-mile delivery, brand campaigns, data tasks, and content creation.

At Meraqui, we see a clear rise in full-time gig engagement from youth aged 18–25, particularly in last-mile delivery, data labeling, content creation, and field activation roles.

Youth Effectiveness: Skill, Speed, and Scale

Today’s youth — especially those from Tier 2 and 3 cities — are more skilled, adaptable, and digitally connected than ever before. They are quick learners, thrive on short-term project-based work, and are comfortable with tech-first platforms like Meraqui’s job-matching engine.

• Freelance population: India boasted 15 million freelancers in 2020, with 70% of them working exclusively as freelancers.

• Projected growth: NITI Aayog forecasts India’s gig workforce to rise from ~7.7 million in 2020–21 to 23.5 million by 2029–30.

• Platform adoption: Taskmo’s index shows a 50% increase in active gig workers over five months, with 60,000 registered as of May, primarily from Tier 2/3 cities.

Youth bring to the table:

• Rapid onboarding and execution

• Seasonal scalability

• Cost-efficiency without compromising quality

They are indispensable to India’s hyperlocal delivery, field sales, remote ops, and smart logistics networks.

Gender Ratio: The Male-Female Divide

While the gig economy has opened new avenues for flexible work, a noticeable gender gap still exists. Men continue to dominate many gig roles, particularly those involving physical or field-based tasks. Yet, change is quietly unfolding. More women are stepping into digital, remote, and service-oriented gigs—roles that offer flexibility, autonomy, and balance.

This shift, while gradual, is undeniably promising. As platforms become more inclusive and technology more accessible, gig work is emerging as a viable, even empowering, career path for thousands of women across India.

• Male dominance: Women account for only 28% of India’s gig workforce.

• Growth explosion: Platforms like Gigin report a 100-fold increase in female participation, with 75% of this growth in metros, boosting average female gig income by 30%.

• Retention rate: 60% of female gig workers return within three months, indicating strong satisfaction, sustained engagement, and trust in the platform.

Despite this, female participation has nearly doubled—platforms like GigIndia saw women rise from 12% to nearly 47% in six months .

👨 Male: ~68% of youth gig workers

👩 Female: ~32%, with 3X growth in the past 2 years

Barriers like mobility, safety, and digital access still exist — but the gig economy is offering more entry points for women than traditional full-time employment.

Economy & Infrastructure: Youth are Building the New India

India’s youth are not just participants in the workforce—they are active builders of its economic and digital infrastructure. From powering last-mile logistics and field operations to enabling digital services and platform-based models, young workers are driving innovation on the ground. Their adaptability, tech-savviness, and hunger for opportunity are shaping a more connected, efficient, and future-ready India. This generation is laying the foundation for a new economy—agile, inclusive, and driven by purpose.

💼 Economy & Infrastructure: Youth at the Helm

India’s gig economy is undergoing explosive growth—projected to reach $455 billion by 2024, contributing nearly 1.25% of the GDP. This surge isn’t just economic; it’s deeply demographic. With the gig workforce expected to reach 23.5 million by 2029–30 (NITI Aayog), India’s youth—especially Gen Z—are emerging as the architects of this transformation.

From hyperlocal services and logistics to digital operations like content creation, customer support, and data labeling, young Indians are actively shaping the country’s gig infrastructure. What makes this scale possible is India’s unique digital ecosystem—built to meet the youth’s demand for flexible, fast, and accessible earning models.

India’s gig economy growth is deeply supported by digital-first tools that empower youth to access work, receive payments, and manage tasks seamlessly from anywhere. Unlike many countries, India offers an inclusive, mobile-only model that is fully aligned with how the next generation works.

Key enablers include:

• ✅ UPI Payments: Instant, zero-cost digital transactions that fuel trust and provide real-time payouts.

• ✅ Vernacular Apps: Local-language platforms bridge access for Tier 2/3 and rural youth.

• ✅ WhatsApp-Based Workflows: Recruitment, coordination, and reporting—all managed via one app.

• ✅ Mobile-Only Job Access: No laptop needed—just a smartphone is enough to apply, accept, and execute gigs.

• ✅ Digital KYC & e-Onboarding: Enables new workers to start earning within 24–48 hours, fully paperless.

This is not just a digital revolution—it’s a youth-powered employment engine that’s uniquely Indian in design, scale, and impact.

Final Thoughts: Gen Z is Not Waiting

Millennials adapted to the gig economy. Gen Z is owning it.

They’re not waiting for opportunities—they’re forging their own paths. They’re not knocking on doors—they’re creating new entrances. The future isn’t coming. It’s already out for delivery—and Gen Z is the one handing over the parcel.

At Meraqui, we see this every day — from onboarding 19-year-old gig workers in rural Gujarat to managing a project team of 23-year-old micro-influencers from Pune. Youth are not only participating in the economy — they are actively redefining it.

The future of work isn’t coming—it’s here. And it’s being delivered by India’s youth—fast, flexible, and fearless.

About Meraqui:

Meraqui is India’s leading Work-as-a-Service (WaaS) and HRTech platform, connecting businesses with skilled gig, frontline, and blue-collar talent—on demand, at speed, and at scale.

We bridge the gap between workforce demand and youth employability by combining smart technology, deep domain expertise, and localized execution.

Why Meraqui?

🔹 Tech-Driven Hiring: Fast, seamless onboarding and compliance through our proprietary platform

🔹 Pan-India Presence: From metros to rural clusters—we deliver wherever you need talent

🔹 Youth-Focused Approach: Work models built around the aspirations of Gen Z and Millennials

🔹 Speed and Scale: 200K+ workers deployed for 100+ clients within 48 hours

🔹 Compliance-First: 100% statutory and operational transparency

Our Mission:

From Skills to Scale We empower India’s youth with real opportunities, immediate income, and future-ready skills—transforming job seekers into job shapers.

👉 Let’s build your workforce of tomorrow.

📧 contact@meraqui.com | 🌐 www.meraqui.com 📱 Follow us: LinkedIn – Meraqui