From a Mumbai chawl to Autocoat Engineering, from Large Mass production industrial painting plants from Bajaj Auto, Tata Motors & Others to AI classrooms - this is the story of a man who never stopped learning.
At a glance: Umesh Prabhu is a 75-year-old mechanical engineer in Mumbai, founder of Autocoat Engineering (industrial painting plants for Bajaj Auto, Tata Motors and others) and founder-mentor of AI4Seniors. He learned AI at age 70 and now teaches retired professionals across India to use AI confidently - no coding, no fear.
Umesh Prabhu grew up in a chawl in Mumbai - those tight-knit, working-class housing communities that shaped the character of generations. Resources were few, but ambition was unlimited.
Through merit-based freeships and educational loans, he pursued engineering from VJTI at a time when it was a bold aspiration for a boy from a chawl. He earned his degree, not just with a certificate, but with a discipline and work ethic that would define the next five decades.
Umesh founded Autocoat Engineering, a company specialising in industrial painting projects. Over five decades, he worked on Large Mass production industrial painting plants from Bajaj Auto, Tata Motors & Others across India.
Earned his engineering qualification from VJTI. Entered the world of industrial engineering.
Started his own company in industrial painting and surface treatment. Built it from the ground up.
Worked on Large Mass production industrial painting plants from Bajaj Auto, Tata Motors & Others across India. Built a reputation for quality and reliability.
Started learning Artificial Intelligence seriously. Discovered how AI could transform every profession - including those held by senior professionals.
Launched AI4Seniors.in with a mission: help India's educated seniors use AI with confidence and dignity.
Three words that have guided every decision in Umesh's personal and professional life.
Treat everyone equally - junior, senior, client, or colleague. Fairness builds trust that lasts for decades.
Speak the truth, even when it is uncomfortable. Honest feedback is the greatest gift you can give someone.
Stay committed to your principles. Good values do not bend with the wind of convenience.
At 70, Umesh began experimenting with AI tools out of curiosity. What he discovered shocked and excited him: AI could multiply the effectiveness of an experienced professional ten times over.
But he also saw a gap. Every AI course was designed for young IT professionals. There was nothing for the retired manager, the former government officer, the professor who had given 35 years to her institution.
AI4Seniors was born from that gap. A simple belief: that 60 years of life experience, combined with AI, is more powerful than youth alone. That seniors deserve to learn at their own pace, with patience and dignity. And that age is never a barrier to learning.
"I am 75. I learn AI every morning. I make mistakes, I ask questions, and I improve. If a 75-year-old Mumbai engineer can do this - so can you."
- Umesh Pundalik Prabhu (PAN: AAWPP9466H), Founder, AI4Seniors
Umesh Prabhu is a 75-year-old engineer based in Mumbai, founder of Autocoat Engineering, and founder-mentor of AI4Seniors. He teaches retired professionals across India how to use AI confidently.
After learning AI himself at age 70, Umesh saw that no AI training existed for retired professionals in India. He started AI4Seniors so seniors can stay relevant, productive and confident in an AI-driven world.
Umesh is a mechanical engineer who built Autocoat Engineering, supplying large-scale industrial painting plants to Bajaj Auto, Tata Motors and other major manufacturers.
Umesh provides direct WhatsApp and email support to every AI4Seniors student. Register through the website or email aiforseniors15@gmail.com to get in touch.
Course materials are in English. Umesh is comfortable explaining concepts in English, Hindi and Marathi on WhatsApp.