Second HR Conclave At Indian Institute of Management, Jammu: Highlights Of Day One

Panel one of the morning session of the first day of the 2nd HR Conclave at IIM Jammu focussed on how technological changes have made workplaces more robust and innovative.

To discuss future transformations in workplace, the discussion was held under the moderation of Mr. Puneet Kumar Bhatia (Client Partner and Head of Digital Practice Pederson and Partners). The panellists for discussion were Ms. Simin Askari (VP- CHR, DS Ltd.), Mr. Pranav Prasoon (Head- Talent and Training, Renault Nissan, India) and Dr. Santosh Phulpagar (Head TA CG Power & Industrial Solution Ltd.). The discussion laid importance on data in various industries and its impact on the businesses.

Various panellists emphasised the requirement of right attitude and flexibility to learn and unlearn, innovations and disruption of technology for making an impact in business. The topic of discussion for panel two was “Job lost equal to job gained” under the subtheme “Future of work: Redefining the workplace”. Mr. Pradeep Gopi moderated the discussion and other panel members were Mr. Vikas Khoka, Mr. Prasheel Pardhe and Ms. Anuparna Swarup. Learning, unlearning, re-learning, and psychological aspects were given emphasis as future skills for industry.

The afternoon session of the first day of the 2nd HR Conclave, IIM Jammu began with an enriching discussion on the topic “Re-skilling Revolution – Road Map to Future is the theme.” The session was moderated by Poonam Chandok HR- Transporting, Infrastructure IC, Larsen & Turbo. She stated reskilling workforce is important for the survival in the VUCA world. She quoted with reference to World’s Economic Forum that 75 million jobs will become obsolete while 132 million fresh jobs will be added to the market by 2032. Around 50% of the Indian workforce needs to be re-skilled by 2022. She stated that, according to Mothilal Oswal, 10 million jobs per year to need to be created to balance employment.

Further, Mr. Yogesh patil CEO, Sky-Met Weather Services Pvt. LLT gave insights about the need for technological adoption in agricultural practices. He shared his experience in setting up his company and how reskilling employees helped them in the survival of the company. Mr. Aarun Raghav, AVP HR, SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC-LUMINOUS, shared his view that re-skilling of employees should be done at all the levels and employees should have a learning attitude always. He also asserted the need to take ownership and responsibility.

Mr. Vinod Kaul, GM South-Asia Gilta Satellite Networks, opined that reskilling provided the employees with job security and employers with skilled employees. Mr. Saud Zafar, Global Head HR, Fulcrum Digital shared his personal experience of his education and social media distraction, how to use best of technology for individual betterment and value of time. He concluded his speech by mentioning some of key skills required for individuals like: creativity, emotional intelligence, active learning and Interpersonal skills.

This was followed by a panel discussion on, “Transition to the new world of work: Stabilizing the skill equation”. The discussion was held under the moderation of MR Baburaj Nair (Founder and Chief Mentor, P2B Consulting). The panellists for discussion were Mr. Deepak Gupta (HEAD - HUMAN RESOURCES AND CHRO, KARVY GROUP), Mr. Rohan Lele (AVP-HR, ZYDUX), Mr. Krishna Setlur, (FOUNDER & MANAGING CONSULTANT, ORBITAL SHIFT GLOBAL)

Mr. Baburaj Nair started this discussion by asking the view of other panellists on what is new and what is sustainability in the current environment. Mr. Deepak Gupta asserted that nothing is sustaining in the current scenario but our determination to obtain new skills should remain to survive in this VUCA world.

Mr. Krishna Setlur brought the focus of the panel towards surviving and sustaining oneself in the new world. He emphasised on the need of the workforce to create entrepreneurial spirit at heart and to being our own brand as a professional by gaining new skills and achieving knowledge from anywhere possible.

Mr. Deepak Gupta opined that things change on daily basis and therefore to sustain in the face of this capriciousness, one needs to upgrade the workforce for the new skills and need to stay hungry and even stay foolish. Mr. Rohan Lele added that in this new world due to artificial intelligence many of the jobs will get obsolete but at the same time, a same number of jobs will get created and hence everybody has to prepare himself/herself for these changes. In these times, the main work of HR was to create coordination between artificial intelligence and human intelligence.

The 5th Panel discussed on “Inclusiveness And Diversity: Redefining The Paradigm.” The theme was moderated by Dr. Ujjal Bhattacharjee, HR Director & VP operation, GKN PLC and panellists were, Ms. Rosmin Paul and Ms. Monika Navandar. Dr. Ujjal Battacharya started with the practical approach of diversity as one of the key agenda and every company as their own code of conduct and how they support diversity. Diversity is important as whatever we do is connected to the business, with respect to more diversity we get more efficiency, profit and more innovation. Ms. Monika Navandar shared her insights starting with a quote, “Be authentic, be yourself”, she described diversity in simple terms as who we are, what we do, and how we do. Inclusion is ones’ choice and we must start taking initiatives even if it small. Ms. Rosmin Paul stated the approach to diversity and inclusiveness should be given advancement options.

The final session of the day was a talk by Mr. Navin Chaudhary, Principal Secretary, Commerce and Industry, J&K. Initially, Mr. Chaudhary discussed recent political changes in J&K and also reminded the students to be aware of the surrounding environment and political situations. He mentioned, “Forgetting your environment is deadly”. A brief discussion on topics of National and International Importance like US-China Trade war and 2008 economic recession took place.

Prof. B S Sahay, Founder Director, IIM Jammu proposed an idea of a one-week rural immersion program for students with the help of J&K Govt. He also ensured to support and motivate the J&K graduate students to prepare for CAT along with the cooperation of IIM Jammu students. Further, Mr Chaudhary and Prof. Sahay discussed the concerns of Jammu as a city. Mr Chaudhary stated that Jammu is a city of opportunities for students. He elaborated on the rising job and entrepreneurship opportunities in J&K. The session concluded with a Question & Answer round with the students.

Day 1 of the 2nd HR Conclave came to a close with a cultural evening replete with music, dramatics and dance. Acclaimed Dogri singer Romalo Ram and team displayed the rich heritage of Jammu through their folk-song and the traditional dance Geetru. This was followed by a comic musical-drama, singing and guitar-violin performance by students which left everyone in splits.

The cultural event was attended by HR Managers, delegates, faculty members and students. The enthusiasm and energy of students inspired the corporate leaders to ascend the stage and showcase their talents. The event created a wonderful camaraderie between the HR Managers, delegates, faculty and the students!