On October 7, 2023, The Vinod Gupta School of Management, IIT Kharagpur, hosted its flagship event, "Vaachna: HR Conclave," centered around the theme of "HR's Futuristic Voyage: A Tech Odyssey in Progress." Importance of
The distinguished panel for the event featured prominent figures in the field, including Mr. Bhuvaneswar Naik - Chief Human Resources Officer, Lentra, Mr. Dipankar Mukherjee - Zonal Head - Learning & Talent Management, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd, Mr. Kshitij Bhatnagar - Director of People & Culture, Grant Thornton Bharat LLP, Ms. Nilanjana Chakraborty - Vice President of Learning Technology, JP Morgan Chase, and Mr. Rituraj Sar, - Vice President and Head of Learning & Development, Lupin Limited. The event was adeptly moderated by Dr. Debjani Roy - Founder & Chief Consultant, Wind Beneath The Wings Venture LLP, and Chief HR Advisor, Mind Your Fleet.
The keynote address by Prof. Kusam Sudhakar Reddy, an extraordinary leader and distinguished Dean of VGSoM set the tone for the event by highlighting the profound impact of cutting-edge technologies on the evolving landscape of work dynamics and the innovative transformations occurring in the realm of HR practices.
Dr. Debjani Roy initiated the discussion by emphasizing the pandemic's impact on the evolution of HR functions and highlighting the pivotal role that technology has assumed in driving this transformation. Expanding on the technological aspect of HR, Mr. Kshitij Bhatnagar discussed the integration of technology with HR practices, particularly in recruitment. He highlighted how technology enables tailored assessments that align with specific talent requirements, smoothly transitioning the conversation from human engagement to technology-enhanced talent acquisition. Continuing in the realm of technology, Mr. Dipankar Mukherjee emphasized the advantages of technology-enhanced learning. He stressed technology's role in minimizing discrepancies, standardizing assessment processes, and ultimately streamlining recruitment and onboarding procedures. His focus on user-friendliness and accessibility echoed the technological theme that ran throughout the discussion.
Ms. Nilanjana Chakraborty contributed by discussing the evolution of upskilling, with an emphasis on the shift from traditional computer-based training to modern digital learning, often employing innovative techniques such as gamification. She also shared her experience of condensing extensive training programs into efficient digital learning sessions, leading to increased productivity and improved information communication. Amid the diverse opinions on technology's integration with HR, Mr. Bhuvaneswar Naik introduced a crucial human element to the conversation. He stressed the importance of distinguishing between happy and engaged employees and highlighted how emotional connections and experiences are integral to talent management, regardless of technology's presence. Building on this human-centric perspective, Mr. Rituraj Sar brought the discussion to a close by emphasizing essential elements for success. These included resilience in handling rejection, expanding one's professional network for opportunities and insights, and fostering effective collaboration to harness collective skills and knowledge.
Vaachna'23 effectively showcased how technology and human elements harmoniously interact within HR practices. While technology is instrumental in optimizing processes and facilitating learning, the fundamental importance of emotional connections and human engagement cannot be overstated. The event not only provided a valuable platform for HR experts but also offered an enriching learning experience for students. The discussions and insights from the event significantly benefitted the students, providing them with firsthand knowledge of the evolving landscape of HR practices in the digital age. This exposure to the dynamic convergence of technology, emotional intelligence, and collaboration will undoubtedly equip them to thrive in the future of HR, where these skills and insights are pivotal.