STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu wrapped up the 7th edition of its HR Conclave with an impactful second day that built on the success of its first. The event, renowned for its engaging content and thought leadership, featured a series of compelling sessions and discussions on pivotal themes such as inclusive leadership, innovative healthcare delivery, and career strategies for emerging professionals.
The second day of HR Conclave 7.0 began with a keynote address from Aparna Vattikuti, Director of Human Resources at Parexel. Vattikuti’s speech underscored the critical role of workplace culture in job satisfaction. She referenced the Mercer report, which positions a positive work culture just behind job security and fair pay in importance. Vattikuti highlighted the need for creating a sense of purpose and belonging, stressing that while technology, including AI, will reshape the work environment, human involvement remains essential for maximizing these advancements.
Following Vattikuti, Priya Ranjan Kumar, Vice President & Head of Human Resources at JSW Steel Ltd., offered insights into inclusive leadership. Drawing from his extensive experience in hiring and career management, Kumar discussed the balance between salary, work culture, and brand value in job selection. He advocated for management internship programs as a means to improve hiring decisions and reduce attrition rates. Kumar also introduced his ABCDEF framework—Agility, Balance, Collaboration, Discipline, Effort, and Fitness—as essential qualities for navigating modern career landscapes.
The day’s first panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Gaana J from IIM Jammu, focused on “Shattering the Glass Ceiling: Strategies for Inclusive Leadership.” The panel featured notable experts such as Kiran Prasad Ivaturi (Group CHRO, Lodha Ventures), Chaya Mangesh (VP – Talent Acquisition Leader, Amazon), and others. The discussion emphasized that breaking the glass ceiling requires a long-term vision and a commitment to aligning company policies with genuine inclusivity, rather than superficial measures. The panelists also discussed how the glass ceiling extends beyond gender to include mindset and judgment issues.
Keynote Speaker Shobhit Srivastava, Associate Vice President – HR at Sony Pictures Network India, delivered an engaging address on “Navigating Career Growth in Dynamic Industries.” Srivastava drew parallels between career development and surfing, highlighting the need for adaptability in an ever-evolving industry landscape. He advocated for staying informed about market trends, continuous learning, and resilience in the face of setbacks.
The sixth panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Vivek Mishra from IIM Jammu, featured a diverse group of HR experts including Vipin Rajput (Senior Manager – HR, TATA 1mg), Himanshu Makkar (Talent Acquisition Specialist, Morepen Laboratories), and others. This discussion focused on strategies for career development and navigating dynamic industry changes. The panelists shared insights on the importance of upskilling, continuous learning, and staying agile in response to industry shifts.
The final session of the day, “From Intern to Insider: Securing a Full-Time Career,” provided valuable career advice for fresh graduates and young professionals. Moderated by Dr. Jaikamal from IIM Jammu, the panel included Anand Dhruv (Associate Director – HR, NTT Data), Aravind Warrier (Head HR, Volvo), and others. The discussion covered strategies for transitioning from internships to full-time roles, emphasizing the importance of making informed career choices and building a robust professional network.
The HR Conclave 7.0 concluded with a valedictory session and an evening of networking and refreshments. The event highlighted IIM Jammu’s commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry, offering a platform for meaningful dialogue and knowledge exchange.
Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director of IIM Jammu, commended the speakers and stressed the importance of practical implementation of learned concepts. Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean of Academics, underscored the value of consolidating insights gained from the conclave. Dr. Baljeet Singh, Co-Chairperson Placements, emphasized the importance of continuous upskilling and practical application of theoretical knowledge, urging students to prepare for the evolving e-commerce sector and focus on empathy in problem-solving. The event concluded with the rendition of the national anthem, marking a successful end to another influential HR Conclave.