KIIT School of Management (KSOM) hosted its 17th National HR Conclave on the theme, “The Equalizing Effect of Generative AI: Bridging the Skills Gap.” The conclave explored AI’s growing role in democratizing access to skills, knowledge, and opportunity. It also examined its far-reaching implications for Human Resource Management.

Special Convocation

A Special Convocation preceded the HR Conclave. During the ceremony, KIIT DU proudly conferred the Doctor of Letter (Honoris Causa) to Sri Sanjeev Agarwal, CEO & Managing Director – Middle East & India, Protiviti.

The degree was conferred in recognition of his remarkable contributions and distinguished professional journey. Prof. Saranjit Singh, Vice Chancellor, KIIT DU, conferred the degree on Sri Sanjeev Agarwal.

Furthermore, Prof. Saranjit Singh spoke about the impact of AI on education. He also highlighted how KIIT is quickly adapting to this changing landscape.

Keynote Address on Humans and AI

In his keynote address, Sri Sanjeev Agarwal emphasized that it is about Humans and AI and not Humans vs AI.

He said that organizations are becoming increasingly technology-driven. Therefore, HR is now at another turning point.

The advent of Generative AI is not merely transforming technology. Instead, it is fundamentally changing how organizations perceive people, skills, work, and resources.

His view was that the human element would remain central despite technological advancement.

KIIT DU and Protiviti Sign MoU

The session also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between KIIT DU and Protiviti. This marked a significant step in strengthening industry-academia collaboration.

Panel Discussions on Skill Equalization

The conclave’s two parallel panel discussions delved deeper into the theme, “AI for All or AI for Few? The Reality of Skill Equalization.”

The expert panellists of the first panel discussion were:

• Mr. Prabhanjan Prasoon, Senior Director – Talent Acquisition, Birlasoft
• Ms. Vaishnavi Shukla, Vice President HR, Tata Communications
• Dr. Krishna Kishore K, Head, L&D, Lucas TVS Group & Head HR, TVS Green

The panellists of the second panel discussion were:

• Ms. Kiran Singh, Head HR, Mother Dairy Fruit and Vegetable Pvt. Ltd.
• Mr. Prashant Rai, Chief People Officer, Spandana Sphoorty Pvt. Ltd.
• Ms. Shruthi Mallya, Global People Business Partnering Director, Falkor
• Sri Venkatesh P., CEO, Perpetuity Solutions Ltd.
• Mr. Karan Bakshi, Director, India and Pacific Region, Cummins Inc.
• Mr. Swadesh Behera, EVP and Chief People Officer, Titan Company Ltd.

Across both sessions, panelists debated whether AI is genuinely closing opportunity gaps or creating new ones. In particular, the conversations centred on digital accessibility, algorithmic bias, and the need to build inclusive learning ecosystems.

Interactive Workshops for Future-Ready HR Leaders

The second half featured interactive workshops with senior HR professionals. These sessions reinforced KSOM’s commitment to industry-academia collaboration.

Furthermore, the workshops focused on preparing future-ready HR leaders for an AI-driven workplace. The workshops were on topics such as:

• AI in HR: From Hiring to High Performance
• Impact of Gen Z and Digital Natives on Hybrid
• AI for reducing workload and stress
• Employee Voice in AI Implementation

Connecting Theory with Industry Practice

The HR Conclave successfully connected theory with industry practice. It provided a dynamic platform for students, faculty, and professionals to connect.

Additionally, the discussions and interactive sessions offered opportunities to explore the evolving role of AI in Human Resource Management. The conclave also reflected KSOM’s focus on strengthening industry-academia collaboration and preparing students for an AI-driven workplace.