KIIT School of Management, KIIT Deemed to be University organized its 10th National HR Conclave on 3rd August, 2019. The theme of this year’s conclave was – ‘Critical Competencies for the Future:  Is Change the only Constant?’ The conclave was inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) Achyuta Samanta, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha & Hon’ble Founder KIIT and KISS, Prof.Hrushikesha Mohanty, Vice Chancellor, KIIT, Dr. Sanjay Muthal, CEO, Kontempore Leadership Solutions and Services and Prof. Anil Bajpai, Director, KSOM along with distinguished Industry leaders from all across India.

Prof. Anil Bajpai welcomed all the esteemed guests to the 10th edition of HR Conclave. Dr. Sanjay Muthal set the context of the conclave. He spoke about the engagement quotient of employer and employee, increase in global competition and quality competitiveness of people.  Professor Hrusikesha Mohanty spoke about the importance of understanding change and adapting to it for organizations today.

Hon’ble Founder, Prof. (Dr.) Achyuta Samanta stated that KIIT & KISS can be considered as shining examples of organisations which have achieved excellence in managing human resources. This years’ conclave witnessed two Panel Discussions followed by Synergistics – innovating group coaching sessions.

The first panel discussion was on the topic – “Critical Competencies for the Future: Is Change the only Constant?” The panel comprised of Mr. Anil Bhasin, President – Havells India Ltd.; Ms. Lopamudra Banerjee, Head – Human Resource, Carrier Midea India Private Limited & Deputy Director SE Asia – Midea; Mr. Nadeem Kazim, CHRO – TIL “Tractors India limited” and Mr. Shailen Merchant, Vice President & Head HR – Cholamandalam MS General Insurance Co. Ltd and Mr. Anirudddha Khekale, Group Director, HR, Emerson Automation Solutions. Prof. Anil Bajpai moderated the discussion. The panel felt that in today’s competitive scenario agility, adaptability and empathy are critical for future managers. Gaining cross functional exposure is essential. People connect will become a critical competency in the future.

The second panel discussion was on the theme – “Gearing Organizations for Change: Issues, Challenges and the Path Ahead.” The panellists were Ms. Reetu Raina, Head of HR – Network Software and Group Head for Talent and Culture at Sterlite Tech; Mr. Chander Thapar, CHRO – Hiranandani Group of Companies; Mr. Ganesh Subramanian, Vice President, Human Resources – Ola & Mr. Amit Das, Director – HR & CHRO – Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd. (Times of India Group) had a wonderful debate. Dr. Sanjay Muthal was the moderator and helped in guiding the discussion. The panel concurred that the challenges before organizations today are the rapid pace of change and the increasing demand from stakeholders. In this scenario, speed of response and building adaptability is the key to dealing with change. The path ahead for organizations is to develop employees by getting them to acquire new skills to compete, excel and grow.

The conclave was one of three national level conventions which are annually organized by KIIT School of Management in the areas of HR, Marketing and Finance Management to bring industry closer to the academia. This year’s HR conclave provided students with an opportunity to interact with business leaders for holistic learning. The conclave was received enthusiastically by industry professionals, academia and students.