Bhubaneswar 13.9.2026 [ADN] : IMI Bhubaneswar successfully hosted its annual HR Conclave 2026 – NIRMITI, bringing together eminent HR leaders from across the country. The conclave served as the dynamic platform for insightful discussions on Artificial Intelligence, emerging technologies, evolving job roles, and the skills required to be a future-ready professional.
The event began with the traditional lamp lighting ceremony, followed by an inaugural address by Prof. Amit Sareen, Director of IMI Bhubaneswar. In his address, he emphasised aligning the academic curriculum with evolving industry needs, preparing students for the changing workforce, and adapting to AI-driven transformation while keeping ethics and human values as essential guardrails. Following the Director’s address, Prof. (Dr.) Supriti Mishra, Dean Academics at IMI Bhubaneswar, further highlighted changing industry expectations, emphasizing the need to develop problem-solving, AI, design-thinking, and human-centric skills while keeping students aligned with evolving industry requirements and future careers.
The session featured Mr. Asutosh Rath, Executive Director (Human Resources) at NALCO, as the keynote speaker. He spoke about the common misconception of “job disruptions due to AI”, drawing parallels with the emergence of computers decades ago and highlighting how technological advancements have historically transformed, simplified and created new forms of work.
The first panel discussion, titled “Track-based Curricular Revamp – Implications and Opportunities,” included Mr. Ashish Banka, Vice President – Human Resources at Algoworks, Ms. Samriti Malhotra, Chief Human Resources Officer at UDS Group, Mr. Durga Prasad Nayak, Chief Human Resources Officer at Aster DM Healthcare, Mr. Rabi Agrawal, Head of Talent Acquisition at Cashfree Payments, Ms. Amritapa Banerjee, India Head – Human Resources at EFS Facilities, and Mr. Roy Joseph, Vice President – Human Resources at MRF.
The panels explored the skills and mindsets needed to prepare management graduates for the evolving job market. Discussions highlighted the importance of industry-relevant curriculum, AI and analytics, emotional intelligence, experiential learning and critical thinking, alongside the ability to adapt and learn continuously. They emphasized choosing competence and career growth over compensation, developing an entrepreneurial and problem-solving mindset, while embracing failures as opportunities for learning. The panels also provided significance to agility, resilience, trustworthiness, ownership, and human values as essential qualities for future ready professionals.
The second panel commenced with a warm welcome and address to the gathering by the student hosts by setting an engaging tone. They introduced the profiles of distinguished industry leaders—Mr. Rahul Sharma, Associate Director – People and Culture at GT Bharat, Mr. Amit Singh, Vice President People and Culture at Group Bayport, Mr. Prakash Panda, Head HR at McNroe Consumer Products Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Swapnil Shendage, Senior Talent Acquisition Manager at Trinamix, Mr. Surya Mukherjee, Senior Vice President Human Resources at InCred Finance, and Ms. Romsha Sharma, Head of HRBP, at Last Mile, Hyperlocal and Dark Stores, Shadowfax – highlighting their extensive expertise before unveiling the central theme: “Job Disruption Due to AI: Collaboration or Competition?”
The panel discussion focused on how rapid technological advancements are transforming hiring models, task automation, and workplace dynamics across industries. The panelists emphasized that while AI directly competes with routine execution and administrative sub-tasks, it serves as an indispensable collaborator when paired with human intellect. The session also highlighted that AI cannot replicate moral reasoning, emotional intelligence, or complex strategic judgment, proving that thriving in today’s market requires blending deep domain knowledge with practical AI exposure.
The third panel discussion, titled “Digital Transformation in Learning & Development – Emerging Trends and Future Directions” included Mr. Varinder Singh, AVP & Head – HR at Juniper Green Energy; Ms. Kamaljeet Kour, Senior Manager – Talent Engagement at Infosys; Mr. Moiz S Bardawala, Fulfilment IQ; Mr. Kabir Singh, Senior General Manager at AIPL; Mr Ankit Sharma, L&D Head at SMC; and Ms Rishika Verma, Senior Manager, Talent Academy at Niva Bupa
Panelists explored whether digital investments genuinely translate into success, emphasizing that digital transformation focuses on building future-ready skills rather than maintaining routine training calendars. Speakers highlighted AI’s dual role as an automation driver and thought partner, stressing that employees must be trained to ask the right questions and cross-check AI outputs rather than relying on them blindly.
Conversations centered on modern learning ecosystems, shifting toward click-of-a-button accessibility, moving past single-device dependency, and utilizing internal platforms like LEX for curated journeys. Panelists noted that training must act as an enabler with quantifiable outcomes aligned with employee key performance indicators, rather than a mere checkmark.
Addressing future professionals, speakers underscored the importance of high emotional intelligence—encompassing self-awareness, social skills, and empathy—alongside the capability to learn, unlearn, and relearn. They concluded that maintaining a strong foundation of collaboration and practical application is vital for navigating the changing workplace.
HR Conclave 2026 wrapped up by bridging academia and industry, uniting leaders to tackle job market disruptions, artificial intelligence integration, and modern curriculum design. By addressing these critical tracks, the event successfully inspired future managers to adapt to changing organizational realities and lead the future of work.
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