Mangaluru: Sujah Mohammed, CEO of Marhaba Group, Mangaluru, delivered an inspiring inaugural address at the “HR Unplugged: From Classroom to Corporate Reality” seminar organised by the HRM Forum in association with Roshni Alumni association ® Mangaluru and Bengaluru at School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya (Autonomous), Mangaluru on 16th February 2026.
Drawing from his personal and professional journey, he shared the challenges he encountered and the determination that helped him overcome them. He emphasised that strong communication and interpersonal skills form the backbone of a successful career in Human Resources and urged students to continuously upgrade their knowledge to stay relevant in a dynamic corporate environment.
Highlighting the importance of professional ethics and integrity, Sujah encouraged students to cultivate leadership qualities and work effectively in teams. He stressed that practical exposure through internships and field experience is crucial in bridging the gap between theory and practice. Motivating the gathering, he advised aspiring HR professionals to remain confident, adaptable, and solution-oriented in workplace situations, and concluded by urging them to stay positive and committed to their long-term career goals.
In his address, Anand D’Silva encouraged students to make the best use of every session, reminding them that each interaction and experience is an opportunity to learn and grow. He emphasised that life experiences often teach lessons far beyond textbooks and that true success comes only through hard work and dedication, as there are no shortcuts to meaningful achievement. Urging students to focus on acquiring genuine knowledge rather than merely pursuing marks or certificates, he also called upon them to take pride in being part of Roshni Nilaya and to uphold its values and reputation in their professional journey. He advised them to be courageous and confident in facing future challenges, recognising that every individual’s journey is unique some may bloom early, while others may flourish later. He concluded by reminding students not to compare themselves with others, but to remain patient, consistent, and positive in their efforts, to believe in themselves, and to move forward fearlessly towards their goals.
Adv. Ganesh Poojary, Partner at KG Pai & Co. and Director at Coreimpact Corporate Services Ltd., began his session with an engaging activity-based exercise, distributing question papers that required students to categorise various labour laws under the appropriate Labour Codes. This approach encouraged critical thinking and active participation from the outset. He then provided an in-depth explanation of the four Labour Codes, with particular emphasis on the Code on Wages, elaborating on the interpretation and components of wages and their practical implications. He explained how wage structures significantly impact employees, employers, and overall organisational compliance, and underscored the crucial role of HR professionals in ensuring legal adherence, fairness, and transparency in workplace practices.
During the panel discussion on the theme “Who is HR?”, Adv. Ganesh Poojary; Shri Ranjit Christopher Picardo, Associate Director–HR and Global Shared Services Leader, Brady Company India Pvt. Ltd.; and Shri Dolfred Norbert D’Souza, Director – Human Resources and Site Leader, APAC, Flexera Software India LLP, collectively highlighted that HR is far more than an administrative function; it is a strategic partner within the organisation. They described HR as the vital bridge between management and employees, entrusted with ethical decision-making, legal compliance, and talent development. The panel also stressed the importance of HR in shaping organisational culture, nurturing values, and fostering a work environment rooted in trust and accountability.
Ranjit Christopher Picardo, Associate Director–HR and Global Shared Services Leader, Brady Company India Pvt. Ltd., in his session on “The Effective Interviewer,” focused on interviewing as a critical tool for effective talent acquisition. He discussed the importance of structured interviews and introduced a practical framework that included clear objectives, role clarity, and competency-based questioning. An interactive mock interview activity involving three students two as interviewers and one as a candidate made the session lively and insightful. He highlighted the high cost of ineffective hiring, including attrition, retraining expenses, and reduced productivity, and emphasised the need for discipline, consistency, and professionalism in the recruitment process.
Dr. Meena Monteiro, Dean P G Studies, Dr. Sebastin K V, Dean – Research, Prof Jinsa Joseph, Prof. Deepika Sanil, Dr. Anuradha Shetty and Prof. Ramya were present during the occasion. More than 100 HR students and HR Professionals participated in the event. Saifana sheik compered. Nagashree welcomed the gathering and Prof. Deepika Sanil proposed the vote of thanks.