Mangalore: The Manel Srinivas Nayak Institute of Management (MSNIM) hosted its annual Human Resource (HR) Conclave on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the institute campus in Bondel, in the city. The theme of the conclave was "Future-Ready Workplaces: Redefining HR for the Next Decade." Organised as part of the institute’s ongoing industry-institute interaction initiatives, the conclave aimed to build employability skills among MBA students and help them align themselves with the evolving expectations of the corporate world. The event witnessed participation from HR professionals, corporate leaders, faculty members, and students.
The event commenced at 10:00 AM with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries. On this occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between MSNIM and the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) to promote mutual collaboration and industry engagement.
Anand G. Pai, President of KCCI and Executive Director of Bharath Group, was the chief guest at the inaugural session. Manel Annappa Nayak, President of the Women’s National Education Society (WNES), presided over the programme. The institute director, Dr. Molly S. Chaudhuri, and Ajith Kamath, Correspondent of MSNIM, were also present on the dais.
In his address, Chief Guest Anand G. Pai emphasised the need for students to develop skills that bridge the gap between education and employment. He urged students to become valuable assets to their organisations by cultivating a sense of purpose and professional ethics. “Learn to love your work, don’t work merely for a salary. Be an asset to your organisation and grow with it. There is no shortcut to success,” he advised. He also drew attention to the values of Satya (truth), Dharma (righteousness), and Nishta (dedication), which are foundational to achieving excellence.
In his presidential address, Manel Annappa Nayak highlighted the evolving significance of human resources in today’s dynamic and competitive business environment. He noted that HR has transitioned from being a purely administrative function to becoming a strategic partner in driving organisational growth. Encouraging the students, he said, “Perseverance, discipline, and a willingness to learn are the cornerstones of professional growth. Stay committed to your journey, and success will follow.”
The keynote address was delivered by Sandeep S. P., Head of HR at Pratt & Whitney India. He discussed the emergence of hybrid work models and their implications for personal and professional well-being. He stressed the need to unlock hidden potential and strike a harmonious balance between various aspects of life. “Hybrid work offers freedom but must be balanced, or it can lead to chaos. True fulfilment comes from integrating all roles we play,” he observed.
A panel discussion followed the inaugural, moderated by Dr. Shilpi Saha, Associate Professor at MSNIM. The panelists included Shrinivas Bhat, Former Director (Talent Acquisition) at UnifyCX; Prabhoda K. S., Assistant General Manager (HR) at Cardolite Specialty Chemicals India LLP; Laxmi Shetty, Manager (Talent Acquisition) at Robosoft Technologies Pvt. Ltd.; and Pavan Rai, Senior Manager (HR) at Novigo Solutions.
The discussion, themed “HR in the Age of AI: Talent Strategies for Dynamic Business Needs and Augmentation, Not Replacement,” explored the growing impact of artificial intelligence on the workplace. The panel emphasised how AI tools can enhance learning, minimise errors, and improve efficiency. However, they also underscored the need to use AI judiciously while maintaining the human touch in organisational culture. Gen Z’s workplace expectations, the demand for flexible policies, and the need to cultivate meaningful employee relationships were among the key points deliberated. The session concluded with a shared understanding that human resources will remain the backbone of organisations in building people, culture, and future-ready workplaces.
Assistant Professor Nanditha Sunil gave the welcome address. Assistant Professors Manasa and Divya Achar introduced the chief guest and the president respectively. Assistant Professor Arpita Devadiga gave the vote of thanks. Assistant Professor Dr. Aditi Kamath anchored the programme.