Mysuru: “Human Resource Management underpins the entire spectrum of business operations, where the impact of decisions matters more than intent. The field has evolved significantly, and today HR professionals must be agile, open to change, and ready to explore new possibilities,” said Dr. Kiranpreet Kaur, Chief of People, CPM India.

Delivering the keynote address at the 13th International Conference on ‘HR 5.0: The Human-Centric Future of Work’, organized by SDMIMD, Mysuru, under the BCIC–SDMIMD Centre for Management Excellence, Dr. Kiranpreet highlighted the rapid transformation of the HR landscape. She noted that recruitment and other HR processes are increasingly technology-driven, improving efficiency and saving time. Reflecting on the post-COVID work environment, she observed that several once-unimaginable practices have become routine. Emphasizing the future of HR, she stated that while technology will play a pivotal role in addressing employee challenges, its ethical and effective adoption is crucial. She also pointed out that employee mindsets often pose practical challenges, with minor issues sometimes consuming valuable time that could otherwise be devoted to more critical concerns.

Mr. Rajesh Jha, Country Sustainability Manager, ABB India, was the Guest of Honour at the inaugural function and delivered a special address on sustainability and HR. He emphasized that HR functions play a crucial role in enabling organizations to achieve their goals and that even a single HR decision can have a far-reaching impact across the organization. Highlighting the importance of cross-functional integration, he noted that sustainability in organizations is closely linked to the well-being of employees. Speaking further on sustainability, Mr. Jha underscored the need for HR departments to focus on employee wellness, safety, community engagement, customer relations, and socially responsible initiatives. He also shared several case studies from his organization to provide practical insights into sustainability-driven HR practices.

Dr. (Lt. Col.) S. N. Prasad, Director, SDMIMD, Mysuru, delivered the introductory remarks, wherein he highlighted sensitive HR policies and recent developments in the field, effectively setting the context for the conference deliberations.

The opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Mousumi Sengupta, Dean – International Relations and Conference Chair, SDMIMD, Mysuru, who introduced the central theme of the conference. She explained that the conference focuses on HR 5.0, a progressive paradigm that integrates advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics with enduring human values of empathy, inclusivity, and meaningful relationships.

A major highlight of the first day of the conference was the alumni panel discussion, featuring distinguished SDMIMD alumni. The panelists included Mr. Prajwal UI, Director – HR, Unisys India; Ms. Madonna Niveditha, Head of Marketing, Diligent Global India; and Ms. Kalyani Anil, Senior Manager – HR, Oracle India, who shared their professional insights and experiences with the participants.

The valedictory ceremony was graced by Mr. Jahangir Shaikh, Director – HRBP, Zepto, as the Chief Guest. The conference also featured technical sessions by eminent speakers such as Prof. Kamal Jain, Director, FROST and Distinguished Professor, IIM Raipur, and Ms. Hemlata Ramu, Senior Director – HR, Biocon Biologics.

Another key highlight of the conference was a panel discussion on “Leveraging Technology for Human-Centricity at Work.” The panel comprised Mr. Atul Sharma, National Vice President, ISTD and Founding Director, Solutions Wilcom Company; Ms. Smitha Bopanna, Director, Noesys Software Pvt. Ltd.; and Mr. Naresh Babu Deevi, Chief Growth Officer, Husys Consulting Limited.

The conference witnessed the participation of over 100 delegates from diverse sectors. More than 70 research papers were delivered by scholars, providing a vibrant platform for in-depth discussions on how HR can lead the creation of workplaces that prioritize human contribution while effectively leveraging digital transformation.