The first panel discussion was initiated by Mr Rajeev Mahajan, Head HR and Training, at SBI Life and Mr Prashant Khambaswadkar, Head HR, HDFC Life Insurance started the discussion. MR Rajeev Mahajan in his presentation gave a brief overview about the current scenario of the insurance sector, the areas of concern and the future prospects in the sector. From the HRM point of view he emphasized on the importance of training and development of its people and agents. He also discussed about the crisis of human resources at middle and senior management level, both in terms of quantity and quality. He talked about various HR practices being followed at SBI Life. Adding on to his Mr Khambaswadkar emphasized on the importance of employee engagement and relationship management. To quote his words alife insurance is not a 100 mt race but a marathona. In his discussion he in capsulated the challenges in this sector in 5 Cas viz communication, compensation, career path, camaraderie and common sense. Elaborating on the challenges he gave due emphasis to the humane aspect of any organization. He said as people make the business happen, the demand of the day is to take a call, reach beyond the boundaries and create an environment where equality, simplicity and modesty are the prime characteristic trait of every employee.
The second panel discussion was on the topic of Beyond Business: CSR. The panellists in the discussion were Mr Aquil Busrai, executive director IBM India, Mr Dinesh Agarwal, G.M and head CSR and Mr V.K.Verma, AGM HR TCS. Mr Agarwal started the discussion about how CSR is an integral part at NTPCas mission, vision, policy and operation. He discussed about various initiatives like education, sectoral support, water minimization and waste utilization. He said the main issues involved in implementing CSR practices are people factor, both internal and internal. CSR is not about what has to be done but why and how it is to be done i.e. itas about business strategy based on policies and business processes with predefined targets and dedicated institutional set up. Mr Busrai gave CSR a different definition by associating it to individual social responsibility. He said that many organizations are using CSR as a conscience cleansing exercise which it is not. Also it is not about being against money. Itas about putting money where the mouth is. The principle behind CSR is the involvement of the community you work with. The idea is to give back to the society at the grass root level. He discussed about various CSR practices followed at IBM and what he experienced in his professional career till date. To join in on this topic the third panellist Me Verma discussed the CSR practices done at TCS like adult literacy, relief fund for calamities, training and recruitment of blind candidates and blood circulation camps. He said that itas the satisfaction in the end that drives his organization to get involved in the charity and philanthropy while making business.
The final panel discussion of the day was on the topic HR issues in manufacturing and consumer goods industry. Mr Vijay Deshpande from Greaves cotton and Mr A.D.Burman, G.M. Maruti Udyog ltd were the speakers for the discussion. Mrs Mamta Mohapatra, programme director HR chaired the discussion. He started the discussion with a brief overview of the manufacturing sector and how India is emerging as a global manufacturing hub. He also told the various attribute which has contributed to this demographic shift. While elaborating on the topic he discussed about the critical dependence of manufacturing sector on micro, small, medium enterprises (MSMEas). Discussing on the issues and trends in the sector- attrition of blue collar worker, skill deficit, unionism and the growing trend of aget trained here and make career therea in all the strata of the organization. It is the onus of the HR people to make it possible by employing various strategies like compensation strategy, balancing mix of old and young employee and other innovative practices. Mr Burman another esteemed guest apart from giving information about the industry went on discuss as to how HR practices are executed in best possible manner in Maruti Udyog. He discussed how talent nurturing has become very important and as HR professional what one needs to do is treat all employee and higher level manager at the same level. What is required at the moment is to stay say and serve and make HR more decentralized. Mr Deshpande concluded the discussion by saying that there is nothing as unfit but the secret lies in the principle of self management.
Every panel discussion concluded with interactive Q&A; sessions. Apart from the panel discussions day one saw first round of the student competition- Tantra the paper presentation. The event received several entries from all over India. The best entries were chosen by HDFC Insurance from the leading B schools which made their presentations. The event was sponsored by ONGC (title sponsor), Hay Group (student competition partner), MBA Universe (media partner) and etaxesindia.com (magazine and kit sponsor).
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