Technology is not simply eliminating jobs but changing their nature and creating new requirements for employees, said Dr Vilas V Zode, Executive Director – HR, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), while speaking as the chief guest at the eighth edition of Utkarsh, the Annual HR Conclave of IIM Nagpur. Speaking about the rapid pace of technological and organisational change, Dr Zode highlighted adaptability, resilience, emotional intelligence, coordination and human connection as key capabilities for the workforce of the future. He also stressed the need for stronger industry-academia collaboration to keep management education aligned with changing business realities. Held on the theme “The Future of Industries: What Will Shape Tomorrow’s World?”, Utkarsh 8.0 brought together senior HR professionals and industry leaders

 

Dr Bhimaraya Metri, Director, IIM Nagpur, in his welcome address, highlighted the scale at which technology is transforming industries. Prof. Alok Kumar Singh, Dean – Executive Education, IIM Nagpur, presented an overview of the institute’s Executive Education programmes and highlighted IIM Nagpur’s growing engagement with working professionals and organisations. The conclave featured three broad panels covering Emerging Industries, Automation and the Workforce of 2035; Customer Expectations, New-Age Business Models and Changing Talent Requirements; and Future-Proof Careers, Reskilling, Leadership and Employee Experience. A key message emerging from the conclave was that AI and automation are changing work rather than simply eliminating jobs. Prof. Shailendra Nigam, Chairperson – Placements, IIM Nagpur, was also present along with faculty members, staff and students. Rahul Chaturvedi, Placement Officer, IIM Nagpur, proposed the vote of thanks.