Focus
on experiential learning AI readiness and sustainable talent development
Pune: MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU),
Pune, successfully hosted HR Conclave 2026, a national-level
industry–academia dialogue focused on preparing students for the changing
expectations of the modern workplace. The conclave revolved around the
overarching theme New Generation Talent Readiness: Expectations vs. Reality.
The event
brought together senior HR leaders, industry practitioners, and academic
experts to deliberate on the widening gap between graduate employability and
workplace readiness. The discussions were centred around two key sub-themes: Plug-and-Play
or Train-and-Transform? HR Perspectives on New-Generation Talent and “Employability
vs. Work Readiness: Where Education Ends and Industry Begins.
The panel
discussions featured HR leaders from prominent national and global
organisations, including Infosys BPM, Novartis, Kalyani Group, SKF India,
United Airlines, Wipro Engineering, METRO Global Solutions, BNY Mellon, SEARCE,
PwC and Innomatics Research Labs.
Dr. R. M.
Chitnis, Vice Chancellor, MIT World Peace University, said: “HR professionals support
employees’ growth and emotional well-being, but it is equally important to care
for oneself. Development must be holistic — physical health, mental balance,
relationships and financial security together define success. When individuals
remain balanced and fulfilled, organisations naturally become stronger, more
productive and humane.”
Mr. Vikram
Kulkarni, AD HR, Novartis,
said: “Our mantra is simple — slow down to go fast. Teams should feel busy but
not overwhelmed. Conversations on well-being and psychological safety must
begin at the leadership level, as culture flows from the top. HR plays a
crucial role in building awareness, enabling supportive leadership and setting
realistic expectations. Sustainable performance comes from balanced workplaces
where employees feel heard, supported and motivated.”
Mr. Jacob
Varghese, Vice President-HR, SKF India Ltd. said: “Mental well-being is now central to
organisational sustainability. Companies are building ecosystems through
policies, counselling, training and employee assistance programmes because
mentally healthy employees perform consistently over the long term. However,
well-being is also an individual responsibility — people must learn to set
boundaries, say no and avoid unhealthy comparisons or financial stress. In
India, we are finally speaking openly about mental health after COVID, which is
encouraging. A balanced approach, combining organisational support and personal
awareness, is essential for healthier workplaces.”
Mr. Nikhil
Bhojwani, L&D Head, Mumbai Metro One Pvt. Ltd. (Reliance Group), said: “Parental well-being has
become a critical focus for organisations. Many employees, especially working
parents, struggle to balance professional and personal responsibilities, which
can lead to burnout and attrition. When organisations support families, offer
counselling and create an inclusive environment, employees feel valued. Such
practices significantly strengthen engagement, loyalty and long-term
commitment.”
The sessions
also explored evolving hiring trends, AI-enabled workplaces and changing campus
recruitment expectations. Experts emphasised the need for internships, live
projects, apprenticeships and mentorship-driven learning as essential bridges
between academia and industry.
The conclave
concluded with a shared commitment between industry and academia to co-create
talent development frameworks that ensure graduates are not just qualified but
truly work-ready.