Overview
The Xavier School of Management (XLRI) concluded its HR for the Greater Good Conclave 2.0, a three‑day national forum held in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand from August 31 to September 2, 2026. Organized by XLRI’s Centre for HR Research and Studies (CHRS), the conclave brought together public‑ and private‑sector organisations to discuss how human‑resource management can drive responsible, resilient and people‑centric enterprises.
Conclave Themes
Five thematic pillars guided the discussions: Artificial Intelligence Adoption in HR; Impact of Labour Reforms on Labour Practices; Environment and Sustainability – Green HRM; Total Rewards and Career Management; and Digital Transformation of Business and HR/IR Processes.
Panels and Speakers
- Panel 1 – Artificial Intelligence: Future of HR & Digital Transformation – moderated by Prof. Pooja Malik. Speakers: Ananya Dutta (Former CHRO, Jefferies), Himal Tewari (CHRO, Chief – Sustainability & CSR, Tata Power Group), Manish Kumar (CDO, Thermofisher), Sushil Baveja (CHRO, Jindal Stainless).
- Panel 2 – Labour Reforms and its Implications for Labour Relations – moderated by Prof. Paramjyot Singh. Speakers: Biranchi Das (Director, SECL), Krishna Chaitanya Padarthi (CHRO, Kusumgar (KC)), Sajid Iqbal (CHRO, Brigade Group).
- Panel 3 – Employee Well‑Being and its Implications for Human Resource – moderated by Prof. Sai Bhargavi Vedula. Speakers: Ambarish Sharma (CHRO, Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd.), Gopika Nair Bhanot (Dy. CHRO, Vedanta Power), Sanjay Sethumadhavan (Head Human Resources India, Russell Investments), Satender Kumar Sighadia (CHRO, GPS Renewables).
Keynote Addresses
The conclave featured four keynote addresses: Prof. Manjari Singh (IIM Ahmedabad) on human‑centric AI adoption; Dr. Onkar Sharma, former Chief Labour Commissioner of India, on workers’ dignity and labour reforms; Niveditha BK, Director of Human Resource Policy & Management at ISRO Headquarters, on digital transformation; and Hiren Shah, Founder & MD of Vertoz, on building AI‑first organisations and the future of work.
Awards
A central highlight was the recognition of organisations demonstrating exemplary HR practices aligned with societal value creation. Award winners were:
- HR for the Greater Good 2026 Award: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)
- Most Consistent & Employee‑centric HR Practices: National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC)
- Artificial Intelligence Adoption in HR: CRED
- Impact of Labour Reforms on Labour Relations: Neyveli Lignite Corporation of India Limited (NLCIL)
- Environment and Sustainability – Green HRM: Larsen & Toubro
- Total Rewards and Career Management: Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd.
- Digital Transformation of Business and HR/IR Processes: Brigade Enterprises
Participating Organisations
Presentations were delivered by a broad cross‑section of firms, including DRDO, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited, NHPC, Virtusa Consulting Services Ltd., NTPC, NLCIL, NALCO, PwC Acceleration Center (India), DVC, Walchand People First Ltd., South Eastern Coalfields Limited, Brigade Enterprises Ltd., DMRC, L&T, CRED, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd., South Eastern Coalfield Ltd., Tata Power and Tata Steel.
Closing Session
The conclave concluded with a Valedictory Session and award distribution on September 2, 2026. Dr. Jatinder Kumar Jha, Convenor of the HR for the Greater Good Conclave and Associate Professor (HRM Area) at XLRI, emphasized that AI is influencing decision‑making, labour laws are being redefined, and sustainability is becoming non‑negotiable, positioning HR as a driver of organisational growth and long‑term value creation.
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