Indian Institute of Management, Bodh Gaya organized the second edition of its HR Conclave, Gyanodaya 2.0 on 11^th and 12^th of August, 2019 to highlight the importance of HR in the modern corporate world and identify the challenges in the field. The inaugural day of the two-day event began with a Tree Plantation Drive by the Dr. Vinita Sahay, Director, IIM Bodh Gaya, and the invited dignitaries. This was followed by the first of the three-panel discussions, titled “Flexi Timings and Virtual Work Places”. The panel was led by esteemed industry leaders with moderator Dr. Vinita Sahay, Director – IIM Bodh Gaya, Mr. Raj Kumar Gupta, GM-HR, TCS, Mr. Amitava Sinha, VP-HR, Business Standard Pvt Ltd, Mr. Parimal P. Kumar, VP-HR & Operations, Edusuccess Knowledge Systems and Dr. Sanjeev Kr Chauhan, Head HR, Kewal Kiran Clothing Ltd. The panel discussed the importance of having Flexi timings and Virtual workplaces in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Generation Z, which would form a large part of the future workforce is very insistent on Flexi timings and employing them without these facilities is near impossible. On the other hand, Flexi timings can have an adverse effect on productivity as it may reduce face-to-face human interactions. The panel also highlighted the importance of the human aspect of HR. The second panel was titled “Modern Challenges of Human Resource Management”. The panel was led by luminaries like Ms. Surabhi Sanchita, Head-HR, Bar Code India Ltd., Ms. Vandana Chaturvedi, AGM HR, NTPC, Ms. Neha Malhotra, AGM HR, Luminous India, and Mr. Sanjeev Tripathi, Head HR, Osram Lightings and moderated by Mr. Ganatantra Ojha. The panel began with highlighting the greatest challenges of HR, which include the absence of any binding qualification requirement for the profession, the challenge of contract labor, and that of retaining talent. The panel concluded the academic sessions for the first day. The second day of the Conclave began with a third and final Panel discussion on “Role of Human Resource in Gaining Competitive Advantage”. The panel was led by Mr. Anurag Chandra, Head HR, Admiral Group, Dr. Sanjeev Kr Chauhan, Head HR, Kewal Kiran Clothing Ltd., Mr. C V Subramanyam, DGM Mining, NMDC, and Mr. S Chatterjee, DGM Personnel, NMDC with Mr. Ganatantra Ojha taking up the role of Moderator. The discussion began with Mr. Ojha quoting Porter that “The company can have either low cost, differentiation or focus strategy which affects the type of workforce”. Discussions were thought-provoking and enlightening, emphasizing on how both individuals and organizations have to evolve to cope up with the changing trends of the world.

All the panels delved deep into their respective topics and the immense knowledge and experience shared by the professionals helped the students gain a new appreciation towards modern HR trends in the world. Questions from students and faculty members livened up the environment and resulted in fruitful discussions. The students, soon to become members of the corporate world gained new avenues for thought regarding improving themselves and their careers. The guests lauded the enthusiasm of the students and praised the organizers for conducting such a successful event. The event concluded with the Director of the Institute felicitating the dignitaries and presenting them mementos.