HYDERABAD (India CSR): The School of Innovation and Management (SoIM) at G. Narayanamma Institute of Technology & Science (GNITS) hosted Rendezvous 2025. A Day with HR Leaders, an insightful and engaging HR conference designed to bridge the gap between academia and the corporate world. The event brought together over 300 students and 20 HR leaders from top organizations, offering a rare opportunity for aspiring professionals to interact with seasoned experts.
Empowering Students with Industry Insights
Led by G. Srividya Reddy, Chairperson of SoIM and Vice-Chairperson of GNITS, this flagship event underscored SoIM’s commitment to women’s education and leadership development. The discussions at the conference focused on emerging trends in human resources, especially the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and analytics in shaping the future of HR.
Industry leaders and HR experts shared their perspectives on how AI-driven tools are revolutionizing hiring, employee engagement, and decision-making. They emphasized the importance of adapting to these changes, equipping students with strategies to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving job market.
The Growing Role of AI in HR
The panel discussions at the event highlighted how AI and data analytics are transforming HR practices:
- Automating Recruitment – AI-powered algorithms streamline hiring processes, reducing human bias and improving efficiency.
- Enhancing Employee Engagement – AI-driven chatbots and sentiment analysis tools help HR teams improve workplace morale and address concerns proactively.
- Optimizing Decision-Making – Predictive analytics enable HR leaders to make data-driven decisions, improving workforce planning and retention strategies.
Speakers encouraged students to embrace these advancements and cultivate analytical skills to thrive in the modern corporate landscape.
Fostering Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)
Another critical discussion at the conference centered around Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Experts shared insights on:
- Challenges in Workplace Inclusivity – Unconscious bias, lack of representation, and resistance to change remain barriers to true inclusivity.
- Building Inclusive Work Environments – HR leaders stressed the importance of fair hiring practices, inclusive leadership, and mentorship programs.
- Promoting a Culture of Respect – Encouraging open dialogue and diverse perspectives can help organizations create workplaces where everyone feels valued.
Leaders and Moderators Who Shaped the Discussion
The conference featured renowned HR professionals, including:
- Anuradha A (IBM)
- Dr. Reena Das (Keolis Hyderabad)
- Priyanka Roy (Wipro)
- Jayapal Reddy (Hetero Labs)
- Prem Kumar Kondaparthi (Deloitte)
The discussions were expertly moderated by Ms. Sumana Sunkara (Berkadia) and Mr. Praveen Kumar Devulapally (Commvault Systems), who steered thought-provoking conversations on the future of HR in an AI-driven world.
Leadership Perspective: Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry
Reflecting on the event’s success, G. Srividya Reddy shared:
“Rendezvous 2025 is a testament to our commitment to bridging academia and industry, empowering our students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in the ever-evolving corporate world. By connecting future professionals with industry leaders, we are shaping a generation of women ready to lead with innovation and inclusivity.”
(India CSR)
