IIM Indore hosts Prabodhan 2024: HR & Business Conclave Focuses on Sustainable Futures

Prabodhan 2024 served as a vital platform for fostering dialogue on sustainability, reinforcing IIM Indore's commitment to shaping future business leaders who prioritize ethical and sustainable practices in their professional journeys.

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore successfully hosted its flagship HR and Business Conclave, Prabodhan 2024. The event, themed "ESG 2.0 – A Circular Economy for a Better Tomorrow," gathered leading business and HR experts to discuss the integration of sustainability into business strategies and HR practices. The two-day program featured three panel discussions, a roundtable discussion, and three keynote addresses aimed at driving impactful change toward a sustainable future.

Professor Himanshu Rai's Inspiring Opening Remarks

IIM Indore’s Director, Professor Himanshu Rai, delivered an engaging keynote address that drew from both Indian philosophy and global sustainability concepts. He emphasized the importance of ethical practices and sustainability in business, highlighting the pressing global issues of income and gender inequality, urban infrastructure threats, and environmental challenges. Prof. Rai encouraged attendees to align their thoughts, words, and actions, stressing responsible resource usage through the "4 R’s of sustainability": Refuse, Reuse, Recycle, and Reduce.

Key Insights from Industry Leaders

The event featured two distinguished chief guests. On the first day, Harjeet Khanduja, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Reliance Jio, discussed the role of circular economies in promoting sustainable growth. He introduced the concept of Circular HR, emphasizing responsible hiring and employee wellness.

On the second day, Siddharth Sethi, Co-founder of InfoBeans, highlighted the importance of addressing social inequalities through ethical business practices. He passionately advocated for the 'S' in ESG, urging attendees to prioritize social impact in their strategies.

Keynote Addresses from Experts in Sustainability

The conclave also featured significant keynote addresses. Ranjani Mani from Microsoft India discussed the role of generative AI in enhancing the circular economy. Sandip Adani from Adani Total Gas provided insights into the historical context of ESG, focusing on carbon footprints and fair labor practices. Both speakers emphasized the need for sustainable practices in business operations.

Panel Discussions on ESG Integration and Challenges

The event included multiple panel discussions addressing critical topics. The Women CHRO Panel focused on integrating ESG into HR practices, with panelists discussing strategies to empower underprivileged women and achieve 360-degree diversity.

The IT-HR Panel explored creating strong employer branding through sustainability, highlighting the impact of digitalization and strategies for managing e-waste.

A panel on "Balancing Act: Navigating ESG Challenges in Energy and Manufacturing" addressed green initiatives and responsible value chains, providing insights into the preparation needed for future roles in these sectors.

Round Table on Technology and ESG 2.0

A roundtable discussion moderated by Prof. Rajhans Mishra focused on the role of technology in advancing ESG initiatives. The speakers underscored the importance of adopting a sustainable approach in leveraging technology to minimize environmental impact.

Concluding Remarks and Future Aspirations

As the event concluded, Professor Jatin Pandey, Chair of the EPGP at IIM Indore, expressed gratitude to the dignitaries and shared insights about the diverse profiles of EPGP participants. He emphasized the unique curriculum designed to cultivate leaders equipped with the skills necessary to drive sustainable business practices.

Prabodhan 2024 served as a vital platform for fostering dialogue on sustainability, reinforcing IIM Indore's commitment to shaping future business leaders who prioritize ethical and sustainable practices in their professional journeys.

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