IIM Jammu Launches International HR Conference 2025 Focused on Fusion, Resilience, and Sustainable HR
IIM Jammu launched the International HR Conference 2025 (IHRC) with experts from Maruti Suzuki, KPMG, and UIL Group discussing human-machine fusion, ethical AI, and the need for agile, resilient HR ecosystems.
The Indian Institute of Management Jammu inaugurated the International HR Conference 2025 on November 27, 2025, at Mandapam, IIM Jammu. The two-day conference brings together leading industry practitioners, distinguished academicians, and researchers from across India and abroad to deliberate on emerging paradigms in HR shaped by technology, sustainability, agility, and organisational culture. The inaugural ceremony witnessed the gracious presence of Mr. Soarabh Pathak, Senior VP, Central HR, Maruti Suzuki; Ms. Aparajita Tripathi, Partner, Infrastructure & Government Advisory, KPMG; and Mr. Abhay Kapoor, Group CHRO & Sr. VP – Global Human Resources, UIL Group, and Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty and Research,
IIM Jammu. Also present were Dr. Mamta Tripathi, Conference Chair, IHRC 2025, and Conference Co-Chairs Dr. Garima Saini and Dr. Sumesh Soman. Present on the occasion were Prof. Rajesh Sikka, Professor of Practice; Prof. P. P Maheshwari, Professor of Practice, IIM Jammu; Dr. Rashmi Ranjan Parida, Chairperson, MBA Healthcare and Cmdr. Kesavan Baskkaran, CAO (R), IIM Jammu along with faculty, officers, staff and students of IIM Jammu.The ceremony commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp and a serene Saraswati Vandana by the students, setting a scholarly tone for the event. The keynote speakers, Mr. Soarabh Pathak, Senior VP, Central HR, Maruti Suzuki; Ms. Aparajita Tripathi, Partner, Infrastructure & Government Advisory, KPMG; and Mr. Abhay Kapoor, Group CHRO & Sr. VP, Global Human Resources, UIL Group, shared forward-looking perspectives on human-machine fusion, responsible and ethical AI adoption, and the evolving strategic role of HR in shaping agile, resilient, and future-ready organizations. Their insights drove home the importance of adaptive capabilities, robust governance of emerging technologies, and the thoughtful integration of HR with digital innovation.
Welcoming the delegates, Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu, emphasized the significance of cutting-edge HR research in shaping the conference theme, highlighting how people, technology, and purpose must converge to define the future of organisations. Delivering the conference address, Dr. Mamta Tripathi, Conference Chair, IIM Jammu underscored the urgency of building adaptive, human-centric, and technologically empowered workplaces to navigate the complexities of the evolving world of work.A thought-provoking panel discussion on “How fusion of technology and people, agility and resilience, and innovation and sustainability is reshaping HR strategies” marked the next segment of the event under the International HR Conclave. Moderated by Prof. Prashant Mishra, Professor of Practice, IIM Jammu, the panel featured eminent voices from industry and academia ranging from Mr. Soarabh Pathak, Senior VP, Central HR, Maruti Suzuki; Ms. Aparajita Tripathi, Partner, Infrastructure & Government Advisory, KPMG; Mr. Abhay Kapoor, Group CHRO & Sr. VP - Global Human Resources, UIL Group; Prof. Sanjeev Pathak, Professor of Practice, IIM Jammu; and Prof.
Sanjay Gupta, Professor of Practice, IIM Jammu. The discussion highlighted the need to balance AI with human judgement, promote ethical and mindful technology use, and build inclusive, future-oriented workplaces.The inaugural day concluded with the vote of thanks by Dr. Garima Saini, Conference Co-Chair, followed by the national anthem. Day one of IHRC 2025 is featuring seven parallel academic tracks, bringing cutting-edge research on employee well-being, workplace agility, leadership, psychological capital, learning and development, AI-enabled HR practices, DEI, gig work, mindfulness, and emerging career challenges. The scholarly exchanges set a strong intellectual foundation for the conference, advancing critical conversations on the future of work and reinforcing IIM Jammu’s role as a leading hub for progressive HR research and thought leadership.IIM Jammu International HR Conference 2025 reaffirmed the importance of fusion-driven thinking in shaping resilient, innovative, and sustainable HR ecosystems. The conference now moves forward with strong momentum, poised for more profound engagement and impactful deliberations in the sessions ahead.