HR professionals will never be replaced by AI: XLRI Jamshedpur Director

XLRI’s CHRO conclave reimagines future of work, workforce

Jamshedpur, August 27: “HR professionals will never be replaced by AI, as HR is fundamentally rooted in human knowledge and remains the nerve center of every organization,” said Dr. (Fr.) George Sebastian, S.J., Director of XLRI Jamshedpur, while addressing the Annual Flagship CHRO Conclave KRONOS 2025.

Organized by the PGDM (GM) Batch of 2025–26, this year’s conclave revolved around the theme “Reimagining Work, Workforce & Workplace: The CHRO’s Playbook for 2030”. The event brought together some of India’s most influential HR leaders to reflect on disruptive transformations shaping the future of people and organizations. The inauguration was also marked by addresses from Dr. Sanjay Patro, Dean (Academics), and Dr. Purna Chandra Padhan, Associate Dean (Executive Programs). While Prof. Patro highlighted the evolving role of HR leaders in purposeful job design and workplace experimentation, Prof. Padhan emphasized KRONOS’s role in bridging academia with industry.

The conclave featured three insightful panel discussions.

Panel 1: Workforce Resilience – Building Agility in Times of Constant Change
Shaleen Manik (CHRO, Transsion India) stressed the need for talent mobility and psychological safety. Sonalika Yadav (Director HR, BCG) underlined patience and trust as anchors in disruption. Shubhayu Sengupta (CPO, Zeta) described resilience as multilayered, rooted in empathy. Vicky Santosh Jaiswal (Head L&OD, L&T Finance) pointed to Gen Z’s need for learning agility, while Amit Vaish (Head HR, Optum) balanced agility with employee well-being. The session was moderated by Ms. Shreya Mathur, PGDM (GM).

Panel 2: The Evolving Role of CHROs – From HR Leader to Strategic Business Partner
Arun Prasad Keshri (VP HR, EXL) noted that careers must remain fluid, prioritizing learning and purpose over titles. Abhilasha Malviya (CHRO, Vedanta Power) stressed reinvention, while Deepak Behera (L&T Finance) emphasized managers as culture carriers in hybrid settings. Dheeraj Tandon (Group Head HR, Vadilal) urged breaking legacy mindsets, and Sayan Chakrabarty (CHRO, Vector Consulting Group) reiterated the importance of human connection. This session was moderated by Ms. Yukta Tiwari, PGDM (GM).

Panel 3: Beyond DEI – Creating Truly Inclusive and Equitable Organizations
Kaveri Chauhan (Kyndryl) advocated systems for all, including neurodivergent individuals. Roydon Gonsalvez (Northern Trust) said DEI must be a lived culture, while Kalyan N. (Tide) highlighted transparency and equity. Gaurav Jain (GMMCO Ltd – KK Birla Group) called for measurable outcomes, and Prakash Panda (India Power) stressed inclusive hiring in the AI era. The session was moderated by Prof. Sunil Sarangi.

The conclave concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered under the guidance of Dr. Kanagaraj Ayyalusamy and Rajni Ranjan. The efforts of the Conclave Committee, supported by Placement and Xplore Committees, were appreciated for seamlessly organizing the event.