Archives May 2025

By-Prashanth G J ,CEO TechnoBind Solutions

Identity has quietly become the most targeted entry point in cyberattacks, yet many organizations still rely on outdated systems that treat access as a one-time check rather than a continuous trust evaluation. These legacy frameworks were designed for closed networks and fixed user roles far removed from the dynamic, interconnected environments of modern enterprises.

As cyber threats grow more intelligent and adaptive, the cracks in traditional identity management are no longer subtle, they’re becoming dangerous vulnerabilities. Cyber attackers are exploiting these dynamics, using sophisticated social engineering, credential stuffing, and lateral movement tactics that traditional IAM systems cannot detect or prevent in real-time.

The Key Gaps in Traditional Identity Management

• Lack of Contextual Awareness: Traditional IAM systems authenticate users based on static credentials and roles. They don’t evaluate behavioral anomalies, device health, geolocation, or access patterns. All these are critical in flagging and blocking suspicious activity in real-time.
• Password Dependency: Despite the well-known risks, passwords remain the cornerstone of traditional identity management. This exposes organizations to phishing attacks, credential theft, and password reuse vulnerabilities which are the most common vectors for data breaches.
• Inadequate Privilege Controls: Excessive or persistent access privileges, once granted, are rarely reviewed or revoked promptly. This makes it easy for insiders or attackers to escalate privileges unnoticed.
• Poor Integration with Modern Ecosystems: Legacy IAM solutions often struggle to integrate seamlessly with cloud platforms, SaaS applications, and DevOps pipelines, leaving security blind spots that adversaries can exploit.

The Shift Towards Identity-First Security

What’s needed is an identity-first security model that treats identity as the core control plane across all environments. This approach leverages technologies like AI-powered behavioral analytics, just-in-time access provisioning, zero-trust architecture, and password less authentication to defend against advanced threats.

Modern Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) tools are stepping in where traditional IAM fails, offering real-time visibility into identity-based threats and automating incident response to reduce dwell time. Combined with robust governance, continuous risk assessment, and adaptive access policies, these capabilities are vital in today’s hyper-connected, threat-prone world.

A Step Toward Smarter Identity Access Management- The BeyondTrust Example

To effectively counter today’s identity-based cyber threats, organizations need more than traditional role-based access control. The BeyondTrust Pathfinder Platform offers a modern, intelligent approach to managing and securing identities through real-time insights and adaptive controls.

Key capabilities of the Pathfinder Platform include:

• Just-in-Time, Just-Enough Access: Grants users only the minimal required privileges for a limited time, reducing the risk of over-provisioning and privilege abuse.
• Session Monitoring and Behavioral Analytics: Tracks user activity and detects anomalies across systems and sessions to flag potential misuse.
• Seamless Integration Across Hybrid Environments: Supports cloud, on-premises, and hybrid infrastructures with flexible deployment options.
• Identity Mapping and Contextual Awareness: Correlates data across identities, devices, and access patterns to deliver contextual risk analysis.
• Zero Trust Alignment: Continuously verifies users and devices before and during access, in line with zero trust security principles.
• Automated Threat Detection and Response: Accelerates incident response through intelligent alerts and automated policy enforcement.

In conclusion, the failure of traditional identity management isn’t just a technological gap, it’s a strategic blind spot. In a world where access equals opportunity for both users and attackers, securing identities must be dynamic, intelligent, and deeply integrated into the fabric of enterprise security. Solutions like BeyondTrust Pathfinder don’t just patch the cracks, they reimagine identity as a living, learning system that adapts with every login, every request, and every anomaly. This shift from static control to contextual intelligence will define the next generation of cyber resilience.

Greater Noida, 26th May 2025: Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR, India’s premier multidisciplinary research university, and only one of the four private institutions to be recognized as an Institution of Eminence by the Government of India – celebrated its 11th convocation ceremony at the University campus. Mr. Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa and Former CEO of NITI Aayog, graced the occasion as Guest of Honour. Over 3,000 guests, including faculty, parents, and graduates, attended the ceremony.

The event witnessed the conferral of honorary doctorates on three distinguished individuals by Shikhar Malhotra, Chancellor, and Professor Ananya Mukherjee, Vice Chancellor of Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR, recognizing their exceptional contributions. Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary, Department of Space; Chairman, Space Commission; Chairman of ISRO; was recognised for his visionary leadership and contribution to Indian Space Research. Dr. Archana Sharma, a distinguished physicist and Principal Staff Scientist at CERN, was awarded for her outstanding achievements in science. Mr. Pradeep Kumar Sinha, Non-Executive Chairman of ICICI Bank; Former Cabinet Secretary, and Former Principal Advisor to the Prime Minister of India, was also awarded his honorary doctorate in a separate ceremony on May 7, 2025.

Addressing the batch of 2025, Mr. Amitabh Kant said, “Students, you are graduating at a time which, to my mind, is one of the most transformational periods in the world’s history. Never before in the world have we seen such radical transformation in globalization. Many of you will play a critical role in transforming India and making it an innovative India. And I am sure that all of you will shape the future and bring pride to this great university.”

Dr. V. Narayanan, upon receiving the honorary doctorate, remarked, “With great humility, I accept this honorary doctorate. ISRO was established in 1969 and today we have come along way, we are working on our space program and in 2027 we are planning to send human on space using our rocket. To the graduating class, congratulations. Dream fearlessly, work selflessly, and the sky will never be your limit.” Dr. Narayanan also delivered a special lecture in the morning of the convocation on ‘India’s Space Odyssey’ to the students, parents, and faculty of Shiv Nadar University.

“We need to bring transformations in industries, transformation in the way our young startup ecosystem is marching forward, and that momentum needs to embrace public-private partnerships to transform healthcare, for example. I believe that this is the time to leverage science, not only to understand the universe like I do at CERN, but to serve humanity. May we walk together, scientists, educators, entrepreneurs, citizens, towards a future where knowledge is not a privilege but a light for all”, said Dr. Archana Sharma.

Mr. Shikhar Malhotra, Chancellor, Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR, said, “Today is a day of celebration at Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR, as we proudly graduate our largest-ever cohort of 910 exceptional students. The Class of 2025 holds a special place in the history of Shiv Nadar University, Delhi- NCR. The most diverse cohort we have ever had, representing 23 states and 2 Union Territories. Wherever life takes you, embrace diversity. At Shiv Nadar University, Delhi – NCR, our mission is not just to graduate students, but to build an institution that creates opportunity.”

This convocation marked the university’s largest graduating class to date, with 910 students graduating. 696 undergraduate, 152 postgraduate, and 62 Ph.D. degrees were awarded across the School of Engineering, School of Natural Sciences, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and School of Management and Entrepreneurship. Various other outstanding academic performances were also recognised with special awards and distinctions.

By-Rajendra Chitale,Chief Finance Officer Crayon Software Experts India

In a world where digital assets have eclipsed physical ones in value, cybersecurity is no longer just an IT concern – it is a cornerstone of enterprise risk management and financial governance. CFOs are often tasked with answering to shareholders, regulators, and customers about fiscal prudence and long-term value creation. Yet, many organizations overlook a fundamental truth: inadequate cybersecurity is a silent balance sheet liability.

Every unchecked vulnerability, every unmonitored access point, is a contingent liability waiting to materialize.

In this evolving landscape, Zero Trust Security offers CFOs a pragmatic and financially sound path forward, one that not only mitigates cyber threats but also strengthens the company’s economic fundamentals.

The Cost of Trusting Too Much

According to IBM’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report, the global average data breach cost has climbed to $4.45 million – a 15% increase over the past three years. Indirect costs, such as reputational damage, regulatory fines, and lost customer trust, only amplify this burden. For CFOs, these are not abstract numbers; they directly impact EBITDA, shareholder confidence, and even market valuation.

Zero Trust Security is based on the principle of “never trust, always verify” that radically minimizes the attack surface by continuously authenticating users, devices, and transactions. It offers a pragmatic approach to prevention, rather than costly remediation.

Quantifying the Financial Benefits of Zero Trust

• Reduced Incident Costs: Organizations that have fully deployed Zero Trust architecture report cost savings of over $1 million per breach incident compared to those without, as per recent research. By investing upfront, CFOs can significantly lower potential outlays for breach management, legal penalties, and customer restitution.
• Lower Cyber Insurance Premiums: As insurers grow increasingly risk-averse, a strong cyber posture, anchored in Zero Trust principles, often qualifies organizations for lower premiums and better coverage terms. For companies paying six- or seven-figure sums for cyber insurance annually, this is a critical optimization lever.
• Improved Regulatory Compliance and Avoidance of Fines: Regulatory bodies such as GDPR, CCPA, and India’s DPDP Act now impose hefty penalties for data mishandling. Zero Trust ensures robust data access controls and audit trails, drastically reducing the risk of non-compliance fines.
• Operational Efficiency and Cost Optimization: Zero Trust doesn’t just improve security; it also streamlines identity and access management, simplifies device provisioning, and automates security workflows. This results in lower operational overhead and more efficient use of IT resources, enhancing margins over time.
• Enhanced Enterprise Value: Investors today scrutinize cyber resilience as closely as financial KPIs. A strong security posture fortified by Zero Trust principles can be a differentiator during M&A activities, valuations, and IPO preparations, ultimately protecting and elevating enterprise value.

Strategizing the CFO’s Role in Zero Trust Implementation

Adopting Zero Trust is not an IT project; it’s an enterprise-wide cultural and operational shift. CFOs must work hand-in-hand with CIOs, CISOs, and the Board to:

• Champion Investment Prioritization: Frame Zero Trust not as a cost center but as a value-generating asset that de-risks future cash flows.
• Embed Cyber Metrics into Financial Reporting: Track and report cyber resilience as part of enterprise risk management, tying improvements to financial outcomes.
• Model Scenario-Based ROI: Develop clear financial models demonstrating the long-term ROI of Zero Trust investments compared to the potential financial impact of breaches.
• Advocate for Phased Adoption: Encourage pragmatic, prioritized rollouts – starting with critical assets – to balance budgetary discipline with risk mitigation.

A New Mandate for Financial Leadership

Cyber resilience is no longer an operational nice-to-have; it is a financial necessity. In the era of digital transformation, every CFO must recognize that security is strategy, and trust is currency.

Investing in a Zero Trust framework not only safeguards cash flows and valuations but also builds an enduring competitive advantage rooted in stakeholder confidence. The future will favor organizations that can prove – not just promise – their ability to protect digital assets. As CFOs, we have a critical opportunity to lead this shift, ensuring that our companies are not just surviving the cyber onslaught but thriving in a trust-driven economy. Ultimately, Zero Trust is not merely about securing systems; it’s about securing the future of the business itself.

Mumbai, May 26, 2025: Miraj Cinemas, India’s third-largest and fastest-growing multiplex chain, has announced the appointment of Bhuvanesh Mendiratta as its new Managing Director. He takes over from Amit Sharma, who has stepped down after successfully leading the company for over 14 years to pursue newer opportunities.

Bhuvanesh Mendiratta

Mendiratta has been closely associated with Miraj Cinemas for over a decade. He most recently served as the Chief Operating Officer. In his new role, he will lead the company’s overall business strategy, day-to-day operations, and long-term growth plans.

With over 20 years of experience in the entertainment and hospitality sector, Mendiratta has held senior positions at PVR and Cinemax before joining Miraj and leading key verticals, including operations, F&B, marketing, programming, and audits. A graduate in Hospitality and Administration from the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT), he also holds an Executive MBA in Hospitality Management.

Arvind Jain, Group CEO, Miraj Group, said, “Bhuvanesh has been part of our core team for a long time and understands every aspect of the business. With his strong industry knowledge and execution skills, we believe he is well-placed to lead Miraj Cinemas into its next phase of growth. We are excited about what lies ahead.”

Bhuvanesh Mendiratta, Managing Director, Miraj Entertainment Ltd., said, “It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I’m truly honoured to take on this responsibility. Our focus will remain on strengthening our presence, adding premium formats like IMAX and Neo-M, and creating the best possible experience for moviegoers across India,” and added that Miraj is also planning to expand in tier-2 and tier-3 markets. “We will have locally tailored content strategies and sustainable cinema formats.”

Under Mendiratta’s leadership, Miraj Cinemas is set to enter a new chapter of growth, expanding its footprint across the country and upgrading projection and sound technologies. Miraj Cinemas is operating 235 screens across 70 locations in 48 cities.

National, May 23 2025— In alignment with PVR NEST’s mission to advance safety, protection, and empowerment for women—including through legal aid and capacity-building initiatives—a special screening of Phule was hosted for leading women lawyers, celebrating the enduring legacy of Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule and their fight for justice and equality.

The screening, organized at PVR INOX DLF Promenade Mall, Vasant Kunj, was graced by the presence of Ms Shobha Gupta, Senior Advocate and Founder of We, The Women of India, who reflected on the significance of the film for the legal community.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Shobha Gupta, “Phule is not just a story of two incredible reformers—it is a call to conscience for every upholder of justice. As lawyers, we are constantly seeking inspiration from those who have fearlessly challenged oppressive systems. This film is a powerful reminder of our responsibility to fight for dignity, education, and equality for all.”

The screening was highly appreciated by the legal community present on the day for its insightful and thought-provoking storytelling.

“We are happy to welcome women lawyers and leaders into our cinemas for this special screening.. Through PVR NEST, the CSR arm of PVR INOX Limited, we create programs focused on the safety and protection of women, including empowerment through skilling and access to legal aid. Hosting this screening for women lawyers is a meaningful extension of that mission—fostering solidarity, inspiring reflection, and supporting those who champion justice every day,” said Ms. Deepa Menon, Founder – PVR NEST and Sr. Vice President – Corporate Communications, PVR INOX Limited.

The initiative was made possible through the support of  Adv, Amita Joseph, Advisor BCF, who played a pivotal role in bringing together legal professionals for the screening. “It is heartening to see the legal community come together to honour a story rooted in courage, conviction, and compassion. Phule resonates across generations, and this gathering is a testament to the enduring power of collective thought and purposeful partnerships.” Ms Joseph said.

With powerful performances and evocative storytelling, Phule sheds light on the profound contributions of Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule—social reformers who challenged caste and gender discrimination and pioneered educational reform in 19th-century India.

National, May 23 2025— In alignment with PVR NEST’s mission to advance safety, protection, and empowerment for women—including through legal aid and capacity-building initiatives—a special screening of Phule was hosted for leading women lawyers, celebrating the enduring legacy of Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule and their fight for justice and equality.

The screening, organized at PVR INOX DLF Promenade Mall, Vasant Kunj, was graced by the presence of Ms Shobha Gupta, Senior Advocate and Founder of We, The Women of India, who reflected on the significance of the film for the legal community.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Shobha Gupta, “Phule is not just a story of two incredible reformers—it is a call to conscience for every upholder of justice. As lawyers, we are constantly seeking inspiration from those who have fearlessly challenged oppressive systems. This film is a powerful reminder of our responsibility to fight for dignity, education, and equality for all.”

The screening was highly appreciated by the legal community present on the day for its insightful and thought-provoking storytelling.

“We are happy to welcome women lawyers and leaders into our cinemas for this special screening.. Through PVR NEST, the CSR arm of PVR INOX Limited, we create programs focused on the safety and protection of women, including empowerment through skilling and access to legal aid. Hosting this screening for women lawyers is a meaningful extension of that mission—fostering solidarity, inspiring reflection, and supporting those who champion justice every day,” said Ms. Deepa Menon, Founder – PVR NEST and Sr. Vice President – Corporate Communications, PVR INOX Limited.

The initiative was made possible through the support of  Adv, Amita Joseph, Advisor BCF, who played a pivotal role in bringing together legal professionals for the screening. “It is heartening to see the legal community come together to honour a story rooted in courage, conviction, and compassion. Phule resonates across generations, and this gathering is a testament to the enduring power of collective thought and purposeful partnerships.” Ms Joseph said.

With powerful performances and evocative storytelling, Phule sheds light on the profound contributions of Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule—social reformers who challenged caste and gender discrimination and pioneered educational reform in 19th-century India.

India, May 23, 2025 – Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, announced today that its television business has crossed INR 10000 crore in sales in calendar year 2024. This makes Samsung the first brand in India to achieve the significant milestone in the television industry. Samsung said it is confident of achieving double-digit growth in 2025, driven by an expansive portfolio of premium offerings and growing demand for large-screen, AI-powered televisions.

We now aspire to grow in double-digit this year backed by our new AI TV lineup that breathes new life into every frame, setting a new benchmark for cinematic excellence at home. With this new era of AI-powered screens, we are confident of accelerating next-generation TV adoption and strengthening our leadership in India’s premium television segment,” said Viplesh Dang, Senior Director, Visual Display Business, and Samsung India.

Samsung recently unveiled its 2025 TV lineup of Vision AI-powered televisions in India, with the introduction of more than 40 models across Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED 4K, OLED, QLED and The Frame. Samsung Vision AI represents a major leap in making screens smarter, more intuitive and deeply personal. It transforms televisions into adaptive hubs, responsive to their environment and user behaviors. They seamlessly blend into everyday life, making the TV an intelligent partner rather than just a display. Samsung Vision AI delivers real-time optimization of picture and sound, gesture-based navigation, and smart home integration via SmartThings.

The Vision AI-enabled line-up also introduces innovations like AI Upscaling Pro, Glare-Free viewing, and Generative Art Wallpapers, making Samsung TVs not just entertainment devices but intelligent lifestyle hubs for the modern Indian home.

Samsung is positioning itself for long-term leadership in India’s TV market as it continues to cater to value-conscious consumers through its 43-inch and mass-market range, while driving value and volume growth in the expanding premium category. With a strong offline footprint and a robust product roadmap, Samsung is well placed to accelerate the shift towards AI-enabled, immersive home entertainment in India.

Delhi, India 23rd May’25 — In a landmark move to boost bilateral business ties, the Indian Small Business & Franchise Association (ISFA) and the Vietnam Franchising & Licensing Network (VFLN) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster franchise development and empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in both countries.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Gaurav Marya, Chairman of ISFA, and Mdm. Nguyen Phi Van, Chairwoman of VFLN, marking the beginning of a robust partnership aimed at unlocking new economic opportunities and encouraging cross-border business expansion between India and Vietnam.

The agreement provides a structured framework to facilitate trade, innovation, and knowledge exchange between Indian and Vietnamese entrepreneurs. By enabling MSMEs and franchise brands to enter each other’s markets, this collaboration opens new channels for investment, market exploration, and growth acceleration.

Key Areas of Collaboration Include:

• Franchise Development: Promoting franchise opportunities tailored for MSMEs, with a focus on scalable, sustainable business models.
• Capacity Building: Launching joint training programs, workshops, and webinars to enhance entrepreneurial and operational capabilities.
• Market Access: Providing Indian brands a platform to enter Vietnam and vice versa through curated networking, matchmaking, and B2B engagements.
• Information Exchange: Sharing market research, retail and economy sector profiles, franchise data, and success case studies.
• Business Networking: Enabling MSMEs and franchisors to connect, collaborate, and co-create value through in-person and digital business forums.

“This collaboration with VFLN reflects our mission to globalize Indian MSMEs through meaningful partnerships. Vietnam is an emerging and dynamic market, and this MoU is a stepping stone towards greater economic synergy between our nations,” said Mr. Gaurav Marya, Chairman of ISFA.

“Vietnam and India share strong business potential. Through this MoU, we aim to create an ecosystem where brands, entrepreneurs, and small businesses can scale internationally with confidence,” added Mdm. Nguyen Phi Van, Chairwoman of VFLN.

Importantly, the MoU does not involve any financial commitments. Instead, both ISFA and VFLN have agreed to independently bear the costs associated with their participation in collaborative activities. This structure ensures flexibility, mutual respect, and voluntary participation—while focusing on high-impact outcomes.

The agreement includes a commitment to intellectual property protection, ensuring that logos, trademarks, and proprietary content of both organizations are respected and not used without prior consent. The MoU will remain in effect for a period of five years, with scope for renewal and strategic expansion as needed.

Mumbai, 23rd May, 2025 —  Apna.co’s latest Interview Readiness Index 2025, based on a survey of 10,000+ respondents across the country, reveals a growing gap between opportunity and preparedness in India’s job market. Only 32% of job seekers consider themselves as prepared for interviews — reflecting the limited confidence many candidates carry into interview rooms. The report draws insights from individuals who attended at least one interview in the past year, with 67% experiencing virtual interviews, followed by 61% phone interviews, and 57% in-person rounds.

The report also underscores the rising impact of digital tools in boosting interview readiness. Job seekers who leveraged online tutorials, mock interviews, or AI-powered platforms reported significantly higher confidence levels (38%) compared to just 24% among those who did not use such resources. As technology continues to transform the job search landscape, digital fluency is rapidly becoming a key driver of interview preparedness and confidence.

Apna.co’s Interview Readiness Index 2025 reveals a strong link between work experience and interview confidence among job seekers. Nearly half (49%) of candidates with over six years of experience feel well prepared for interviews. Confidence declines among mid-career professionals, with 34% of those having 3 to 6 years of experience reporting readiness, and dips further to 29% for early career professionals with 1 to 3 years of experience. Fresher’s face the greatest challenges, as just 21% of candidates with less than a year of experience consider themselves ready. Anxiety, fear of unexpected questions, and limited practical exposure emerge as key factors impacting the confidence of these newcomers.

The index also sheds light on how interview confidence varies across age groups. Gen X (45+ years) emerged as the most confident, with 54% of respondents feeling well prepared for interviews. Confidence levels are lower among Millennials (25–44 years) at 36%, and dip further among younger candidates. Less than 26% of Gen Z (18–24 years) and Gen Alpha (under 18) job seekers reported feeling adequately prepared. The data underscores the growing importance of targeted support and skill-building for younger professionals entering the workforce.

The Index also reveals sharp contrasts in interview confidence across city tiers and professional domains. Job seekers in Tier 1 cities lead the way, with 45% saying they feel prepared for interviews, compared to 32% in Tier 2 cities and just 26% in Tier 3 towns. The widening gap underscores the need for more accessible preparation tools and support in India’s smaller cities. Across industries, tech professionals—including those in software development, data analytics, and IT—reported the highest confidence levels at 35%. In comparison, only 29% of candidates from non-tech fields such as Sales, Marketing, HR, and Operations felt adequately prepared. Gig workers and freelancers showed the lowest preparedness, with just 22% saying they felt ready to face interviews.

Apna.co’s Interview Readiness Index 2025 also highlights the growing influence of education, language proficiency, and digital adoption on interview confidence among Indian job seekers. Candidates from English-medium backgrounds emerged as the most confident, with 44% feeling adequately prepared for interviews, compared to 34% from Hindi-medium institutions and just 26% from regional-language schools. Educational qualifications also play a pivotal role—37% of postgraduates reported high levels of preparedness, followed by 31% of undergraduates and only 22% of those educated up to the 10th or 12th grade.

Nirmit Parikh, Founder and CEO of Apna.co, commented, “Despite the vast opportunities in the Indian job market — with 3.1 lakh jobs posted on Apna in Q1 2025 alone — many candidates still struggle with confidence and lack effective interview preparation. This gap holds back a large number of job seekers from unlocking their true potential and unlocking possibilities. We believe the future lies in AI-powered tools that offer personalised feedback and real-time interview simulations. These innovations can bridge the preparation gap, helping candidates build confidence, sharpen their skills, and truly showcase their abilities. Our goal is to empower every Indian to not just prepare better, but to believe in themselves, build confidence, and unlock meaningful career opportunities by becoming truly interview-ready.”

For Immediate Release: Mumbai, May 23, 2025 – On the occasion of World HR Day, India HR Conclave, an initiative by 1 Finance hosted a virtual edition, an inspiring and engaging gathering of over 150 HR professionals and industry leaders from across the country. This one-of-a-kind digital event celebrated the critical role of Human Resources in shaping resilient, inclusive, and thriving workplaces.

The virtual conclave featured a perfect blend of thought leadership, meaningful discussions, and light-hearted moments, making it a truly memorable experience for attendees.

A highlight of the event was the panel discussion titled ‘The Little Things That Matter at the Workplace’, which explored the nuanced aspects of daily work life – from casual conversations and everyday recognition to empathetic leadership and its lasting impact on employee well-being and organizational culture.

The panel was expertly moderated by Manju Dhake, Senior Vice President – Insurance at 1 Finance, and featured distinguished voices from the industry:

• Vishwas Mudagal, Founder – Netskill Learning and GoodWorks Group
• Priyanka Redkar, Senior Vice President – HR at 1 Finance
• Sahil Nayar, Renowned HR Leader and Influencer
• Smitha Sankangoudar, HR Director at Flipkart

These industry leaders shared compelling insights on the small but powerful practices that shape strong workplace cultures. Vishwas Mudagal spoke about putting values over volume, fostering respect at all levels, and embracing experimentation without fear. Smita Sankangoudar emphasized empathy as a measurable value at Flipkart, where openness and storytelling help build connection. Sahil Nayar highlighted the role of humour, authenticity, and purpose in engaging today’s workforce, where flexibility and psychological safety are key. Lastly, Priyanka Redkar underscored the importance of embedding culture from day one through transparency, daily rituals, and merit-driven recognition. Together, the panelists reinforced that it’s the little things like respect, clarity and intent that create workplaces where people truly thrive.

Adding a touch of humor and warmth to the event, celebrated stand-up comedian Atul Khatri delivered an exclusive performance that resonated deeply with the HR community, providing laughter and levity amid the learning.

“We are thrilled to see such a strong turnout and overwhelming engagement from the HR fraternity,” said Priyanka Redkar, Senior Vice President – HR at 1 Finance. “This virtual conclave was more than just an event; it was a tribute to the unsung heroes of the corporate world who ensure that people remain at the heart of every business.”

As organizations continue to navigate complex challenges in the modern workplace, events like the India HR Conclave offer a much-needed platform for reflection, inspiration, and collective growth.