: Pune, September 13, 2025

The Indian Institute of Management, Jammu hosted a landmark Pune Roundtable Conference on 13th September 2025 at Hotel Blue Diamond, Pune, bringing together policymakers, academics, and industry leaders. The Roundtable Conference focused on strengthening collaboration between academia and industry, addressing workforce evolution and leveraging technology to prepare students for future employment.

The Pune Roundtable Conference was inaugurated and graced by Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Jammu, Padmashri Dr. Milind P. Kamble and Director, IIM Jammu, Prof. B.S. Sahay, along with other eminent dignitaries from the industry. The event commenced with a lamp-lighting ceremony and an introductory video on IIM Jammu, setting the tone for a series of insightful discussions.

Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Jammu, Padmashri Dr. Milind P. Kamble, in his address, emphasized that the Pune Roundtable Conference represents a significant step in IIM Jammu’s efforts to foster purposeful collaboration between academia and industry. He noted that in today’s fast-evolving global landscape, academic institutions must not operate in silos but engage proactively with industry leaders to co-create solutions that are innovative, inclusive, and sustainable. He urged both academic and industry stakeholders to work together on areas of critical importance such as climate change, digital transformation, and equitable growth, reiterating that the strength of such partnerships lies in their ability to bring diverse perspectives to a common table.

Member, Board of Governors, IIM Jammu, and Managing Partner, Chitale Bandhu, Shri Indraneel Chitale remarked that the Pune Roundtable Conference exemplifies how academic institutions and industry leaders can come together to shape the future of management education. He stressed that such platforms enable the exchange of fresh ideas, practical knowledge, and diverse perspectives that are crucial for preparing students to meet the dynamic demands of the corporate world. He reaffirmed that IIM Jammu, with the active support and vision of its Board of Governors, is committed to nurturing talent that can drive sustainable growth, contribute meaningfully to nation-building, and position India as a hub of global leadership excellence.

Director, IIM Jammu, Prof. B.S. Sahay, in his address underscored the Institute’s impressive growth journey and its steadfast focus on integrating academic excellence with practical, real-world exposure through strong industry linkages. He stressed that such partnerships are vital in creating a dynamic and future-ready education ecosystem, one that nurtures graduates who are both intellectually robust and industry-prepared. Reflecting on India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, as envisioned by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, he emphasized the significance of initiatives like Project YUVA, launched in collaboration with the Government of Jammu & Kashmir, in fostering employment generation through entrepreneurship. He urged all stakeholders to align their personal and institutional aspirations with the broader mission of national growth and nation building.

Chairperson, Placement, IIM Jammu, Dr. Mahesh Gadekar stated that the Pune Roundtable Conference has opened new avenues for industry and academia collaboration. He emphasized that such interactions are vital in aligning student aspirations with the evolving needs of the corporate world. Co-Chairperson, Placements, IIM Jammu, Dr. Baljeet Singh mentioned that the Pune Roundtable Conference provided valuable insights into emerging industry trends. He added that such dialogues play a pivotal role in enhancing student preparedness and strengthening corporate engagement with IIM Jammu.

The Pune Roundtable Conference featured three insightful panel discussions.

The first panel, on the topic “Shaping the Leaders of Tomorrow: What Industry Looks for in Young Talent”, was moderated by Head of Strategy, Mercedes Benz, Ms. Sfurti Patkar, and included eminent panelists Mr. Ayan Bose, Director of Architecture, Siemens; Mr. Prasad Kabbur, Managing Director, Varian (India); Mr. Ajeet Shirsat, Associate Director - HR, Synechron; Mr. Pankaj Khandelwal, Vice President HR, Vodafone Intelligent Systems; Ms. Diana Louis, General Manager Group HR, Belrise Industries Limited; Ms. Surupa Pattnaik, Talent Management Strategist, FORVIA; Mr. Karan Bakshi, Director TA - India & Pacific Region, Cummins Inc.; and Mr. Hari Prasad N, Vice President and Global Head of Marketing, Startek.

The second panel, on the topic “The Power of Networking: How Industry Interactions Can Open Doors”, was moderated by Associate Senior VP & Head of Marketing, Bajaj Allianz, Mr. Vikram Jeet Bhayana, and included distinguished panelists Mr. Biswajit Ghosh, Head of HR, Leoni Wiring Systems (Pune) Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Mahendra Phanse, DGM - IR & Personnel, Ringfeder; Mr. Lalitendu Samanta, Head HR, Belrise Industries Limited; Mr. Abhinav Mishra, Head - Talent Acquisition, Icertis; Mr. Kapil K., Talent Acquisition Leader, NCS Group; Mr. Vinay Chetlur, Business Transformation, Tata Motors; Mr. Nakul Sharma, Associate Director, EY; Mr. Sameer Amte, Managing Director, A & M; and Ms. Ancy Nimsha Sreenivasan, Head of People and Culture, Zywave.

The third panel, on the topic “Learning Beyond Books: Role of Industry to Make Education More Practical”, was moderated by CMO & Head ESG, Quick Heal, Mr. Sudhanshu Tripathi, and featured industry leaders including Mr. Pramey Zode, General Manager, ECOMES; Mr. Abhey Kalia, CEO - Business Unit Bearings – India, Rheinmetall; Mr. Praful Goyal, Director, Marsh McLennan; Mr. Sushil Ghorpade, Head of Resource Management Group, Fulcrum Digital; Mr. Ashutosh Bhatawadekar, CIO Advisory, Engagement Director, TCS; Ms. Nisha Batra, Director Group Functions, Chief of Staff - India & APAC, UBS; Mr. Sumeet Saroj Pattnaik, Head - Talent and OD, Premium Transmission Ltd.; Mr. Sunil Patil, Director, Mastercard; Ms. Neha Kulkarni Mungale, HR Lead, PSBU Engineering, Cummins India; Mr. Siddhant Khadke, Procurement Manager, Mondelez International; and Mr. Abhishek Kulkarni, Head of People and Organization, India, CHRO, Umicore.

The Pune Roundtable Conference further strengthened academia-industry collaboration, paving the way for actionable outcomes benefiting students and the corporate world. IIM Jammu remains committed to fostering partnerships that drive innovation and shape the future of education and professional development.

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Edgar Coelho/Parshuram Kor

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