July 27, 2026: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kashipur successfully organised Sangam 2026 – The Executive Forum, providing a platform for industry leaders and academia to engage in meaningful discussions on leadership, technological transformation, talent management, innovation, and the future of work. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, faculty members, and corporate leaders, fostering meaningful industry-academia interaction.
The first panel discussion, “Leading Through Change: Talent, Technology & Transformation,” was moderated by Prof. Vaibhav Bhamoriya, Assistant Professor (Economics) and Chairperson – Experiential Learning, IIM Kashipur.
Sharing his perspective on the evolving workplace, Aaquibe Shaikh, Campus Recruitment Specialist, Microsoft, remarked, “Technology may accelerate progress, but it is skilled people with a clear sense of purpose who create lasting impact.”
Akshat Choubey, Program Lead – VCC Tech Delivery, Prudential plc, emphasized that “Technology gets you in the game, but continuous learning, adaptability, and consistency keep you ahead.” Highlighting the growing role of artificial intelligence in organizations.
Brishti Mondal, Vice President & Head HR, NRI FinTech, observed, “The future belongs to those who embrace change, leverage AI as an ally, and continuously evolve to create value where it matters most.”
Adding to the discussion, Lakshmi Trivedy, Director and Co-founder, FlexiEle, noted that “The shift is no longer just about skills—it’s about personality, a problem-solving mindset, and the synergy between them.”
The second panel discussion, “The Future of Enterprise: People, Innovation & Growth,” was moderated by Prof. Abu Rehan Abbasi, Assistant Professor – Strategy, IIM Kashipur, who underscored the importance of inclusiveness and diversity in organizational decision-making, adding that while companies often focus on immediate growth, they must not lose sight of their long-term vision.
Subramanian S, Senior Lead – Early Talent Programs & DEI BRG Lead, BP, commenced the session with an interactive ice-breaker and highlighted that innovation is transforming every business function, making HR increasingly technology- and strategy-driven while reinforcing the importance of empathy-led transformation with a focus on employee growth, development, and mental well-being.
Pratiksha Gupta, Program Manager – Campus Hiring, HCLSoftware, emphasized that organizations, like individuals, must continuously learn and relearn to maximize their resources while adapting to the changing expectations of employees and evolving workplace roles.
Mohin Mohammed, Talent Attraction and Program Manager, Finastra, advocated for a people-first approach over a business-first mindset, encouraging students to embrace continuous learning and reminding them that while educational institutions may open the doors to the corporate world, long-term success depends on an individual’s willingness to grow and evolve.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Prof. Kunal Ganguly, Dean (Development), IIM Kashipur, expressed gratitude to the distinguished speakers for taking time out of their busy schedules to interact with the students. The event was also graced by the presence of Prof. Shobha Tiwari, Chairperson – Placements, IIM Kashipur, and Prof. Deepak Verma, Chairperson – Placements, IIM Kashipur, along with faculty members and students.
Through initiatives such as Sangam, IIM Kashipur continues to strengthen industry-academia collaboration by facilitating meaningful interactions between students and accomplished professionals, equipping future leaders with industry perspectives and the leadership capabilities required to thrive in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
