HR Conference: Navigating the Skill gaps- Understanding and Bridging the Divide

The HR Conference at NDIM, New Delhi, held on 5th February 2026, was organized by The People Management magazine in collaboration with New Delhi Institute of Management. The day-long event featured two sessions with different themes, where eminent speakers shared their expertise on bridging HR, academia, and business for organizational growth and preparing talent for corporate readiness.

Session1: Navigating the Skill gaps- Understanding and Bridging the Divide

Eminent speakers from top organizations, including Ms Ruma Batheja (Knowledgetics Research), Ms Chetna Munshi (Ericsson), Ms Taru Shikha (Upmentrox), and Mr Deepanshu Anand (Ericsson), participated and shared their corporate perspectives. The session was moderated by Dr. Monica Verma, NDIM.

Addressing the audience, the speakers shared insights on navigating skill gaps, understanding the challenges, and bridging the divide to prepare students and professionals for the corporate world. The speakers highlighted what matters most for students entering the workforce, beyond academic qualifications and theoretical knowledge.

Highlighted below are the main insights and recommendations from the HR leaders.

Ruma Batheja effectively explained the importance of Role-Based Employability, highlighting the need for learners to acquire job-specific skills rather than relying solely on syllabus-driven education. She explained a new term in the industry, “New Collar (Skill Competencies),” introducing a concept that builds on the familiar White Collar and Blue Collar classifications.

Chetna Munshi clearly explained what corporate expects from new graduates. She advised freshers on the importance of gaining knowledge in AI applications across HR functions, as well as in retail, production, and emerging technologies, to stay future-ready.

Taru Shikha, while addressing the students, mentioned that hands-on experience through real projects is crucial for developing practical skills and ensuring job readiness. She further highlighted that digital literacy is a critical skill for success in today’s professional environment.

Deepanshu Anand highlighted that bookish knowledge alone cannot prepare students for real-world challenges; practical experience is just as important. He emphasized that exposure to live projects plays a crucial role in building competence and ensuring long-term success.

Session 2.- Career Readiness Skills – Every Student should Master to successfully enter the corporate world

Eminent speakers from top organizations, including Ms Angel Nigam (Wipro), Mr. Pradeep Hatgaonkar (Astemo India Pvt Ltd.), Ms Pallavi Poddar (Fenesta Windows), Ms. Riddhima Bajaj (Micromatic Grinding Technologies Pvt Ltd. ), Mr. Ravish Malik (Infinite Computer Solutions). The session was moderated by Dr. Pallavi Malik, NDIM.

The speakers highlighted that students must develop key skills to transition successfully from campus to the corporate world. They emphasized the importance of digital literacy, prioritizing the right role over the package, and giving 100% in every task as essential for career readiness.

Highlighted below are the main insights and recommendations from the HR leaders.

Angel Nigam highlighted the value of curiosity and open-mindedness, urging students to ask questions without hesitation. She added that by concentrating on their work, rewards such as salary and promotions will naturally follow. She also talked about the importance of Digital Literacy

Pradeep Hatgaonkar encouraged students to concentrate on their capabilities and communicate what they can contribute, rather than focusing on weaknesses. He further added that highlighting one’s strengths can always be a plus point when entering the corporate world.

Pallavi Poddar emphasized that human values will never be replaced, even in an AI-driven world. She further urged students to put their full effort and commitment into every task, highlighting that dedication is the key to success. She concluded with a powerful reminder “Always give 100% in everything you do.”

Ridhima Bajaj focused on the courage to speak and emphasized that clarity in language, not necessarily English, is what truly matters. She further advised students that honesty is the cornerstone of any interview, and presenting a transparent roadmap can make a strong impression.

Ravish Kumar explained that one should prioritize the role over the package, as the right role can motivate you and drive long-term career growth. He further advised that learning, unlearning, and relearning is the key to staying relevant and successful. He also added that physical presence is no longer essential in today’s IT industry.

After an inspiring session sharing industry experiences, the HR leaders highlighted that success in the workplace depends on more than just degrees or bookish knowledge. They emphasized that key factors include digital literacy, prioritizing the right role over salary, and consistently giving 100% effort in every task. They also stressed that clarity in communication—not necessarily in English, but in thought and expression—is essential for workplace effectiveness.