Hon. Chief guest Mr. Atul Kirloskar, Chairman & Managing Director of Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd. who also happens to be the Chairman of Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries & Agriculture, Pune. Respected Dr.S.B.Mujumdar, Founder Director & President of Symbiosis Institute, in whose sylvan campus we have gathered today, distinguished members of NIPM, Members of Executive Committee of the Pune Chapter, students of Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies, guests, fellow HR professionals, ladies & gentleman.

On behalf of Pune Chapter of NIPM, I welcome all of you to this function of 'launching of NIPM web site'. Indeed, it is a rare honour for NIPM to have two distinguished personalities on the dais, who by all definition are institution by itself. Our Chief guest, Mr. Atul Kirloskar has championed the Kirloskar Group over last decade after his great grandfather Late Shri Shantanurao Kirloskar,

He is one amongst few successful professionals who have turned around the Company, keeping a human face in mind. Many Indian organizations, particularly manufacturing organizations have been passing through great difficulties post globalization are fighting for their survival. Many of them gave up quickly to the pressures of global competition and handed over the batons to foreign companies, which even attempting to fight back. However, I am proud to say, Kirloskar Oil Engines is an exceptional organization, which kept with the pace of change and succeeded in increasing shareholder value. Ladies & gentlemen, KOEL has a reputation of no strike in last 28 yrs. which is metaphor of perfect harmony between employees and the management. Signing a wage settlement in today's era is not so difficult because of pressures of global competition and price wars but signing a wage settlement 2 day prior to expiry of previous settlement is a landmark by itself and more particularly during license raj where the labour movement was in its peak. I think this was possible, because of the deeper mutual understanding between the management and unions and the strong family bonding build by managers, Kirloskar family and the union and its members something which many big industrial houses failed to achieve. Indeed is a case study for the management students. I am sure if Macormick, the renowned author of a book called 'What they don't teach you at Harvard', had known this, would have certainly devoted few pages in his book on the story of achieving industrial peace.

Dealing with 'knowledge workers' is easy in away, however, dealing with uneducated workforce driving them towards service excellence is most difficult challenge and there will be no exaggeration, if I resemble this achievement with story of 'Lagan'. Ladies & gentleman, both Mr. Atul Kirloskar & his entire team deserves a round of applause for their wonderful contribution towards Human resource management. Thank you, Mr.Kirloskar we are grateful to you for accepting our invitation to be the Chief guest of this function.

The Second distinguished personality on the dais, Ladies & gentleman requires no introduction. A person, who is university by itself, a genius, who created a great institution called 'Symbiosis', a great brand that stood to the test of all scrutiny. An impeccable honesty, character and passion towards excellence, Dr. Mujumdar implanted a sapling of Symbiosis in early 70's, today it has become a conglomeration of 28 institutes teaching nearly 45000 students and employing nearly over 1000 employees. What fascinates me his simplicity, humility and passion towards excellence. Who walks the talk. A teacher in him has never allowed him compromise in nothing than best. He never allowed Symbiosis to join in the trading of education for the sake of raising money. Symbiosis has become a temple of education and character. The students passing out from this institute have always done proud to this institute through their excellent work and intelligence.

There will be no exaggeration if I say, Symbiosis Institute stand no comparison with any other institute other than IIMs. This is the man who has made Pune & all of us proud.

Ladies & gentleman both these great personalities on the dais are icons of the modern management & practices and therefore deserve a 'standing ovation in their honour'.

Thank you, sir for accepting our invitation. We are indebted to you for the love and affection shown to us. Your preaching of Compassion, Commitment & Character will be source of inspiration to all of us in all kind of situations that we face.

Indeed today is a most happy moment for me & my team as much awaited NIPM Web Site is about to be launched. This website will open another window of knowledge sharing for HR professionals in the era of knowledge management. Although you may found the site too informative of the activities of Pune Chapter, we promise you we shall offer meaningful insights to all the viewers and make a preferred site for buddy HR professionals.

My new team, which was elected recently, is committed towards bringing all new initiatives for the overall development of HR resource profession. The first leaf was opened with the introduction of a forum called 'Horizon Broadening' inviting speakers from all walks of life to deliberate, discuss and reflect on the issues concerning human resource management, which I am sure will hone our skills and add value to our respective organizations.

HR is once again on the crossroads. The boundries that we created during last few decades in order to manage human resource have been demolished thanks to globalisation. HR has a big challenge to create a boundry-less and stimulating work environment. 'Perform or perish' is the only mantra for success for all whether corporates or individuals. Consistency in performance can offer you continuity of your employment with the organization. Knowledge management, excellence in quality and delivery and customer delight are three challenges which all organization have to deal with. Quite often than not, HR Manager is always blamed for his happiness in performing the 'maintenance role' and has been seen as non-value adder, when it comes to boardroom discussions. However, HR Managers have always played a key role in ensuring industrial harmony, accepting most of the times brickbats from all sides and sparing with flowers and rarely pat on their back. I have noticed in all seminars, conferences the temptations of all speakers (except our Chief guest Mr.Kirloskar) to whip HR professionals for their 'passive role in development of human resource. To some extent, we have to blame ourselves for our non creativity or lack of knowledge of business and market conditions, I must say, it is also true that the industries have not given sufficient attention towards development of human resource. I wish Industry leaders, view Human resource not as a resource which can be managed but as a human capital that can be deployed intelligently to achieve its goals. I am sure like always, HR Managers will stand next to the CEO in implementing all his strategies with changed role of an 'entrepreneur' and not as an 'Administrator'. What is necessary at this point of time is to constantly update our knowledge, understanding of the business imperatives, hone our own skills and work in partnership with the business. I think, if we can reflect upon, and modify our approach, I am sure the days are not longer, where HR Managers, will be invited to the boardroom consultations.

Once again, I welcome the distinguished personalities on the dais and all of you for this wonderful evening which is ushering a new chapter of industry, management institution and practicing professionals.

I wish you an enjoyable, thought provoking and meaningful deliberations, which you reflect upon. Once again, ladies and gentlemen welcome to NIPM Evening.

Thank you

the because of the approach of industries in looking at themThe National Institute of Personnel Management (NIPM) came into existence in March 1980, as a result of merger of two professional Institutes, viz., the National Institute of Labour Management and the Indian Institute of Personnel Management. The NIPM is now the only All India body of HR professionals dealing with Personnel Management, Industrial Relations, HRD and Labour Welfare in the country. The total membership exceeding 10,000 spread over 50 chapters all over the country.

NIPM is a non-profit making body and its main objects are to encourage and assist the development of Human Resource Management by spreading knowledge and information and practices, through its various Conferences, seminars, workshops.

NIPM is recognized as the leading human resources management Institute in India supporting standards of excellence in every phase of the profession and represents practitioners in business, government and academic community. It is the premier forum in the country devoted to furthering the cause of professionalism in the personnel and industrial relations field through an exchange of knowledge and experience of experts from all parts of the world.

The NIPM is a member of the Asia-Pacific Federation of Human Resource Management, which is affiliated to World Federation of Personnel Management Associations. NIPM regularly interacts with Institute of Personnel and Development (IPD) U.K., Society for Human Resource Management (USA) and ILO-Geneva.

The Institute through its Chapters holds regional conferences, symposiums and seminars, Discussion Meetings, Study Courses etc., on import topics of Personnel Management and Industrial Relations to encourage and assist development of the profession of Personnel Management. The Institute promotes investigation and research on subjects of topical interest pertaining to labour. The Institute publishes a quarterly Journal devoted to the study of developments in the profession of Personnel Management and its practices nationally and internationally.