Panel discussion held on August 22, 2024, at Christ University's Main Auditorium was a dynamic and insightful event focused on modern recruitment practices, HR strategies, and career development. Drawing over 1,000 attendees, including students, faculty, and industry professionals, the event provided valuable insights into the fast-evolving job market and practical tools for career advancement.

The event opened with a keynote address by Dr. Biju Toms, Director of the School of Commerce, Finance, and Accountancy (CU SCFA). He praised the excellence of CU SCFA students, highlighting their growing reputation in the professional world. Dr. Biju commended EDEC, one of the standout clubs within CU SCFA, for its rapid impact and concluded his speech with a thought-provoking statement: "If you don't make your product obsolete, others will." This message underscored the importance of staying competitive and embracing innovation.

A significant highlight of the event was the official launch of Venture Studio by EDEC, an initiative designed to support startups and entrepreneurial projects. The studio aims to provide resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities, helping students bridge the gap between education and enterprise.

Three major sessions followed, each offering unique insights from distinguished industry leaders:

1. Chaos to Clarity – HR Panel

Moderated by Mr. Gautam Parekh, Managing Director at EDEC, this panel examined HR’s transformation from a back-office function to a key strategic partner. Panelists, including Mrs. Sreesukhi Sudarshan from EY and Mr. Mohit Sharma from KPMG, shared how emerging technologies like AI are reshaping talent acquisition and employee development. Mrs. Sudarshan encouraged students to embrace risk-taking, while Mr. Sharma highlighted the importance of prioritizing depth over breadth in career development.

 

An interactive resume-building workshop followed, offering students personalized advice on improving their resumes to align with industry standards.

2. The Golden Legacy – Family Business

Led by Mr. Siddharth Mehta of Rajesh Exports, this session explored the unique dynamics of family-run businesses, focusing on succession planning and sustainability. Mr. Mehta emphasized the need for humility, hard work, and leadership by example. He debunked the myth that family businesses are fallback options, urging students to view entrepreneurship as a viable path to job creation.

In a fun and engaging moment, signed mugs by Mr. Mehta were given away in a live session, energizing the audience.

3. Navigating Tomorrow – Startup India

Mr. Ashok Chandavarkar, Vice President of Invest India, led this session, focusing on India’s thriving startup ecosystem, which has grown exponentially in recent years. He introduced the BHASKAR Initiative, a new platform to foster collaboration among startups. Mr. Chandavarkar discussed the importance of innovation and long-term planning, advising students to start shaping their career paths early and steadily work toward their goals.

The event concluded with a captivating live performance by Vishal Anand, an ex-Christite and contemporary pop musician from Bangalore, whose energy and talent left the audience with an unforgettable experience, blending intellectual insights with artistic expression.