Maruti Suzuki hosts third Awanish Kumar Dev memorial lecture

Maruti Suzuki along with HR experts from across the country shared their views on the importance and enhancement of the industrial relations scenario in the corporate sector at the third AwanishKumar Dev Memorial Lecture in Mumbai yesterday. The event was organized by Maruti Suzuki along with XISS-Ranchi and NHRDN. The theme of the event this year was ‘Repositioning Industrial Relations in the new India’.

S Y Siddiqui, chief mentor, Maruti Suzuki, K. Ramkumar, executive director, ICICI Bank and president – ICICI Foundation, Rajeev Dubey, Group president, HR & Corporate Services & CEO (Aftermarket Sector) Mahindra & Mahindra, along with many other panelists from the HR and industrial relations fraternity were present at the event.

They shared interesting and effective concepts on how industrial relations should take centrestage to ensure a thrust on productivity across companies. The experts stressed on the need to recognise industry relations as a success factor. Furthermore, they were of the opinion it must be on the radar of top management in order to create a challenging, though fair and inclusive work environment for all white collar and blue collar employees. Additionally, they deliberated that adoption of innovation and long-term productivity plans,employee development through trainings and skill development would be instrumental in the growth of companies.

Speaking on the occasion, Maruti Suzuki’s S Y Siddiqui said, “The corporate scenario of the country has evolved in the past few years with new technology, ideas and talent challenging those of the established firms. In times like these, it is of utmost importance for industrial relations to be part of any business model for the company to create a fair and inclusive environment. This is the main reason why this year’s program reflected issues confronting the IR scenario and how organisations can build their internal IR capability.”

“At Maruti Suzuki we believe that providing careful attention to employees of the company and giving them basic hygiene, medical and safety facilities would enhance the employees’ outlook of the organization. Every year through the Awanish Kumar Dev Memorial Lecture, we attempt to bring together CEOs, HR thought leaders, IR professionals, academicians and management students,” he added.

The event saw active participation by HR thought leaders from across the country in a panel discussion on ‘Repositioning Industrial Relations in new India’; this was followed by a student panel discussion on ‘Challenges of handling Gen Y Blue Collar Workforce in Indian Context’. Student teams from XISS-Ranchi, TISS-Mumbai, NMIMS-Mumbai, SCMHRD-Pune, SIBM-Pune,JBIMS-Mumbai and SPJIMR-Mumbai deliberated on the subject.

The ‘Maruti Suzuki XISS Awanish Kumar Dev Memorial Trust’ was formed in December 2012 to honour the memory and contribution of Awanish Kumar Dev, who was general manager (HR) at Maruti Suzuki when he lost his life in tragic circumstances in Manesar in July 2012.

The Trust is a partnership between Awanish’s family members, XISS-Ranchi and Maruti Suzuki India Limited. The Trust runs a merit-cum means scholarship program at XISS. The Trust initiates to support studies and debates among students of industrial relations. Additionally, the Trust promotes training and vocational activities for the cause of HR and allied subjects.