The Human Resource Management Programme at Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS), Ranchi, recently hosted an alumni meet, welcoming distinguished Personnel Management graduates from the batch of 1979-81. The event began with a formal meeting with the Director of XISS, Dr Joseph Marianus Kujur SJ where he mentioned that the Alumni of XISS are one of the most crucial pillars of the institute, and he takes immense pride in the success of his alumni.

The Alumni were invited to the Fr Michael Van den Bogaert SJ Memorial Auditorium to interact with the first-year HRM students about their life experiences and corporate journey as HR professionals. This was an enriching experience, as the alumni shared valuable insights, personal experiences, and words of wisdom, offering guidance to the current students.

One of the Alumni, Mr Prabhat Narayan Prasad, emphasized the importance of developing competencies in one's work area. He encouraged students to continuously enhance their communication skills, as effective communication is crucial to professional success.

Another alumnus, Mr Deepak Garnaik (Group HR Head at Sona Group, Ghana, Nigeria), shared his journey in the hydrocarbon industry, where he spent nine years working at GAIL. He underscored the values of sincerity, honesty, and hard work as key ingredients for success. Reflecting on his experience with industrial relations, he noted that union behaviors have remained largely unchanged over the years, reinforcing the need for HR professionals to develop strong negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.

Mr Suresh Kumar Mohata (Last organization - Usha Martin | Currently a businessman) spoke about his professional journey, mentioning that he worked at Usha Martin before transitioning into entrepreneurship. He expressed his admiration for XISS, acknowledging its growth and commendable achievements. Describing the institute as a "temple of learning," he stressed that those who sincerely study and internalize its teachings will succeed. He stated that while HR presents challenges due to its direct involvement with human behavior, he explained that the correct problem-solving mindset can make it manageable.

Mr Nitish Behera shared his diverse professional experiences, beginning with Tata Steel, where he worked for three years before moving on to organizations like Aditya Birla and Essar Steel. Encouraging students to prepare themselves for the ever-evolving corporate world, he stressed the importance of adaptability and maintaining good health.

Mr Ranjit Singh highlighted the delicate and dynamic role of HR in the industry. He described it as walking a thin line, where balancing management's and workers' interests requires skill and precision. He emphasized that the world is full of opportunities, but how one navigates through it is an individual responsibility. He advised students to work on their weaknesses while strengthening their existing skills.

The event concluded with sharing the Alumni book "The Untold Journey of Leaders" and a thank-you note from the Director, who thanked the alumni for sharing their experiences and inspiring the students.

The alumni meet proved to be an insightful and motivating session, leaving students with valuable lessons on career growth, adaptability, and the evolving role of HR. The wisdom and experiences shared by the alumni provided students with a deeper understanding of the HR profession and the journey beyond XISS.