By Economy India Staff | Industry Insight Feature | IIT Ropar – Industry LYNK 2025
Introduction: A New Blueprint for India’s Public Sector Transformation
At the prestigious Industry LYNK 2025 hosted by IIT Ropar, a landmark dialogue unfolded on the future of India’s workforce and the role of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in shaping a “Viksit Bharat @ 2047.” The highlight of the event was a keynote address by Dr. Vilas V. Zode, Executive Director – HR, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), who shared deep insights on the theme:
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“People, Purpose, and Progress: Reimagining PSU HR for a Multigenerational, AI-Driven Workforce in Viksit Bharat @ 2047.”
Dr. Zode’s address wasn’t merely a speech—it was a roadmap for how India’s public sector can stay relevant, innovative, and people-centric in an age where AI and human intelligence must co-exist harmoniously.
Section 1: Setting the Context — India’s Workforce in Transition
India is at the cusp of a profound workforce transformation. With over 65% of its population below the age of 35, the nation stands on the threshold of a demographic dividend that can either propel or paralyze its economic ambitions.
However, the post-pandemic reality, the AI revolution, and the changing aspirations of Gen Z and Millennials are forcing HR leaders—especially in PSUs—to rethink traditional models of leadership, talent engagement, and productivity.
Dr. Zode began by highlighting this very paradox:
“The PSU ecosystem has always been a cornerstone of India’s economic growth. But in the age of AI, our biggest challenge is not just automation—it’s adaptation.”
Reimagining PSU HR for a Multigenerational, AI-Driven Workforce in Viksit Bharat @ 2047
Section 2: HPCL’s People-First Philosophy
HPCL, one of India’s most respected PSUs, has been leading by example in reimagining HR strategy around its three pillars: People, Purpose, and Progress.
People: Building a culture that values inclusivity, skill evolution, and well-being.
Purpose: Aligning every role with the larger national goal of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Progress: Leveraging AI, data, and analytics to enable informed decision-making and continuous growth.
Dr. Zode underscored how HPCL’s HR transformation framework focuses on “Digital HR for Human Empowerment”, not replacement.
He added:
“AI should not replace the human spirit—it should amplify it. In the PSU context, technology must serve people, not overshadow them.”
Section 3: A Confluence of Industry and Academia
The Industry LYNK 2025 summit, organized by IIT Ropar, acted as a bridge between industry visionaries, policymakers, and academic researchers. With 25+ distinguished speakers and panelists, 4 thematic tracks on AI, sustainability, and future of work, and 32+ student showcases, the event showcased how innovation thrives when academia and industry collaborate.
Key thematic tracks included:
AI in Human Capital Management
Sustainability and ESG Integration
Future of Work and Workforce Wellbeing
Industry-Academia Innovation Synergy
Dr. Zode’s keynote stood out for its human-centric approach amid technological discourse.
Section 4: Reimagining PSU HR — From Hierarchies to Networks
Traditional PSU frameworks are often seen as hierarchical and process-heavy. Dr. Zode proposed a networked, agile, and data-driven HR architecture that empowers decision-making at all levels.
He emphasized:
“The PSU of the future must be an ecosystem where mentorship flows both ways—senior leaders guiding youth, and digital natives leading digital transformation.”
This vision involves:
Cross-functional collaboration models
AI-driven workforce analytics
Continuous learning ecosystems through digital academies
Emphasis on emotional intelligence and inclusion
Section 5: Multigenerational Workforce — Harmony, Not Hierarchy
India’s PSUs today employ four distinct generations — from Baby Boomers to Gen Z — each with unique motivations, digital fluency, and value systems.
Dr. Zode discussed how leadership needs to evolve from command-and-control to coaching and co-creation.
“A multigenerational workforce isn’t a challenge; it’s an advantage—if we design workplaces that respect diversity in thinking and learning.”
At HPCL, initiatives like Reverse Mentorship Programs, Skill Flex Platforms, and AI-enabled Learning Paths are already setting benchmarks.
Section 6: AI as a Co-worker, Not a Competitor
One of the most insightful parts of Dr. Zode’s keynote was his nuanced view of AI integration in the PSU ecosystem. He noted that automation shouldn’t be about cost-cutting—it should be about value creation.
He cited examples of how AI is being used within HPCL:
Predictive analytics for workforce planning
Chatbots for HR query resolution
AI-driven recruitment screening
Learning recommendation engines
“AI can take over repetitive tasks,” said Dr. Zode, “but empathy, judgment, and leadership will always remain human domains.”
Reimagining PSU HR for a Multigenerational, AI-Driven Workforce in Viksit Bharat @ 2047
Section 7: The Road to Viksit Bharat @ 2047
The keynote tied back to the national mission — Viksit Bharat @ 2047 — envisioning India as a global economic powerhouse driven by innovation, inclusivity, and human capital excellence.
Dr. Zode urged the audience to view HR not as a support function but as a strategic engine of national progress.
“When PSUs transform their people practices, they don’t just uplift their organizations—they strengthen the nation.”
Section 8: Reactions and Reflections
The keynote drew wide appreciation from academic leaders, industry experts, and students. Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director of IIT Ropar, remarked:
“Dr. Zode’s vision captures the soul of India’s next-generation workforce — human-centric yet tech-enabled.”
Panelists from industries like ONGC, SAIL, and BHEL echoed similar sentiments, calling it a “masterclass in PSU modernization.”
Section 9: Industry LYNK 2025 — A Platform for Synergy
The event closed with collaborative discussions on joint research projects, internships, and innovation clusters between PSUs and academic institutions.
Over 500 participants attended the sessions, including corporate HR heads, policy experts, and student researchers. The conversations set a roadmap for a People-First, Technology-Fast PSU transformation model.
Section 10: The Takeaway — A People Revolution in the Making
Dr. Vilas Zode’s address wasn’t just about HR—it was about national human capital renewal. It redefined the PSU narrative from bureaucratic to visionary, empathetic, and agile.
As India marches toward 2047, the integration of Purpose, People, and Progress will define whether PSUs remain engines of employment—or evolve into engines of empowerment.
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