Manpreet Pahwa addresses management students on ‘Bots, Humans & HR’ and the evolving talent ecosystem
Amritsar (Economy India): IDFC FIRST Bank conducted a high-impact Thought Leadership session at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Amritsar, focusing on the changing landscape of Human Resources in an era of automation, analytics, and digital integration. The session was led by Manpreet Pahwa, Head – Talent Acquisition Operations & Strategic Projects at IDFC FIRST Bank, who interacted directly with management students on campus.
During the session titled ‘Bots, Humans & HR’, Pahwa discussed how human judgment and technology are increasingly working together to reshape the future of organizational talent, hiring strategy, skill assessment, and workplace evolution. He emphasized that while AI-driven tools are transforming recruitment efficiency and decision-making, the human element continues to be irreplaceable in culture-building, empathy, leadership, and long-term workforce strategy.
Key Discussion Points
- Integration of AI and automation in hiring processes
- Balancing digital capability with emotional intelligence
- The future of HR analytics, workforce planning & role-based skill mapping
- Reimagining leadership models in a tech-augmented environment
- Preparing management graduates for a hybrid and innovation-led workplace
The session saw active participation, with students asking questions related to future career skills, talent strategy in banking, and the changing expectations from modern HR leadership.
Commitment to Learning & Industry-Academia Collaboration
IDFC FIRST Bank reiterated its commitment to nurturing young talent and building future-ready leaders through direct engagement with academic institutions.
“Our philosophy is rooted in continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation. When digital tools meet human insight, that is where the future of HR truly unlocks its potential,”
— Manpreet Pahwa, IDFC FIRST Bank
The bank stated that initiatives like this are part of its broader effort to share industry knowledge, enhance employability skills among young professionals, and encourage a mindset of purpose-driven leadership.
Career Opportunity & Engagement
IDFC FIRST Bank continues to expand its footprint across talent, technology, and customer-focused banking services. The institution encouraged emerging professionals to consider career opportunities within the bank as it builds a next-generation financial organization.
“We believe in empowering future leaders. If you want to build a world-class bank with us, explore opportunities at IDFC FIRST Bank.”
Economy India Perspective
This engagement reflects a growing trend in India Inc., where leading banks are aligning talent development with digital transformation. The interaction serves as a blueprint for how industry and academia can collaborate to prepare students for the next phase of workplace evolution—where technology and human capabilities co-exist by design.
(Economy India)
