The annual XISS Alumni Meet, organised by the AAXISS Mumbai Chapter, took place on 28 September, 2024, at Holiday Inn, Mumbai. The event served as a vital platform for bridging the gap between academia and industry, drawing over 200 attendees.
The meet was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including Fr. Joseph Marianus, director, Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS), Ranchi, and Pawan Kumar Singh, director, IIM Tiruchirappalli and an alumnus of XISS. Both leaders emphasised the significance of fostering stronger connections between academic institutions and the corporate world, highlighting how events such as these contribute to shaping future industry leaders. Marianus also announced the institute’s plans for expansion, designed to meet the evolving needs of the modern workforce. Singh, drawing from his own career transition from corporate to academia, stressed the importance of management education in today’s competitive landscape.
Additionally, there were also senior professionals and delegates from various sectors across western India, with representation from cities such as Mumbai, Pune and Indore.
The event, curated by a lineup of notable industry figures, including Rajorshi Ganguli, president and CHRO, Alkem Laboratories, Joydeep Roy, managing director of HR, PwC, and several others from leading organisations, provided a comprehensive view of how the collaboration between academia and industry can create new opportunities for growth.
A key highlight of the evening was a panel discussion on ‘Emotional Intelligence in Navigating Corporate and Entrepreneurial Careers’, which explored the role of emotional intelligence and situational judgment in career transitions at various stages. The discussion featured insights from Rashmi Jha, co-founder, Vani Coach, Sundara Rajan, founder, Thomas Assessment, Prashant Parashar, principal consultant, potentia growth, and Manya Banga, representing the student community. The panel was moderated by Nidhi Arora, lead HR, Akasa Air.
The gathering also honoured key dignitaries and reaffirmed the alumni chapter’s commitment to expanding access to professional development forums for XISS graduates.
This year’s meet, with the support of several partners and sponsors including Vani Coach, People Metrics, Symphoni HR, Jobs Kart, and Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, facilitated valuable networking opportunities for participants and fostered discussions on emerging industry trends.
The XISS Alumni Meet continues to exemplify the importance of industry-academia collaboration, offering students and alumni priceless insights into real-world business challenges and further solidifying their professional networks.
