OCTOBER 31, 2025 (FRIDAY)| 02:20 PM ONWARDS | ALOFT, AEROCITY NEW DELHI
OCTOBER 31, 2025 (FRIDAY)| 02:20 PM ONWARDS | ALOFT, AEROCITY NEW DELHI
The HRKatha Rising Star Leadership Awards is your launchpad to national recognition. We celebrate the brightest star driving the evolution of HR in India. Showcase your exceptional contributions and be recognized among the industry’s rising elite.
Join us in celebrating the brilliance and innovation of HR professionals who are transforming the HR landscape!
MD & CEO, Birla Corporation
A seasoned leader with nearly four decades of experience across consumer goods, cement, and building materials. Returning as MD & CEO in 2023, he previously served as COO, driving transformational changes. His expertise spans strategic roles premiumisation, and integration. Beyond the boardroom, he is an active writer and speaker on business, policy, and society.
Group Executive President HR, Aditya Birla Group
A veteran HR leader with 35+ years across consumer products, electronics, construction, and chemicals. At Aditya Birla Group since 2007, Ramesh has steered HR for verticals from cement to retail, specialising in organisational transformation and change management. His career includes impactful roles at Owens Corning, Hindustan Construction Company, and Philips India, shaping HR strategies across diverse industries.
CHRO, Edelweiss Life Insurance
An accomplished HR leader with expertise in insurance and financial services. Appointed CHRO at Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance in 2023, she champions people strategy, inclusivity, and employee growth. With experience at Raheja QBE, Bandhan Life, and Aegon Life, she is known for her consultative approach and innovative contributions across HR functions, fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture.
CHRO, Hydrocarbons, Reliance Industries
With over 35 years of global experience, Ashwani is a distinguished HR leader adept in driving transformational initiatives, change management, HR capability building, and industrial relations. Currently leading HR for Reliance Industries' hydrocarbons business, he has held leadership roles at renowned companies like Honeywell, Whirlpool, and BILT, where he significantly influenced organisational growth and workforce strategies.
Director HR, GAIL (India)
An IIT Roorkee graduate and seasoned HR leader with 33+ years in energy and PSU sectors. Appointed HR Director at GAIL in 2022, Ayush specialises in training, talent acquisition, leadership development, and performance management. With over two decades at GAIL, he has contributed significantly to its growth, building robust HR frameworks and leadership strategies.
Director HR, Coal India
A veteran HR leader with 29 years of experience, Vinay specialises in talent acquisition, performance management, and change leadership. Director HR at Coal India since 2021, he previously led HR at Eastern Coalfields. An INSEAD alumnus, he has successfully driven HR transformations, including SAP implementations, across multiple geographies in PSU and private sector organisations.
CHRO, Bata India
An HR leader with 20 years of global experience across industries like pharma, insurance, and telecom. Pooja specialises in strategic HR, organisation transformation, and employer branding. As CHRO at Bata India, she drives innovation and culture-building initiatives. A behavioural coach and psychometric expert, she is also a passionate educator and advocate for youth and social causes.
President & Global HR Head, Alkem Laboratories
An HR expert with 29 years in pharmaceuticals, oil, and engineering sectors, Rajorshi joined Alkem in 2017 after leading HR at Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories. Author of Winning with Gen Z, he is a recognised thought leader in strategic HR, change management, and global talent development, with extensive experience in crafting innovative workforce strategies.
ED & CHRO - Power Business, RP Sanjiv Goenka Group
With 25 years of industry experience, Subir manages HR for the power business at RP Sanjiv Goenka Group. His expertise spans career development, change management, leadership development, and HR consulting. Having worked at Tata Power, Reliance Communications, and Aptech, Subir excels in coaching and organisational transformation, delivering strategic value to businesses and fostering dynamic work environments.
Deputy Group CHRO, Vedanta Group
A thought leader with 20+ years in HR, Praveen drives transformational initiatives at Vedanta. Renowned for expertise in leadership, talent management, and digital transformation, he builds internal leadership pipelines and elevates Vedanta as a global employer of choice. Passionate about social impact, Praveen actively supports NGOs and engages in public speaking at industry and academic forums.
Head - People & Culture, KPMG Global Services
With 25 years in HR, Rupesh excels in leadership development, talent management, and M&A integration. At KPMG Global Services, he leads people strategy, having previously driven HR functions at IHS Markit and Accenture. A public thinker and marathoner, Rupesh blends operational expertise with creativity, contributing to organisational growth and employee engagement across diverse industries.
MD & CEO, Tata Play
With almost 40 years of experience, Harit has led Tata Play since 2010, transforming India’s entertainment industry. His career began in FMCG with Lakmé, Marico, and Pepsi, followed by leadership roles in Shoppers Stop and Vodafone. Under his guidance, Tata Play has revolutionised digital entertainment, consistently exceeding customer expectations in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
CHRO, L&T Technology Services
With over 25 years of experience, Lakshmanan leads the global HR function at L&T Technology Services. His expertise spans talent management, M&As, global mobility, and HR operations, honed at Hexaware, Mphasis, and Capgemini. A former NHRDN Mumbai Chapter President, he is a certified OD practitioner and passionate advocate for skill development and education for underprivileged children.
Young HR Turk
Early-career HR professionals who demonstrate exceptional potential and have made significant contributions despite their relatively short tenure. Perfect for those who've quickly advanced and shown leadership qualities beyond their years.
HR Technovator
Tech-savvy disruptors who are revolutionising HR through cutting-edge solutions, digital transformation breakthroughs, and data-driven innovation that reshapes people management.
Talent Magnet
Irresistible recruiters who attract top talent like magnets. Ideal for those who’ve built powerful employer brands and created hiring strategies that make candidates choose them over competitors.
Experience Wizard
Creative professionals who craft compelling employee narratives from onboarding to farewell. Perfect for those who've designed experiences that turn workplace moments into memorable stories employees love to share.
Culture Bridge Builder
Connectors who build bridges across diverse communities within organisations. Ideal for professionals who've created meaningful pathways for inclusion and turned cultural differences into competitive advantages.
Happiness Ambassador
Positivity champions who specialise in creating joyful, energising work environments. Perfect for those who've implemented wellbeing programmes and culture-building initiatives that make employees genuinely excited to come to work.
Shop Floor Diplomat
For plant HR professionals who excel in managing industrial relations, worker unions, and factory-floor dynamics. Ideal for those who've successfully navigated complex labour negotiations and maintained industrial peace.
Rewards Guru
Creative professionals who conjure up magical reward systems and recognition programmes. Perfect for those who've created innovative incentive structures that motivate performance and make employees feel truly valued.
Knowledge Catalyst
Innovative learning architects who transform skill gaps into growth opportunities. Perfect for those who've designed cutting-edge training programmes, implemented upskilling initiatives, and created learning cultures that propel both individual and organisational success.
Value Creator
Strategic minds who craft compelling total rewards packages that attract, retain, and motivate top talent. Ideal for professionals who've designed innovative compensation structures and benefits programmes that balance organisational goals with employee satisfaction.
Transformation Titan
Powerful change agents who lead complex organisational transformations with unstoppable force. Perfect for seasoned professionals who've successfully restructured, reimagined, and revolutionised entire organisational cultures.
Business Catalyst
Strategic powerhouses who ignite business growth through HR excellence. Ideal for professionals who've mastered the art of turning HR strategies into business results and accelerating organisational success.
HR Trailblazer
Visionary leaders who forge new paths in HR and inspire others to follow. Perfect for Senior Managers, Directors, and Associate Directors who've pioneered innovative approaches whilst mentoring the next generation of HR leaders.
Earn the prestigious HRKatha Rising Star Leader badge and gain industry-wide recognition for your achievements
Build valuable relationships with like-minded HR visionaries and expand your professional network.
Position yourself as a leader in the HR industry and pave the way for future advancements
Have your winning case study featured in HRKatha's special awards section and reach thousands of HR professionals
Top winners get the opportunity to present their case studies at the prestigious HRKatha Leadership Summit
Be profiled on HRKatha's website, social media platforms, and featured in industry publications
KNOW MORE ABOUT
PARTICIPATION
Expert Judging Panel: Our distinguished panel of judges comprises senior HR leaders, CEOs, and Managing Directors from India's largest business conglomerates, bringing decades of industry expertise and leadership experience to the evaluation process.
Scientific Assessment Integration: As part of the evaluation process for the HRKatha Rising Star Leadership Awards, the HPTI (High Potential Trait Indicator) by Thomas will be used to assess nominees on key personality traits associated with leadership potential and effectiveness. Rooted in robust psychological theory, HPTI offers a data-driven perspective on traits like conscientiousness, resilience, curiosity, and competitiveness—qualities that define future-ready HR leaders. This scientific approach ensures that the selection process recognizes individuals not only for their achievements but also for their potential to drive lasting impact within their organizations and the HR industry.
Assessment Criteria:
The judges will evaluate nominees based on three key dimensions:
Professional Achievements: Demonstrated success and measurable impact in current HR roles
Innovative Ideas: Creative approaches to HR challenges and forward-thinking solutions
Leadership Potential: Capacity to become influential future leaders in the HR profession
This comprehensive evaluation framework, combining expert judgment with scientific assessment, ensures that recipients of the HRKatha Rising Star Leadership Award truly represent the next generation of exceptional HR talent in India.
Participant’s Details
Complete your profile by providing comprehensive personal and professional information including your current role, industry, experience level, and contact details. This helps us understand your professional background and journey.
Leadership Impact Case Study
Submit a detailed case study (500-800 words) showcasing a significant achievement or initiative you've led that created meaningful impact in your organisation or industry. Follow our Challenge-Solution-Outcome format to clearly demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and measurable results. Alternatively, you can upload a comprehensive PDF document following the same structure.
Strategic HR Assessment
Demonstrate your industry knowledge and strategic thinking by answering targeted questions about current HR trends, your priorities for the upcoming year, and your vision for contributing to India's HR landscape. Share insights that reflect your expertise and forward-thinking approach.
Payment Process:
Complete the registration fee payment online via the secure payment gateway after submitting all your application details and ensuring all sections are properly filled.
This is your opportunity to shine and earn the prestigious title of HRKatha Rising Star Leader! Don't just apply—make your mark and showcase why you're the future of HR leadership in India!
2:20 PM - 2:50 PM
Delegates register and network over welcome refreshments
2:50 PM - 3:00 PM
HRKatha Leadership sets the summit’s vision and objectives
3:00 PM - 3:45 PM
Through trust, purpose, and authentic connection
3:45 PM - 4:00 PM
Insights from HRKatha Leadership Summit Winners
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Where authentic leadership is forged in the crucible of daily operations
4:45 PM - 5:00 PM
Refreshments and informal networking opportunities for delegates to connect and exchange ideas.
5:00 PM - 5:45 PM
That drives innovation and performance
5:45 PM - 6:15 PM
Insights from HRKatha Rising Star Leadership Awards Winners
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
An initiative to identify future leaders in HR
7:30 PM Onwards
Connect, collaborate, and celebrate
© 2025 HRKatha Rising Star Leadership Awards
