New Delhi: As organisations across India rethink leadership models amid rapid workplace transformation, the National Human Resource Development Network (NHRDN) – Delhi & NCR Chapter hosted the HR Leaders Huddle, bringing together senior HR professionals for dialogue on leadership, collaboration and the future of people management.
Held at Radisson Blu, Delhi, the evening marked an important engagement for the Chapter under its newly elected leadership team. At the same time, it signalled the beginning of a new leadership phase under the theme “A New Leadership, A Shared Vision. The Road Ahead.” The forum aimed to strengthen professional connections. It also sought to encourage knowledge sharing. Additionally, it focused on aligning the HR community around a shared vision for the future.
The event commenced with a welcome address and the presentation of the Chapter’s shared vision and two-year roadmap by Salil Lal, President of the NHRDN Delhi & NCR Chapter. The roadmap outlined several priorities. These included deeper member engagement, industry-relevant conversations, leadership development, and structured initiatives focused on capability-building for HR leaders navigating change.
Speaking on the occasion, Salil Lal said:
The HR Leaders’ Huddle is envisioned as a platform for meaningful conversations that go beyond immediate challenges and focus on long-term impact. As we begin a new leadership journey for the Chapter, our emphasis will be on strengthening the HR community through collaboration, capability building, and thought leadership.
Commenting on the significance of the gathering, Vir Bharat, Secretary, NHRDN Delhi & NCR Chapter, said:
The HR Leaders Huddle marked the kickoff of our new leadership journey at NHRDN Delhi & NCR. It provided an opportunity to share our roadmap and bring the HR community together around a common vision focused on collaboration, capability-building and long-term value creation.
As part of the leadership introductions, Dr. Pradyumna Pandey, Vice President, formally introduced the Chapter’s Mentors and Advisory Board members. He emphasised their role in strengthening governance. He also highlighted their contribution to guiding the Chapter’s strategic direction. Subsequently, Vir Bharat outlined the Chapter’s extended leadership structure, including the Zonal Team and Council Members. This, he noted, reflects a focus on inclusive participation and wider outreach.
In addition, Dheeraj Modi, Treasurer, shared his perspective on financial stewardship. He emphasised transparency, sustainability, and prudent financial planning. These principles, he noted, are critical to supporting the Chapter’s long-term initiatives.
Diverse leadership perspectives at NHRDN Delhi
The HR Leaders Huddle also featured insights from two distinguished Guests of Honour, together bringing perspectives from defence and public governance.
Lt. Gen. JP Nehra, PVSM, AVSM & Bar (Retd.), Former Deputy Chief of Army Staff, shared leadership lessons drawn from decades of experience in managing large institutions. In particular, he emphasised character, responsibility, discipline, clarity of purpose, and decision-making under uncertainty.
Meanwhile, Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, IAS, Former Secretary to the Government of India, reflected on leadership in public systems and governance reforms. He also spoke about the importance of human-centric leadership in complex organisational environments. Notably, his address highlighted the need for clarity of purpose. It also underscored the importance of aligning people around a shared vision during periods of constant transformation.
Taken together, the sessions reinforced the relevance of purpose-led leadership. They also highlighted accountability and long-term institution-building. These qualities, increasingly, are seen as critical in today’s evolving world of work.
Celebrating thought leadership
The evening further featured the launch of “One Cup Without Sugar – Leadership Lessons from Work & Life”, authored by Ajay Tyagi. The book launch reflected NHRDN’s continued focus on reflective learning. It also underscored the value of sharing leadership insights grounded in real-world experiences.
Following this, members engaged in discussions around leadership development, organisational culture, and the changing expectations from HR professionals. These conversations gained relevance as organisations continue to adapt to new workforce realities.
Building a collaborative HR ecosystem
The Chapter acknowledged the contributions of its Executive Committee, including Dr. Pradyumna Pandey (Vice President), Vir Bharat (Secretary), and Dheeraj Modi (Treasurer). It also recognised the efforts of the Chapter Secretariat, led by Bhagat Singh, for the successful planning and execution of the event.
With participation from members, partners, mentors, advisory board members, and industry stakeholders, the HR Leaders Huddle underscored the NHRDN Delhi & NCR Chapter’s commitment to collaboration, learning, and professional growth within the HR community.
As India’s workplaces continue to evolve, platforms such as NHRDN are expected to play an increasingly pivotal role. In particular, they are likely to shape conversations around leadership, people practices, and the future of work.
