The theme “HR 5.0: People, Purpose, and Possibilities,” reflecting the evolving landscape of Human Resource Management |
By Dr. Sebastin K V | Co ordinator – HRM Forum
The Human Resource Management Forum, School of Social Work (Autonomous), Roshni Nilaya, Mangaluru, in collaboration with Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), is set to host STUNA 2026 – National HR Conference on 6th and 7th April 2026 at Maria Paiva Hall, Roshni Nilaya. The conference is centered on the theme “HR 5.0: People, Purpose, and Possibilities,” reflecting the evolving landscape of Human Resource Management in an era shaped by artificial intelligence, sustainability, and human-centered leadership. The event aims to bring together academicians, industry professionals, research scholars, and students to explore emerging trends and innovations in HR.
The inaugural ceremony will be held on 6th April 2026 at 10:00 AM. Prof. Dr. P. L. Dharma, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Mangalore University, will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest. Rev. Fr. Vinish Augustine, Parish Priest of St. Alphonsa Church, Mangaluru, and Dr. Steevan Pinto, Lead HR, MRPL, will be the Guests of Honour. The programme will be presided over by Prof. Cecilia F. Goveas, Controller of Examinations, School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya.
STUNA 2026 will feature expert sessions by eminent resource persons including Dr. Ajith Sankar, Senior Behavioural Psychologist & Consultant (MoE–NEP | MHA–Affiliated Agencies, Government of India) and Chairman, CoX Mentors & Research Centre, Thiruvananthapuram; Ms. Belchada Dhanashree Gopal, Head – Employee Relations, Titan Company Limited, Bengaluru; and Ms. Ruchi Sinha, Associate Director – HR (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion), Omega Healthcare Management Services, Bengaluru. These sessions will address key areas such as AI in HR, balancing technology with the human touch, and building inclusive workplaces.
The conference will also include paper presentations, inviting contributions from academicians, researchers, HR practitioners, and postgraduate students. The sub-themes cover critical domains such as AI and the future of HR, diversity and inclusion, employee well-being, social impact, and leadership for tomorrow. In addition, engaging student competitions such as Style & Strategy, Executive Edge, and HR Hot Seat are planned to foster practical learning, strategic thinking, and leadership skills among participants.
The valedictory ceremony will be held on 7 April 2026 at 3:30 PM at Maria Paiva Hall. The session will be graced by Mr. Kalandar Kaushik, HR CoE Program Manager at Sartorius AG, Germany, as the Chief Guest. The programme will also be honoured by the presence of distinguished guests including Dr. Ravichandran Nair K, Co-ordinator of the MSW Programme at MAHE, Manipal, and Mr. Dharmaprasad Rai, President of the Roshni Alumni Association, Bengaluru. Dr. Meena Monteiro, Dean of PG Studies, will preside over the function.
