The Kolkata Chapter of National HRD Network, supported by The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, organized an evening talk show namely "CEO Speak" on 9th December 2016 at The Bengal Lounge, The Chamber Premises. The session provided perspectives of both public and private entities of the country to a full house of audience representing Corporates, Academia and research scholars.

The evening commenced with a read-out of the mandatory "Code of Conduct" of NHRDN by Mr. Rajib Kumar, a Life Member of NHRDN and subsequently the objective of the session was lucidly explained after introducing the panelist CEOs, Mr. Deepak Kr Hota, Chairman and Managing Director, Bharat Earth Movers Limited and Mr. Ravi Todi, Managing Director of Shrachi Group, by Mr. Sourav Daspatnaik, Chairman, Search Committee, NHRDN, Kolkata Chapter. On behalf of NHRDN, veteran members Mr. P K Chatterjee and Mr. Arijit Majumdar along with Mr Subhodip Ghosh, Director General, The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry felicitated Mr. Hota as Chief Guest and Mr. Todi as Guest of Honor, respectively for the evening.

In his erudite speech Mr. Hota delved into his professional journey of more than 3 decades right from the campus days to his past experience with oil major HPCL (Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited) to his current role of BEML. He stressed upon that HR executives, rather than limiting themselves to own areas, should also look into business operations and try to catch up with project calls. He also focused on the major HR role of creating cost consciousness and inviting innovation amongst the employee pool and urged upon entrepreneurship as alternatives for professionals aspiring for HR careers. He shared the case-story based on BEML experience under the "Make in India" drive of their successful participation in the global bidding process for Metro/Rail coaches.

Mr. Todi shared his entrepreneurial journey with the Group and the challenges of handling family-owned businesses. He conveyed the importance of learning from "Level Zero". He urged upon the need to remain focused in identifying new business opportunities for any organization and stressed on the statutory CSR (Corporate Social responsibility) mandate as an emerging opportunity for HR. He highlighted his Group’s latest initiative of "Bio-toilets" thus merging the objectives of the Government of India's "Swachh Bharat" campaign with CSR mandates for corporates.

A lively Q/A session followed the speeches. On behalf of The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Maj Gen (Dr) S C Jain VSM (Retd) delivered the "Vote of Thanks".