Hinar 2023 - Sharing the Experience

Isha Leadership Academy recently hosted the HINAR 2023 event in Coimbatore, which aimed to challenge the perception of humans as mere resources and instead highlight their immense potential and need for the right environment to thrive. The event brought together thought leaders, experts, and participants interested in human-centered approaches to leadership and personal development.

I must say upfront that it was worth attending - it's always a positive experience when your expectations/queries are met in some form and helps you in seeking something meaningful and hoping to find answers or guidance with opportunities for self-reflection, learning, and engagement.

The serene yet invigorating atmosphere of the Isha Yoga Center provided the backdrop for this event and journey of self-discovery for growth. We as participants were able to tap into the tranquil energy of the surroundings, fostering a conducive environment for reflection and learning. The event incorporated various activities and sessions, several prominent speakers shared their insights and practical strategies.

Throughout the event, participants immersed themselves in a transformative experience and engaged in thought-provoking discussions, interactive sessions, and practical exercises, all aimed at nurturing talent, cultivating an appropriate and positive organizational culture, and fostering inner transformation.

#Sadhguru's wisdom and guidance formed the foundation of the program, as he shared profound insights into human nature, consciousness, and the power of inner transformation over video.

We had Vasanthi Srinivasan , from IIM Bangalore, sharing her expertise and highlighting the reciprocal relationship between leaders and organizational culture. She emphasized that leaders have the power to shape culture, and in turn, culture influences the development and behavior of leaders. Recognizing the stage of an organization becomes crucial in understanding this interplay.

Amit Anchal , a Board Member of Ola Electric, emphasized the importance of leaders getting their teams, regardless of hierarchy, to embrace the overall vision of their work. He stressed the need to percolate the vision down to employees and make it meaningful for them.

Samit Ghosh , who has had a remarkable journey from Wharton to Citibank to the microfinance organization Ujjivan, discussed the significance of transparency, especially during challenging times. He shared how being transparent about problems and the solutions being worked on helped his organization overcome obstacles, with employees wholeheartedly dedicating themselves to resolving those issues.

Dr Somanath Sreedhara Panicker Chairman ISRO emphasized the need to create passion and involvement in every individual. He highlighted the organization's approach of evaluating, mentoring, and facilitating people with opportunities to experiment and excel without relying on a dedicated department.

Himanshu Saxena , Founder & CEO of the Centre of Strategic Mindset (COSM), emphasized the role of leaders in bridging the gap between people and their possibilities. He highlighted that everyone desires something good in life but often faces obstacles caused by their own inner demons.

Anuradha Razdan , the Executive Director HR at Hindustan Unilever and CHRO of Unilever South Asia, emphasized the cultural values at HUL during the HINAR event. She highlighted that the culture at HUL revolves around three key aspects: being human, purposeful, and accountable. Being human entails inspiring individuals to be their best selves, purposeful means allowing them to explore and discover their inner calling, and accountability involves aligning words and actions.

Pratik Pal , the CEO of Tata Digital, spoke about the power and significance of generative AI in organizations. He highlighted that with the advent of generative AI, the knowledge and wisdom of an entire organization can be captured and understood through text and language comprehension. This technology enables a deep understanding of context, unlocking the potential and beauty of the organization's collective knowledge.

Ashutosh Pandey , the MD and CEO of Mahindra Choice, played a crucial role in ensuring that the entire HINAR event was hosted with vibrant energy and interactive participation. His dedication to creating an engaging atmosphere stimulated the minds of the participants, encouraging them to challenge conventional notions and explore new perspectives.

I am confident that the event served as a catalyst for organizational and personal growth, empowering participants like us to become effective leaders who can foster environments that nurture human potential and drive positive change.

In addition to all the learnings, the thing that certainly made this a memorable and uplifting experience was the warm approach to welcoming by volunteers.The practice of offering namaskaram with humility acknowledged the divinity within each individual as they greeted each person with utmost reverence. Their commitment to smiling and assisting signified their dedication to maintaining a positive and cheerful demeanor while creating a joyful environment for everyone who interacted with them.?

Looking forward to the next event....