Skilling for success. Closing the gap to power 'Make in India'

With over three decades of cross-industry experience, Uma Rao has led transformative HR initiatives across pharmaceuticals, automotive, IT, petroleum, and manufacturing. As ex-CHRO of Sekhmet Pharmaventures Pvt Ltd, she also led Legal and CSR, driving people-centric business impact. A TISS alumna and Kellogg Global AMP graduate, Uma has helped three organizations earn “Great Place to Work” recognition and even turned around Gulf Ashley Motors Ltd as CEO to ₹400 crores in revenue. An award-winning leader, educator, and mentor, she is passionate about CSR, women’s empowerment, and leadership development, and continues to shape minds through academia and industry forums like NASSCOM and CII.

Viekas K Khokha brings over 25 years of diverse experience across five industries — office automation, telecommunications, healthcare, chemicals & fertilizers, and auto ancillary. He is currently the SVP & CHRO at Sharda Motors Limited, leading the company’s people and culture transformation through organization design, talent development, and technology integration. Throughout his career, Viekas has driven large-scale transformation projects, including integrating a 3,500-strong workforce at Bharti Airtel and establishing a Global Centre of Excellence supporting 16 African countries. A Global Fellow in Talent Management from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, he is also a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, actively contributing to initiatives that strengthen inclusion in Indian organizations.