Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, January 2026 — Dr. G.P. Rao shared insights on the future of leadership at #HRProfessionalsDay 2026, a flagship annual gathering of the HR fraternity held in Bengaluru on 25 January. The event, described as a “remarkable tradition” sustained for 26 years, was organised by the NIPM Karnataka Chapter with support from the NHRD Bangalore Chapter, ISTD, and KAPSW.
During the evening, Dr. Rao delivered the Keynote Address on “Building Social Capital: The Human Currency of Future-Ready Leadership”, emphasizing how trust, relationships, and collective strength are increasingly shaping leadership in the evolving world of work. He highlighted social capital as a critical leadership asset—enabling collaboration, resilience, and people-centric transformation in organizations navigating rapid change.
The event also included a special moment of recognition for Dr. Rao, who was honoured in traditional style by leaders of multiple professional bodies. Dr. Rao noted that the gesture reflected the enduring HR values of respect, recognition, and unity, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that drives the profession forward.
Reflecting on the gathering, Dr. Rao shared that the participation of HR leaders, practitioners, and students made the occasion particularly inspiring, showcasing the power of community dialogue and a shared vision in strengthening and advancing the HR profession.
The event witnessed engagement from several HR leaders and professional community members, including Basavaraju P R, Sanjay Mitra, Robert Cutinha, Nagaraj DR, Swati Rustagi, Manohar C, Dr. C. Jayakumar, Atul Shah, and TV Rao, among others, representing the collective strength of India’s HR ecosystem.
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