Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], September 4: IILM University, in collaboration with The Dr Pritam Singh Foundation, hosted a high-level round table discussion on the theme “Human at Core: Conversations on AI, Ethics and Future” at Tech Mahindra, Cyberabad, on 29th August 2025. The event brought together distinguished leaders from academia, government, and industry to engage in a timely and thought-provoking dialogue on the ethical imperatives of artificial intelligence and the crucial role of human-centric leadership in shaping a responsible technological future.
The proceedings began with an opening address by Sri Gaddam Prasad Kumar, Speaker, Telangana Legislative Assembly, who emphasised the need to ensure that technology remains a tool in the service of humanity. This was followed by a keynote address delivered by Sri Padmanabhaiah Kantipudi, IAS (Retd.), Chairman of the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI), who highlighted the growing tension between technological acceleration and ethical oversight.
The event featured two significant panel discussions, each addressing the complex intersections between technology, ethics, and leadership. The first panel, moderated by Mamata Vegunta, Executive Director and Head of HR at DBS Tech India, examined the question, “AI’s Crossroads: The Choice Between Progress and Principle.” The discussion reflected on the critical junctures at which leaders must make choices that balance innovation with responsibility. Panellists, including Deepak Gowda of the Union Learning Academy, Dr. Deepak Kumar of IDRBT, Srini Vudumula of Novelis Consulting, and Gaurav Maheshwari of Signode India Limited, shared their insights on the pressing need for robust ethical frameworks that evolve alongside AI.
The second panel, moderated by Vinay Agrawal, Global Head of Business HR at Tech Mahindra, focused on the theme “Human-Centred AI: Why Leadership Matters More Than Ever.” This session brought to light the growing expectation of leaders to act not just as enablers of technological progress, but as custodians of its impact. Panellists Manoj Jha from Makeen Energy, Dr Anadi Pande from Mahindra University, Rajesh Dhuddu of PwC, and Kiranmai Pendyala, investor and former UWH Chairperson, collectively underlined the importance of empathy, accountability, and foresight in guiding AI development.
Speaking at the event, Dr Ravi Kumar Jain, Director, School of Management – IILM University Gurugram, remarked, “We are at a defining moment in human history, where the question is not merely about how fast we can innovate, but how wisely we choose to do so. At IILM, we believe in nurturing leaders who are not only competent but also conscious of their responsibilities to society.” His sentiments were echoed by Prof Harivansh Chaturvedi, Director General at IILM Lodhi Road, who affirmed the university’s continued commitment to promoting responsible leadership through dialogue, collaboration, and critical inquiry. Across both panels, there was a shared recognition that ethical leadership must keep pace with the rapid transformations driven by AI, and that collaborative efforts across sectors will be essential to ensure that innovation serves the broader goals of equity, dignity, and humanity.
The discussions concluded with a renewed call to action for academic institutions, industry leaders, and policymakers to work together in shaping a future where technology empowers without eroding core human values. In doing so, the event reaffirmed the central message behind its theme that in an increasingly digital world, it is important now more than ever to keep it human at the core.
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