Dear Friends,

Move Beyond Lip Service!

The year 2025 marks the birth centenary year of Dr. Udai Pareek, popularly known as the founder, pioneer, and father of the HRD function in India. He was born in 1925 and passed away in 2010. Whatever HR concepts and practices we see today in India Inc. and public Sector undertakings, somehow, somewhere, at some point in time, were conceptualized by Dr. Udai Pareek. The legacy left behind him needs to be carried forward. We are fortunate enough that his co-pilot, Dr. TV Rao is tirelessly and effectively contributing and helping this function grow with purpose even today. Both have created wonders.

In his birth centenary year, there would not have been a better tribute and way of remembrance to Udai ji than revisiting his contributions and work through his family, friends, scholars, entrepreneurs and HR practitioners and this exactly Business Manager has attempted to understand Udai ji personality, his thought process and work in this special issue dedicated to him so that coming generations in HR must also be aware of his immortal and time-tested People concepts. It was he and Dr. Rao who put forward the concept of treating humans not merely as a resource but as living human beings having extraordinary potential and possibilities to do that HR needs to explore and develop that potential holistically so that it reflects not only in the organisation but also in our lives and society as well.

Udai Ji and Dr. Rao, with others, founded the National HRD Network and the Academy of HRD to achieve this objective. No doubt NHRDN has grown as a big apex institution during the last four decades, but the time has come to have an introspection on its functioning style too. Every institution, when it grows, carries goods and not too goods in its journey. A few questions need to be answered by us. How many research projects have been undertaken to take forward HRD Function? How many documents after each HR conference, be it chapter-wise, regional or national, are prepared to deduce what all is discussed and what are the takeaways and deliverables? Are such documents widely disseminated among its members? How many recommendations have been sent by the institution after such conferences to the government for consideration? Are any work projects undertaken in memory of Udai ji to take forward his work contributions? Is there any award instituted in the memory of Dr. Udai Pareek for institutions and HR functionaries who applied his concepts in practice and got wonderful results? How many case studies of organisations with innovative HR practices have been published? How Many educational visits are organised for new HR breed in reputed organisatioins to make them understand how HR function operates and its intricacies so that young HR professionals are prepared to take on the issues confidently when joining any organization. How many scholarships are granted to fellows, researchers, and Ph.D scholars to perpetuate his memory and contributions? Is there any Memorial fund created in Udai ji memory to strengthen his legacy? Even if it all is regularly done by the institution, of which we may not be aware, it is not made public or its members. But, had it been done, Dr Rao would not have felt the necessity to contribute some fund personally to create Udai Pareek Memorial Endowment Fund to take on such activities in Udai Ji's memory. This initiative by Dr. Rao should be appreciated by one and all, and a big salute to him. It is a true reflection of his commitment from heart to HRD, but at the same time, it should also be a matter of concern for NHRDN when it has no paucity of funds. Also, corporations like Larsen & Toubro, some of the Nationalized Banks, and public sector undertakings that benefitted from Dr. Pareek's HRD interventions should come forward to contribute to the fund to disseminate the HRD philosophy and values promoted by Dr. Udai Pareek. Why did one of its founders think of mobilizing it on a personal level?

We need to move beyond lip service. Remembering Udai ji once in a year by garlanding on his photo will not work alone. We also need to review how the institution is functioning. Instead of organizing glittering events, the focus should be on learning and development.
It is an opportunity. Let us once again commit ourselves with renewed strength and also take corrective actions if required. It will be a true tribute to Udai ji.

If you like it let us know. If not, well, let us know that too.

Happy Reading

Anil Kaushik,
Business Manager - HR Magazine
B-138, Ambedkar Nagar, Alwar - 301001 (Raj.)
Mobile No. 97855 85134
http://www.businessmanager.in

From India, Delhi
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The post highlights the significant contributions of Dr. Udai Pareek and Dr. TV Rao in shaping the HRD function in India. To honor Dr. Pareek's legacy effectively, it is crucial for the National HRD Network (NHRDN) to reflect on its functioning and take proactive steps. Here are some practical suggestions:

1. Research Projects and Documentation:
- Undertake more research projects to advance HRD practices.
- Document discussions and outcomes of HR conferences for wider dissemination.
- Send recommendations to the government based on conference insights.

2. Recognition and Awards:
- Institute an award in Dr. Udai Pareek's memory for organizations and HR professionals implementing his concepts effectively.

3. Educational Initiatives:
- Organize educational visits for new HR professionals to gain practical insights into HR operations.
- Grant scholarships to researchers and scholars to honor Dr. Pareek's contributions.

4. Memorial Fund:
- Establish a memorial fund dedicated to Dr. Udai Pareek to uphold his legacy and support related activities.

5. Corporate Support:
- Encourage corporations that benefited from Dr. Pareek's HRD interventions to contribute to the Udai Pareek Memorial Endowment Fund.

By focusing on these actionable steps, NHRDN can truly pay homage to Dr. Udai Pareek and ensure the continued growth and development of HR practices in India.

From India, Gurugram
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