The second annual Awanish Kumar Dev Memorial Lecture on the theme of ‘Industrial Relations in the Changing Business Environment’ was held in New Delhi today.

Along with R C Bhargava, chairman, Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL) and Kenichi Ayukawa, MD and CEO, MSIL, leading HR professionals from academia and the corporate sector participated in the discussion. Management students also shared their views on the subject.

Remembering Awanish Kumar Dev, Kenichi Ayukawa said, “Our experience in manufacturing suggests that whatever the business or country, we have to learn to respect people. We have to value people from all walks of life. Another important aspect is to keep the communication flowing in a two-way manner.”   

On the occasion, R C Bhargava said, “Going forward, industrial relations have to march towards inclusive growth. We have to together develop a culture of consideration and respect. Setting up such an inclusive culture will lead to discipline and consideration.”

The event was hosted jointly by ‘Maruti Suzuki XISS Awanish Kumar Dev Memorial Trust’, National Human Resources Development Network (NHRDN) and MSIL. The Maruti Suzuki XISS Awanish Kumar Dev Memorial Trust was formed in December 2012 to honour the memory and contribution of Awanish Kumar Dev, who was general manager (HR) at Maruti Suzuki when he lost his life in tragic circumstances in Manesar in July 2012. The Trust is a partnership between Awanish’s family members, his alma mater, XISS, Ranchi and Maruti Suzuki.

Amongst the activities of the Trust is a merit-cum means scholarship program at XISS and initiatives to support study and debate among students of industrial relations. The first Awanish Dev Memorial Lecture was held at XISS, Ranchi on August 5, 2013. Mrs Suparna Dev, as also several of Awanish’s friends and former colleagues, were present at the event today.

Photograph: Kenichi Ayukawa, managing director, MSIL, lights the lamp as Mrs Suparna Dev looks on at the second Awanish Kumar Dev Memorial Lecture in Delhi today.