L&D Confex & Awards 2025 Showcasing Learning in India

Gain Skills Business Media proudly concluded the 12th Learning & Development (L&D) Confex & Awards 2025 – Pune Chapter at Vivanta Pune, Hinjawadi, under the central theme “Transform Today, Thrive Tomorrow: Shaping the Future of Learning!”

The full-day confex brought together over 250+ senior professionals from 117 unique companies across industries, including BFSI, Technology, Pharma, Manufacturing, Hospitality, Automotive, and more. The event reaffirmed the growing importance of Learning & Development as a key driver of growth, organizational culture, and innovation.

The conference convened the CXOs, President, Directors, GMs, Head & Executive of Learning & Development, HR, Training, Culture, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, fostering a dialogue on how organizations can reinvent learning strategies to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving business environment.

The day commenced with an Opening Remark delivered by Sumeet Khatri, Founder & MD, which set the tone for a day focused on innovation, collaboration, and the future of workforce learning.

Ashutosh Saboo, AVP Growth & Marketing, edForce, delivered the Chairperson’s Remarks, offering deep insights into the evolving landscape of Learning & Development. He emphasized the need for organizations to align their learning frameworks with agility and adaptability, adopt emerging technologies to drive continuous upskilling, and foster a culture that embraces transformation. His address set the stage for a day of meaningful discussions, inspiring participants to view L&D as a strategic enabler of business growth and organizational resilience.

Throughout the day, the conference featured powerful keynotes, interactive panel discussions, insightful sessions, and networking opportunities, spotlighting strategies that integrate technology, address mental health in high-output environments, and leverage Gen Z’s strengths to reshape workforce dynamics.

Meet the Visionaries Who Took the Stage

Dr. Vinod Bidwaik, CHRO & Group Director – People & Culture, Sakal Media Group
Swati Arora, Head – Leadership Development, Tech Mahindra
Manoj Vanjari, Vice President Talent Development, Dentsu
Pankaj Khandewale, VP & Head Training, Generali Central Insurance Co. Ltd.
Preeti Ahuja, Global Chief People Officer, Husk Power
Nisha Karkera, Head – Talent Management & Training, SKODA AUTO Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd.
Shweta Shukla, Director – Human Resources, T-Systems International
Amit Munot, Head – Learning & Development, MDIndia Health Insurance TPA Pvt. Ltd.
And 25+ other leading L&D and HR professionals.

This edition celebrated outstanding organizations that have set new benchmarks in L&D excellence. Those recognized included:

Individual Awards

Ritu Manuja, Tech Mahindra
Shashikant Bhosale, Millennium Engineers and Contractors Pvt Ltd
Ranu Mishra, General Industrial Controls Private Limited ( GIC )
Vaibhav Salunkhe
Smita Narkar, Infinite Uptime
Ajeet Shirsat, Synechron
Sachin Mahind, Advik Hi - Tech
Sayali Deshmukh, CODITUDE
Sneha Bhat, Reliance Nippon Life Insurance
Brijesh Deshmukh, Fujitsu Consulting India Pvt. Ltd.
Niranjan Kulkarni, UKB Electronics Pvt. Ltd.
Shweta Shukla, T-systems India Pvt.Ltd.
Ankushi Gupta, Gabriel India
Rudrashish Sen, Ensono
Pradeep Kasab, ESDS Software
Neha Arora, Buen Manejo Del Campo India Pvt Ltd
Harish Kulkarni, Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts
Ancy Nimsha Sreenivasan, Zywave
Makarand Rangnekar, Sharda Motor Industries Ltd
Prashant Mishra, Alchemist Ltd
Vinayak Ghawale, Nihilent LTD
Asmita Gowind, Kantar
Hima Kiran Vithal Venna, Tata Motors
Pankaj S Khandewale, Generali Central Insurance Company Ltd.
Yogesh Khatale, Praj Industries Limited
Yasser Raja, TresVista
Ranjeet Singh, Enpro Industries Pvt Ltd
Nikhil Bhojwani, Mumbai Metro One Pvt. Ltd
Neha Tripathi Mishra, Jet2 Travel Technologies Pvt Ltd.
Ramanathan Iyer,
Rohini Dhir, Infovision
Mandeep Baath, VOIS
Archana Handoo Sarda, Microlise
Sonal Mundhe, VILAS JAVDEKAR DEVELOPERS

Organisational Awards

Schaeffler
Mumbai Metro One
Emcure Pharmaceuticals Limited
Enlink Managed Services Pvt. Ltd.
Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Co. Ltd
KNOLSKAPE
TimesPro
Polybond India Private Limited
VOIS
Skoda

List of Awardees

The Day culminated with the prestigious L&D Awards 2025, where pathbreaking organizations and visionary leaders were celebrated for their contributions to reshaping the learning ecosystem. The awards spotlighted categories such as Learning Leader of the Year, Best Innovation in L&D, Best Blended Learning Strategy, and Best Diversity & Inclusion Learning Initiative, applauding those who are setting the pace for the future of workforce development.

Speaking about the success of the event, Sumeet Khatri, Founder & MD, Gain Skills Business Media Pvt Ltd, said, “Learning & Development has moved from being a support function to becoming a strategic growth engine. This 12th edition in Pune brought together India’s most dynamic L&D innovators and changemakers, showcasing how organizations can future-proof their talent strategies. These awards honor those who are breaking new ground and inspiring the industry.”

With powerful knowledge sessions, insightful exchanges, and a spirit of collaboration, the 12th L&D Confex & Awards 2025 – Pune Chapter left participants motivated to implement forward-thinking learning strategies and create workplaces that are resilient, innovative, and future-ready.

Source : Press Release