Celebrating 19 Years in Human Resources: Srikanth’s Journey of Learning and Growth

Today marks a significant milestone in Srikanth’s professional journey—completing 19 years in the Human Resources (HR) function. It was on this day, 19 years ago, that Srikanth made the bold decision to transition from Operations to HR, embracing the challenges and opportunities that came with starting from scratch in a new field. Reflecting on his journey fills him with immense pride and gratitude.

When Srikanth first stepped into the HR domain, the landscape was vastly different from what it is today. Technological advancements were not as prevalent, and learning had a unique approach—one that relied heavily on hands-on experience, mentorship, and the wisdom of those who had walked the path before him.

Srikanth is deeply grateful to his Gurus, mentors, and teachers who played an instrumental role in shaping his HR career. From day one, they guided him, taught him the basics, and helped him build a strong foundation in HR. He owes a special thanks to Mahesh Kate, Vijay Deshpande, Satish Kulkarni, Chakrapani Atmakur, and Ramesh Mitragotri, among many others who contributed to his success story.

Over the years, Srikanth has learned that failure is an essential part of growth. “Fail to Learn, Learn to Fail” has become a mantra that he lives by. Each failure was a stepping stone, each lesson a building block that contributed to his personal and professional development. He’s also realized the importance of flowing with the journey, adapting to changes, and continuously evolving—qualities that are vital in the ever-changing field of HR.

As Srikanth looks back on these 19 years, he recognizes that learning never truly ends. It’s a continuous process that requires resilience, perseverance, and an open mind. Today, he stands as a testament to the power of challenging oneself and embracing the unknown. HR has taught him not just about managing people, but about leading with empathy, building strong relationships, and creating a positive impact on the lives of others.

To all those who are just starting their HR journey or contemplating a career shift, Srikanth’s advice is simple: make your own dictionary of HR. Define your path, learn from your experiences, and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. The journey may not always be easy, but it will always be rewarding.

Here’s to Srikanth’s 19 years of immense learning and to many more years of growth, leadership, and making a difference in the world of HR.