Anchoring Mantrana: The HR Conclave, organized by Humanlaya – The HR Club of SIBM Hyderabad, was an opportunity that allowed me to experience the energy of a high-profile academic event while also learning immensely from the professionals it brought together. Unlike typical student activities, Mantrana was designed as a serious platform for dialogue, with seasoned HR leaders sharing their experiences, challenges, and perspectives on the evolving workplace. Being chosen to anchor this conclave was both humbling and exciting.
My primary responsibility as an anchor was to officially welcome the esteemed panelists, faculty, and audience, set the tone for the conclave, and keep the energy alive between sessions. I was tasked with opening the event, introducing the theme, acknowledging the efforts of the organizing team, and ensuring that the conclave began and ended on a note of professionalism and warmth. While the moderators managed the panel discussions, my role was to bridge the formal segments such as welcoming guests, inviting speakers on stage, and delivering the vote of thanks with poise and clarity.
This required more than just reading from a script. Each introduction had to be respectful yet engaging, and every announcement had to match the formal stature of the conclave. It pushed me to work on my tone, confidence, and stage presence. At the same time, I had to be prepared for last-minute updates; whether it was a change in sequence, timing adjustments, or additions to the acknowledgments list. Remaining calm and adaptable was key.
The backstage coordination was equally enriching. Working closely with the student committee gave me a first-hand view of how large-scale events are executed. Every cue, every hand signal, and every quick conversation mattered in ensuring that I could walk on stage with composure. I realized that the anchor is the bridge between what is happening behind the scenes and how the event is perceived in the auditorium.
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of Mantrana was the chance to interact with senior HR professionals off stage. These were leaders who had shaped organizational cultures and navigated complex people’s challenges, and hearing their stories directly was a learning experience beyond textbooks. Their encouraging words about the way I carried myself as an anchor gave me confidence and reinforced my belief in the importance of communication as a professional skill.
In retrospect, anchoring Mantrana was not just about handling a microphone. It was about representing SIBM Hyderabad with credibility, adapting to the demands of a live event, and absorbing lessons from some of the most respected voices in HR. It gave me both a sense of responsibility and a sense of belonging to the culture of excellence that the institute strives to create.