“During the 2010s, when industrial clashes occurred in Coimbatore, HR managers played an important role in helping the police resolve issues,” said Kannan, Commissioner of Police, Coimbatore City, who attended the recent International HR Day celebration in the city as the chief guest.
Roots Group of Companies and HRD Circle Coimbatore jointly observed International HR Day 2026 by honouring individuals with HR awards at the premises of Coimbatore Productivity Council.
Kannan presented the awards during the event. Kavidasan, Director-HR, Roots Group of Companies, presided over the programme and delivered a special address on the theme of the day, “Empower People to Lead Change.”
Ponnusamy, Principal of Hindusthan College of Arts and Science, the guest of honour, delivered the felicitation address.
A total of 14 individuals were honoured with the HR Awards under five categories, including Senior HR Professional, HR Front Runner, Budding HR Professional, Best HR Faculty, and Best HR Student.
The role of HR has changed
-Kannan
Kannan, in his chief guest address, said, “I am also an HR manager in the police department, taking care of thousands of personnel. I motivate them, increase their productivity, and reduce conflicts.”
He further stated that HR is no longer limited to recruiting, training, and postings, as the role has evolved significantly. He emphasised that the approach of HR professionals should be more humane and said that HR professionals are mentors rather than just managers. He also stressed that emotional management is more important than other forms of management.
The chief guest highlighted the importance of change and change management, while also emphasising the need for motivation in organisations.
“You have to empower people emotionally and intellectually. You are not only recruiters, but also counsellors, and you help in continuing the Kongu culture,” he added.
HR Dept. is the heart of the company
Kavidasan said in his address that a good organisation or company needs capable people to grow and succeed. He explained that the role of the HR department is to identify individuals based on their skills and recruit the right talent to help the company progress. He also described the HR department as the heart of a company.
Moreover, he shared that more women are now entering the HR field and said that their presence is welcomed and appreciated.
Sudhakar, President of CPC, also graced the occasion. Faculty members from CPC, HRD Circle and Roots Group of Companies, along with students from colleges in Coimbatore, participated in the event.
The HR Awardees
Devaraju, Head Corporate HR, Universal Radiators and Urimech Industries Group, received the Senior HR Professional award, while Balathandayutham, Assistant General Manager-HRD and Admin, Krishnaveni Carbon Products, received the HR Front Runner award.
The Budding HR Professional awards were conferred upon three individuals, including Dhasharathi, Junior Manager, T&D, Roots; Sharumathi, Manager HR, Geojit Financial Services; and Gnanavelthiyagarajan, Senior Officer HRD, Athes Automotive Engineering.
The Best HR Faculty award was also conferred on three individuals, including Baskar, Head, Department of Social Work, Bharathiar University; Santhi, Head, KSR College of Engineering, Thiruchengode; and Vimala, Assistant Professor, Department of Management Studies, KIT-Kalaignar Karunanidhi Institute of Technology.
And the Best HR Student award was bestowed upon 6 students, Riddhi, second year MBA, Hindusthan College of Engineering & Technology; Mahendhiran, second year MSW, Dr. NGP College of Arts & Science; Denny, second year MSW, Sree Narayana Guru College; Subamohana, second year MBA, Bharathiar University; Sathish Kumar, second year, MBA, Dr. SNS College of Arts and Science; and Vijaya Sree Nithiya, second year MBA, Rathinam College of Arts & Science.
