About Laghuswapna 

Laghuswapna is the annual flagship academic–industry interface initiative of the MMS (MBA)  Department of St. John College of Engineering & Management. It serves as a dynamic platform where  industries, policymakers, academicians, and students deliberate on contemporary challenges and  opportunities faced by MSMEs. 

Every year, Laghuswapna is conducted on a relevant theme that enables industry representatives to discuss  real-time issues while interacting with students and faculty. It provides companies an opportunity to  connect with future management professionals and allows students to gain practical exposure to industry  expectations. 

The 2026 edition focused on “Talent Acquisition & Skill Development for MSMEs”, addressing  workforce readiness, employability gaps, and sustainable HR practices critical for MSME growth. 

Theme of the Year 2026 

Talent Acquisition & Skill Development for MSMEs 

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of the Palghar district economy,  contributing significantly to employment generation and regional development. However, MSMEs face  challenges in attracting, retaining, and upskilling talent in a rapidly evolving business environment. 

The theme aimed to address skill gaps, promote sustainable talent strategies, and strengthen industry– academia collaboration to build a future-ready workforce. 

Objectives of Laghuswapna 2026 

⚫ To identify specific technical, managerial, and soft skills gaps impeding MSME growth in Palghar  District. 

⚫ To build strong partnerships between MSMEs and educational institutions to ensure industry aligned curricula and create a formal talent pipeline.

⚫ To explore innovative, low-cost recruitment strategies suitable for MSMEs, including digital  platforms and employer branding. 

⚫ To develop localized recommendations and a roadmap for improving the regional talent  ecosystem. 

Target Audience 

⚫ HR and Skill Development Experts 

⚫ Entrepreneurs and MSME Representatives 

⚫ MMS/MBA Students 

⚫ Academics and Researchers 

⚫ Students from other Group Institutes 

Event Structure 

The event was conducted from 10:30 am to 02:00 pm and included: 

⚫ Inaugural Session 

⚫ Chief Guest Address 

⚫ Panel Discussion 

⚫ Fire Round Q&A 

⚫ Student Interaction Session 

⚫ Networking and Industry Interaction 

Eminent Guests & Resource Persons 

Chief Guest: 

Mr. Venkatadri Ranganathan – Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Chemicals Ltd. 

Moderator: 

Dr. Saamta Jain – Chief People Officer (HR), Jewelex Group 

Panel Members: 

⚫ Mr. Bikash Nath – Group Vice President, HR & Administration, Chandan Steel Limited 

⚫ Mr. Adityavikram Gupta – Director, Stalwart Management Consulting 

⚫ Mr. Rohan Prakash Abhyankar – District Skill Development Assistant, Govt. of Maharashtra ⚫ Mr. Neil Chandwani – Executive Director, SAIDEEP Vibrators Pvt. Ltd., Palghar

Outcomes & Key Takeaways 

Laghuswapna 2026 generated meaningful insights into talent acquisition and skill development challenges  faced by MSMEs. The discussion emphasized the importance of shifting from traditional hiring practices  to skill-focused and growth-oriented talent models. Panelists highlighted that MSMEs must focus on  psychological safety, career progression, foundational learning, and hands-on exposure to improve  retention, particularly among Gen Z employees. 

The interaction underscored that while MSMEs may not match large corporations in salary and brand  value, they can offer faster growth, flexibility, and wider exposure. Government initiatives and industry integrated skill programs were discussed as critical enablers for strengthening workforce readiness. The  session reinforced the need for adaptability, continuous learning, and collaboration between academia and  industry to build a sustainable talent ecosystem aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat. 

Industry & Students Participation 

The event witnessed active participation from industry leaders, HR professionals, and MSME  stakeholders from Palghar and nearby industrial regions. A total of 94 people from 63 different companies  have participated. 

A total of 250 students and teaching staff from various colleges within the campus participated in the  Event. Students actively engaged in discussions and networking sessions, strengthening industry– academia linkage. 

Conclusion 

Laghuswapna 2026 was successfully conducted as a significant academic–industry interface platform.  The event provided valuable insights into workforce readiness, talent acquisition challenges, and  sustainable HR practices for MSMEs. It strengthened collaboration between industry and academia while  enhancing students’ employability orientation and professional awareness. The initiative continues to  support the institution’s vision of delivering industry-oriented management education and contributing to  regional MSME development.