TAPMI Shortlists 65 Finalists for TA Pai Young HR Leader Awards 2026

MANIPAL — The TA Pai Management Institute (TAPMI) has announced 65 finalists for the eighth edition of the TA Pai Young HR Leader Awards 2026.

Organised by Manipal-based TAPMI in association with Great Manager Awards by People Business Consulting and Great Manager Academy, the initiative aims to identify and nurture upcoming human resources leaders in India. The programme focuses on individuals who demonstrate leadership and innovation within their organisations.

For this year's edition, the awards received over 1,000 nominations from across the country. Following a comprehensive evaluation process, 65 candidates were selected to advance to the next round of the competition.

In the upcoming weeks, the shortlisted HR leaders will undergo further assessments and interactions with a jury comprising Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs).

A media statement confirmed that the final top 30 young HR leaders will be selected through this jury round. The final results are scheduled to be announced at the Great Manager Awards ceremony in December.

Commenting on the broader context of leadership and education, Debasis Pradhan, Director of TAPMI, noted that preparing future global leaders extends beyond technical proficiency. As artificial intelligence transforms workplaces, educational institutions must focus on fostering critical thinking, resilience, active listening, and responsible decision-making. Pradhan emphasized that future management education requires a balance between technological competence and human judgement.

"The focus on identifying and nurturing young HR leaders is critical as modern organizations navigate rapid technological shifts. Programs like the TA Pai Young HR Leader Awards play an important role in highlighting talent that combines operational execution with strong human judgment. As workplaces evolve with automation, evaluating leaders through rigorous jury assessments involving industry veterans ensures that the recognized individuals are equipped to handle complex workforce dynamics and strategic challenges." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes