Durjoy Patranabish

Beyond Retirement: How an IAS Officer from Calcutta Is Redefining Leadership Through Entrepreneurship and AI It’s not often you witness a career transition so profound, yet so seamless. After a distinguished and impactful career as a civil servant, IAS officer Debashis Sen has once again set a new benchmark, this time in the world of entrepreneurship and digital innovation. His story is a powerful reminder that purpose doesn't retire; it simply finds new forms of expression. For decades, Mr Sen was a driving force behind West Bengal's development. His time as the Chairman of the New Town Kolkata Development Authority was transformative, where he was the architect of New Town's journey from a vision into a "Platinum-rated Green Smart City." His leadership saw the creation of crucial infrastructure and the integration of technology, laying the groundwork for a modern urban centre. He also served as Chief Electoral Officer, where his innovative approach, including the "Ananda Babu" puppet character to simplify voter registration, showcased his unique ability to connect with the public and drive meaningful change. The Entrepreneurial Leap: A Bold New Chapter Upon retirement, Mr Sen didn't slow down. Instead, he channelled his immense experience into a bold new venture: New Bengal Consulting Pvt Ltd. This is more than just a company; it's a platform for policy advocacy, leveraging AI & technology to champion sustainable development and solve complex societal challenges. It's a natural extension of his life's work, proving that the skills of public service—strategic thinking, problem-solving, & a commitment to the greater good—are invaluable in any sector. His pioneering spirit is perhaps best exemplified by his foray into AI art. He is an artist & an innovator, creating AI-generated works on canvas & even establishing what is believed to be the country's first AI Art Gallery. This venture is not merely a hobby; it’s a brilliant example of bridging the gap between traditional sensibilities & cutting-edge technology, inspiring others to see the potential in combining art and artificial intelligence. Mentoring the Next Generation of Innovators Beyond his own entrepreneurial success, Mr Sen's most significant contribution is his unwavering commitment to mentoring young people. He has become a guiding light for countless youngsters, sharing a lifetime of wisdom and a forward-looking vision. He is teaching them that innovation and leadership are not confined to a single career path. His journey is a living masterclass, encouraging the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs to embrace change, take calculated risks, and, most importantly, to use their skills to create a positive impact on the world. Mr Sen's life's work is an incredible narrative of reinvention and a powerful call to action. His second innings is truly as remarkable and influential as his first. Do let me know your thoughts in comments. Even a few words is fine.

237

40 Comments

At Data For India, our Measurement vertical (https://lnkd.in/ga5e7eDD) has gained an engaged following, and with good reason. Indian data is impressive in its history, scope and quality, but writing around the history of datasets, changes in methodology and their implications is sparse. Our latest publication by Pramit Bhattacharya and Nandlal Mishra attempts to map India's Periodic Labour Force Surveys, which must be one of the most widely used and studied national labour datasets in the world. We look at the evolution of the PLFS, changes in methodology, key uses of the data and debates around the survey. We hope it is useful to anyone who works with or wants to work with labour data on India. https://lnkd.in/gz2JznE9

187

5 Comments

Powering the Passenger Experience: How BIAL's HR Team is Learning to Leverage AI Yesterday, I had the pleasure of training the dedicated Human Resources team at Bangalore International Airport Ltd(BIAL) on AI for HR. It was inspiring to see their commitment to ensuring a positive experience for every passenger and airline stakeholder. This HR team is the unsung architect of the airport's smooth operation, working tirelessly behind the scenes to recruit, train, and support the diverse teams across BIAL. Upskilling for a Smarter Future - During our session, the team actively engaged in mastering AI prompting for HR problems, a critical skill for the future. We explored how to use precise queries to automate tasks, freeing up their time for strategic talent initiatives. Crucially, we focused on the necessary guiderails. The BIAL HR team now understands the checks and balances required to maintain data privacy, ensure fairness, and preserve the essential human touch while using AI tools. The Cost of Inaction - We also addressed the serious implications of not embracing these new tools. In today's dynamic environment, failing to leverage AI leads to slower service delivery, increased administrative burden, and a slower pace of adaptation—all of which ultimately impact the quality of the workforce that serves the passengers. By proactively integrating AI into their daily work, the BIAL HR team is strategically fortifying the airport's capability to deliver excellence. They are building a smarter, more efficient engine. Hats off to the BIAL HR team for leading the way! #AIinHR #FutureofWork #BengaluruAirport #HumanResources #Upskilling

107

3 Comments