Pune, 1 February 2026 — The PMI Pune-Deccan India Chapter proudly announced the successful conclusion of its flagship annual project management conference, Disha 2026, held at Hyatt Regency, Viman Nagar, Pune. The full-day event brought together over 350 project professionals, industry leaders, mentors, and students from prominent organizations and institutions across the region.
Disha 2026 centered on the transformative role of Indian project leaders amidst the rapidly evolving landscape of AI, increasing project complexity, and heightened expectations around governance and social responsibility. The conference served as a dynamic platform for sharing insights, fostering collaboration, and advancing excellence in project management.
Leadership, Responsibility, and Values at the Forefront
The event commenced with inspiring addresses emphasizing the importance of principled leadership. Mr. Shailendra Goswami, Chairman & Managing Director of Pushkaraj Group, highlighted the critical role of leaders in cultivating resilient, values-driven organizations. He stressed clarity, responsibility, governance, and keeping people and purpose at the core of strategic decisions.
Mr. Rinoo Rajesh, Conference Chair and President & CEO of PMI Pune-Deccan India Chapter, reinforced the idea that projects are powerful tools for societal transformation. In an AI-driven economy, he emphasized that leadership, empathy, and human judgment are vital differentiators, and community engagement enriches the project talent pool.
Dr. Parvez Alam M, Region Mentor – R11, PMI South Asia, called for continuous learning, cross-chapter collaboration, and ethical leadership to strengthen project management capabilities across South Asia.
Ms. Anwesha Majumder, Regional Head of Community – PMI South Asia, delivered a session titled “Lead, Learn & Grow – Delivering M.O.R.E.” that focused on people, community and purposeful growth within the PMI ecosystem. She highlighted how PMI chapters and volunteers create belonging, learning opportunities and leadership pathways, reinforcing the role of community in professional success
A Diverse Lineup of Expert Speakers
Key sessions addressed critical themes including crisis leadership, AI integration, financial stewardship, and community building:
• Crisis Leadership from the Frontlines: Brig. Hemant Mahajan (Retd.), shared frontline insights on operating with clarity and calm amidst high-stakes scenarios.
• Shaping Leadership Impact: Viral Thakkar of Infosys discussed how leaders influence their environment through daily choices, shaping a lasting wake.
• Future-Ready CFO Perspectives: Erkunt Tractor’s CFO, Tapash Chakravarty, emphasized balancing financial discipline with strategic vision and governance.
• Harnessing AI for Leadership: Rishabh Lalwani of Efforti introduced “The AI Leadership Assistant,” showcasing AI tools to augment project decision-making.
• AI Masterclass: A dedicated 90-minute session led by Amit Jadhav explored responsible AI workflows and decision-support tools.
Driving Innovation and Community Engagement
Workshops on design thinking, innovation, and community leadership equipped participants with practical skills:
• Leadership for Innovation: Dr. Prakash Airani Kalathil emphasized cultivating psychologically safe environments for experimentation.
• Design Thinking Masterclass: Facilitated by Dr. Manoj Apte and Jay Dholakia, participants explored problem-first approaches and iterative solutions.
• Community and Growth: PMI South Asia’s Anwesha Majumder highlighted the importance of people-centered growth pathways through PMI communities.
• AI and Bias in Tech: Capgemini’s Vivek Dubey discussed ensuring trust and accountability in AI-driven projects.
Recognizing Excellence: Disha Awards 2026
The conference also celebrated outstanding contributions through the Disha Awards 2026, honoring excellence in project execution, social impact, and partnership:
• Project of the Year: Bosch India
• Social Impact CSR: Team Sevavardhani and Team Oceaneering
• NGO Social Impact: Team Rozgar Dhaba and LIONS Health Foundation
• Corporate Partnership: Kirloskar Oil Engines, Mahindra & Mahindra
• Academic Excellence: Indira University, IICMR, BRICS
• Leadership Recognition: Partha S. Ghose, PMP
About Disha & PMI Pune-Deccan India Chapter
Disha is the chapter’s premier annual conference dedicated to advancing project management excellence. The PMI Pune-Deccan India Chapter is a non-profit entity affiliated with the Project Management Institute (PMI), committed to nurturing project professionals through conferences, mentorship, certification, and social initiatives.
For more information, contact:
PMI Pune-Deccan India Chapter
Phone : 9922909060
Email: info@pmipunechapter.org
Website: https://pmipunechapter.com