UK’s Oldest Industry Chronicle ‘The Manager’ Relaunched

The relaunch of The Manager (Global Edition), one of UK’s oldest management magazines, has sparked renewed discussions on reshaping political governance, business, and the economy. Held in India and London simultaneously on the occasion of announcement of “Manager Awards,” the event focused on the urgent need to respond to fast-paced workforce transformation, digital governance, and sustainability. Industry leaders, government officials, academics, journalists, and legal experts gathered to address critical issues arising out of technological disruption, including the evolving landscape of political governance in the digital era.

Speaking at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi, Ravi Karan Sahu, Chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Oil Ghani Board, emphasised the importance of economic self-reliance, noting, “Self-reliance is key to creating jobs and skilling the workforce, helping nations reduce excessive dependence on external sources.” He stressed the role of vocational education and skill development in facing challenges posed by Industry 4.0, where AI, automation, and big data are revolutionising industries worldwide.

Dilip H. M Chenoy, former Secretary General of FICCI and CEO of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), highlighted the need for new-age skills, stating, “As industries evolve, businesses must invest in reskilling and upskilling to adapt to roles that require digital proficiency and critical thinking.” He also underscored the growing importance of lifelong learning in managing the workforce.

Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the Kho Kho Federation of India, discussed the evolution of the sports industry from a source of entertainment to a significant economic driver.

Veteran media professionals like S. Venkat Narayan, President of The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia, and Rajesh Mahapatra, Founder of Odisha Dialogues, underscored the media’s role in shaping public discourse and maintaining social cohesion in the face of technological revolution. Narayan commented, “The media acts as a bridge between governments, businesses, and the public, both influencing and reflecting the societal changes brought by emerging technologies.”

Dr Prakash Nanda, Secretary of The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, noted that political systems must adapt to incorporate AI, digital infrastructure, and ethical considerations like data privacy and cybersecurity. “Governments need to proactively address the ethical implications of technologies such as AI and digital identification systems to ensure robust governance,” he said.

Rakesh Sharma, President of the Indian Newspaper Society (INS), introduced the concept of smart governance, based on four pillars: Integration, Interoperability, Collaboration, and Trust. Sharma stressed that digital transformation and changing citizen expectations require governments to rethink traditional public administration approaches.

The Manager Awards Ceremony
The event also featured The Manager Awards, recognising over a hundred individuals for their contributions to business, the economy, and public services. Among the distinguished awardees were V B Soni, former Indian ambassador to Ukraine; Padma Nila Madhab Panda, a prominent film director; and Indu Bhan, a journalist known for her work in legal journalism. The awards celebrated their remarkable achievements, which have had a meaningful impact on society, including contributions to economic development, public health initiatives, and academic research.

Professor Sarat C Das, Editor of The Manager, highlighted the publication’s renewed focus on ethical business practices, sustainability, and the experiential economy. “In the digital age, businesses must balance profit with social responsibility. Skilling is crucial to this transformation, enabling professionals to adapt to new tools, platforms, and business models,” he noted.

A Legacy of Industry Insight
The magazine was launched in 1947 and the “Manager” award can be traced to the legacy of the Institute of Administrative Management, the oldest management institute in the UK which was founded in 1915 in the middle of the first world war and had inspired professional, business managers and administrators all over the world. The magazine’s relaunch marks a renewed commitment to providing cutting-edge insights in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape. The publication will continue to spotlight the role of media in shaping business strategies in the digital era.
The event, held in New Delhi and London, marked a pivotal moment for The Manager, bringing together leading minds to discuss the challenges and opportunities posed by Industry 4.0.