Mr Syama Sunder Tripathy
February 8, 2023
Senior Manager, L&D, Jajpur
Born in Berhampur, the Southern Odisha town famous for its lustrous Ikkat silk sarees, Mr Tripathy glides through his various roles as smoothly as silk. His endeavors throughout his career prove him to be a binding force for the organisation’s employees and a trainer who creates paths in the densest of woods. Whenever there is a challenging situation, we know it is he who will serve as a role model for courage and determination, and bring out positive results. With a decade of experience in the field, he has honed his skills in creating impactful training programs that inspire individuals to reach their full potential. Meet Mr Syama Sundar Tripathy from L&D team, Jajpur, and read his inspiring story in this edition!
Mr Tripathy dedicates his steadfastness to the life he lived under the guidance of his father who completed his Ph.D., pursued Law, and wrote three books and eighteen articles all while being a significant part of the police force. His father’s perseverance and time management inspired him to be the master of various fields, all of which have helped him in becoming a Learning and Development expert.
Tell us about your life before Jindal Stainless
I consider my father, my guide and role model. While in the police force, he completed his PhD, studied Law, and wrote three books and eighteen articles. His perseverance and time management inspired me a lot. I possess a diverse background of education that has helped me embrace the agile work culture and help the people at our plant in Jajpur in a holistic manner. After graduating in Electronics and Communication Engineering, I completed my Master’s degree in Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering. The list does not end here. As I grasped the need of stepping to the next step in my career, I obtained a diploma in Training and Development from the Indian Society for Training and Development and also, a Post Graduate Diploma in Management. Looking back, I realise that my knowledge of two diverse fields has helped me train the engineering employees at plants. The lines said by Mahatma Gandhi- “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever”, are the guiding force for me.
Beginning my professional career as a GET at Nettur Technical Training Foundation, Bangalore, helped me gain a strong footing in the sector of Learning and Development. My learnings from NTTF turned out to be especially useful in executing subsequent assignments allotted to me in the five corporate organizations, i.e. Tata Motors, Apollo Tyres, AVTEC, Kohler, and Tata Refractories Limited, I worked for stretching over 10 years.
How has the journey of Jindal Stainless been for you ?
I joined the Jajpur plant in November of 2020 looking at the role as one with ample opportunities to commence Capability Development Initiatives. In addition to this, the role promised exposure to cater to the large employee number of 7000. When I entered the organisation, I received continuous guidance from my superiors to get comfortable with the system and motivation to stretch my target. I identified the need to hold elaborate, timely discussions with the sectional heads to understand the current needs and pressing priorities of the organisation. Further, during the turbulent times of Covid 19, when the Beginning my professional career as a GET at Nettur Technical Training Foundation, Bangalore, helped me gain a strong footing in the sector of Learning and Development. My learnings from NTTF turned out to be especially useful in executing subsequent assignments allotted to me in the five corporate organizations, i.e. Tata Motors, Apollo Tyres, AVTEC, Kohler, and Tata Refractories Limited, I worked for stretching over 10 years. uninterrupted availability of skilled human resources posed a mammoth challenge, I was determined to make my way out by upholding the practice of learning. I believe this practice has acted as a savior in a period that seemed like the end of the world. Transitioning the mode of training from offline to online, I knew I had to be the light on a gloomy stage, for the show must go on! A total of 178 programs catering to 3248 employees were conducted through remote learning.
Walking on the same path, under the hybrid model of Training & Technology, the L&D team devised a 14 to 20 weeks extensive learning program comprising core competencies and problem-solving tools. The subcategories of the program included Being Better, Masterful Management, and Aspire & Achieve. In addition to this, to prepare the young minds and strengthen the GET cadre, I made sure the GET induction program was extended from 3 to 5 months. We also added e-Learning courses on Stainless Steel Making and Allied Concepts using the Interactive Webinar Platform.
Tell us about your most memorable moment here.
My best memories are tied in a knot with the recognition my team and I received through various platforms for our efforts all along. It was 2021 when India Today honored my whole department as the winner of the category of Manufacturing Today. Then, in the following year, I was recognised as the Young L&D Leader by Transformance. A lot of the credit goes to my mentors at the corporate office and my department Head in Jajpur. Without their support and guidance, none of this would have been possible. I’ll never forget those triumphant moments when the world finally recognises and appreciates everything you’ve done all year. It feels as if, after fighting a war against uncertainty, glory is finally won. Just knowing that it isn’t the end fuels me even more.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy playing puzzles quite frequently. However, I also make sure to entertain myself timely which takes me to the declaration that I can finish a whole web series in one sitting! I take great pleasure in watching web series. If you, dear reader, are looking for suggestions, I recently finished watching Kathmandu and it has to be one of my favorites.
What is your message to Jindal Stainless family?
If you are working somewhere, give it your hundred percent. As a Learning and Development expert, I would advise you to prioritise learning over monetary compensation and designation. When you accept responsibility, regardless of your position in the organisation, you accept power! With your mind set on learning, you’ll be surprised at how far you’ve come in a short period.
