The Pune-Deccan India Chapter conducted a seminar on 16 December as part of a monthly schedule. The venue was the Pune auditorium of the Institution of Engineers (India). Dippak Wani, founder and managing director, Wani Technologies Pvt Ltd, delivered an inspiring address on “Being a Successful Leader.” He spoke about leadership principles through “PHD” — in other words, “passion, hunger and discipline,” and provided numerous real-life examples to explain them. Post this session, Makarand Hardas, chapter vice president, academics, and chapter volunteers Vidhya Chavan and Prajakta, shared their experience in conducting activities related to the PMI Educational Foundation.

On 20 January, the chapter crossed a milestone by organizing its 150th monthly seminar. The topic was “Project Management Best Practices in Engineering Sector,” by Prashant Alekar, founder, QLENPRO Consulting. He touched upon the challenges, key learnings, and best practices in managing long duration, high cost, and complex projects of setting up thermal power plants. He also emphasized the need to implement project management principles in the budget and cash flow management for such projects.

Post this session, chapter board members outlined the volunteering opportunities in different portfolios. To mark the occasion, chapter board members and chapter members who have been attending monthly seminars since the beginning took part in a cake-cutting ceremony.

The next seminar, on 17 February, also held at the same auditorium, was on “Demystifying the Health Code for PMs.” It was conducted by Aakash Ramchandani, a certified yoga teacher. He discussed the importance of a healthy body and stress-free mind for project managers, and shared tips on health and mental well-being. The second session was on “How to Increase Profitability by Improving Project Management" by Chetna Ingle, co-founder, Black Koffee.

At the end of each monthly seminar, chapter board members felicitated newly certified PMP® professionals.