RIP: Mali Mahalingam, Synergita’s Dearest Friend and Former VP-HR of IBM India, Passed Away Due to COVID-19

Mali Mahalingam, the HR Veteran, who served as a CHRO of Philips, IBM, Symphony, etc., passed away on May 6, 2021, due to COVID-19. In his service, he had touched the lives of thousands of employees in their journey to the betterment and will be remembered forever. 

The sudden demise of Mali Mahalingam is a great loss to the fraternity of Human Resources, and also to his family, friends, and mentees. He had been an HR leader for over 30 years and partnered with clients in their leadership development initiatives.  

“Before joining Symphony, he was working with IBM India as Head of HR and a member of the India/SA leadership team. He led all aspects of the people’s function.” 

-Economic Times, May 6, 2021 

“A person who shows empathy to all and counts a lot on values and Ethics.  He was well known in the Bangalore HR fraternity. We met Mali during an HR Tech conference in Chennai, which was the early stage of Synergita. We showcased the product to him and he loved the product and agreed to come on board as an advisor.  

He referred a couple of Customers to our team, and he also did a few workshops for us in various cities across India. The workshop was a huge success to both Mali and us.   It helped us build our brand as a leading HR Tech provider.  

I have traveled with Malli a few times for workshops, a wonderful god-fearing person. He always wanted to help people in whatever way possible. Even in his exalted position, he remained a humble person and enjoyed simple pleasures He used to love Mavadu (a south Indian pickle made of raw tender mangos). I admire his training skills and will miss him, let’s all pray for Soul to Rest In Peace,” Narayanan Ramaiah, Director, Customer Success, Synergita, remembers the days with Mahalingam.  

“The team has grown and we have come far. But still, the friendship that blossomed between Mali and me has never ended. It is a really great shock to have lost such a good friend and an exemplary advisor. I still cannot believe that he is not with us anymore. He is a person of humility and honesty. He has contributed so much to our growth. My deepest and sincere condolences to his family,” says Shankar Krishnamoorthy, CEO, Synergita. 

“Focusing on contributions of the employee and how they can become even better at their jobs, instead of numbers and ratings, can make appraisal meetings more meaningful for all concerned,” says Mali Mahalingam in one of his Synergita blogs, ‘Take the Pain out of Appraisals – Employee Management.’  

His humaneness can be felt through his words, “people deliver their best when they feel valued, respected, and heard. If managers believe that their primary job is to inspire, motivate and get the very best out of their people, they should be thinking in terms of valuing people, listening, and addressing their concerns.” 

Listen to his webinar, ‘Moving away from Annual Appraisals – What does it mean & how do you go about?’ here

Let his legacy be reflected through the actions of his mentees and other dear friends. May your soul rest in peace.  

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