Jamshedpur, October 21, 2025 : XLRI – Xavier
School of Management, Jamshedpur, hosted the 12th Annual Dr.
Verghese Kurien Memorial Oration at the Tata Auditorium on October 18,
2025. The oration, an initiative of the Fr. Arrupe Centre for Ecology and
Sustainability (FACES), featured Dr. Vinod B. Mathur, Former
Chairperson, National Biodiversity Authority of India and Former Director,
Wildlife Institute of India, who delivered a deeply insightful talk on the
theme “Ecological Security for a Viksit Bharat.”
The event commenced with a prayer song by the
XLRI Choir, followed by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp.
One of the flagship
initiatives of FACES is the Dr. Verghese Kurien Memorial Sustainable
Development Oration, a tribute to the architect of India’s White Revolution.
Dr. Kurien’s legacy of rural transformation and social upliftment continues to
inspire generations. This annual oration serves as a platform for thought
leaders to ignite minds and hearts with ideas that can reshape our world.
Dr. Tata L. Raghu Ram, Chairperson, FACES, presented the Annual
Report of FACES, outlining the centre’s initiatives in sustainability, climate
action and social responsibility. He emphasized the importance of balancing
development with environmental sustainability, recalling lessons from past
large-scale projects that affected ecosystems and communities. He highlighted
XLRI’s ongoing research and initiatives in sustainability, including projects
on globalization, self-care, and climate change, supported by international
collaborations such as IUCN and ICSSR. Key developments include a new degree
program on sustainable leadership, rural immersion initiatives, and CSR-focused
education. Faculty contributions to policy, particularly in ESG and national
standards, were also recognized. He concluded by inviting researchers and
industry leaders to engage with XLRI’s mission for sustainable development and responsible
leadership.
Dr. (Fr.)
Sebastian George, S.J.,
Director, XLRI Jamshedpur, extended a warm welcome to the distinguished
gathering and highlighted the institution’s long-standing commitment to
sustainable development, social justice and ethical leadership.
Following this, Dr. Vinod B. Mathur
highlighted that India’s vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047 depends on
the balance between ecological and economic security. He emphasized that
nature-positive growth can create jobs, strengthen resilience, and protect
livelihoods. Stressing the need for green finance, renewable energy and
nature-based solutions, he urged for inclusive development that integrates
environmental sustainability with economic progress. Dr. Mathur concluded that
India can achieve lasting prosperity only when ecological security becomes
central to its growth narrative, a vision that resonates with XLRI’s commitment
to working for the greater good.
The session concluded with an interactive
Q&A segment, allowing students and faculty to engage in a thought-provoking
dialogue on sustainability challenges and actionable pathways.
Dr. Sanjay Patro, Dean (Academics), delivered the Vote of
Thanks, expressing gratitude to Dr. Mathur for his illuminating address and to
all dignitaries, faculty and students for making the event a success. The
program concluded with the National Anthem, followed by a fellowship
interaction.
The annual oration stands as a reflection of
XLRI’s enduring mission to integrate academic excellence with ethical values
and societal responsibility continuing the legacy of Excellence, Integrity and
Nation Building for the greater good.