XLRI – Xavier School of Management in Jamshedpur hosted the 12th Annual Dr. Verghese Kurien Memorial Oration on October 18, 2025. This event, organized by the Fr. Arrupe Centre for Ecology and Sustainability (FACES), featured Dr. Vinod B. Mathur. He is a former chairperson of the National Biodiversity Authority of India and shared insights about “Ecological Security for a Viksit Bharat.”
The oration began with a traditional prayer song and a ceremonial lamp-lighting. It honors Dr. Verghese Kurien, known as the father of India’s White Revolution, who transformed rural India and pursued social upliftment. This annual event invites leaders to share ideas that can change our world.
Dr. Tata L. Raghu Ram, chairperson of FACES, present the Annual Report, highlighting the center’s sustainability initiatives. He stressed the need to balance development with environmental health, drawing parallels to past projects that disrupted local ecosystems. XLRI’s ongoing research includes projects on climate change, supported by international collaborations like the IUCN. Notable developments include a new degree in sustainable leadership and educational initiatives focusing on corporate social responsibility.
Dr. (Fr.) Sebastian George, the Director of XLRI, welcomed attendees and reaffirmed the school’s dedication to social justice and ethical leadership.
Dr. Mathur emphasized that India’s goal of “Viksit Bharat” by 2047 relies on integrating ecological and economic security. He argued that job creation and resilience are possible through nature-positive growth. He also highlighted the need for green finance and renewable energy, calling for progress that respects the environment.
In a lively Q&A session, students and faculty engaged in discussions on sustainability challenges. Dr. Sanjay Patro, Dean of Academics, closed the event by thanking Dr. Mathur and the participants, underlining XLRI’s commitment to excellence and responsible leadership.
This oration serves as a reminder that sustainable development is crucial for India’s future. It’s a blending of educational efforts and moral responsibility, aiming to create a world where growth goes hand in hand with ecological well-being. The ongoing conversation around these initiatives reflects a growing trend on social media, where sustainability continues to gain traction, gathering support from various demographics.
More insights on this topic can be found in reports from the United Nations on Sustainable Development Goals UN SDGs, which highlight the global commitment to these principles.