AI and Climate Change pose big challenges: SBI MD Ashwini Kumar at XLRI Jamshedpur convocation

Success is about relevance, contribution and character: SBI MD

XLRI hosts 2nd convocation of blended PGDM programmes

Jamshedpur, Aug 24: “Success is not just about professional accomplishments but about relevance, contribution and character,” said Ashwini Kumar Tewari, Managing Director of State Bank of India, while addressing the 2nd Convocation Ceremony of XLRI – Xavier School of Management’s Blended PGDM Programmes on Saturday at the institute’s Jamshedpur campus.

Tewari, the Chief Guest for the event, inspired the graduating students by reminding them that convocation is not merely the conclusion of academic rigor but the beginning of responsibility. “As you step into leadership roles, remember your accountability towards your organizations, families, and the nation,” he said, urging students to blend competence with values.

At the same time, he said that the world is facing a big challenge. “The world is now taking a new shape. In this era of artificial intelligence, rapid changes are being seen in every sector along with the industrial sector. Climate change is increasing weather imbalance. In this situation, everyone must play their role in a better way,” he added, calling upon graduates to embrace responsibility in shaping a sustainable and balanced future.

The convocation marked a milestone in XLRI’s journey of shaping responsible leaders. The event was graced by Dr. (Fr.) Sebastian George, S.J., Director, XLRI Jamshedpur; Dr. Sanjay Patro, Dean Academics; Dr. (Fr.) Donald D’Silva, S.J., Dean Administration & Finance; Dr. R. Giridhar, Associate Dean XOL Programmes; Dr. H.K. Pradhan, Programme Director, PGDM (Finance); and Dr. R.K. Premarajan, Programme Director, PGDM HRM (Emerging CHROs).

The ceremony began with the traditional lighting of the lamp, followed by welcome addresses and inspiring speeches from the dignitaries.

A total of 189 students received diplomas across four specialized programmes: Finance (24), Human Resource Management (36), Business Management (82), and Emerging CHROs (47).

Academic Excellence Recognised

Four students were conferred Gold Medals for Academic Excellence:

• Sonal Arora – Emerging CHROs
• Soumya Sibani Sahoo – Business Management
• Shruti Mittra – Human Resource Management
• Sai Supriya Bhupathiraju – Finance

The students also took the XLRI Pledge, committing to uphold values of excellence with integrity, ethical leadership, and responsibility towards society.

Dr. (Fr.) Sebastian George, Director, XLRI Jamshedpur, congratulated the students and, drawing from Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, stressed the importance of four cardinal virtues—wisdom, fortitude, justice, and temperance. He encouraged graduates to practice resilience, fairness, and sound reasoning in both personal and professional lives.

Dr. Sanjay Patro, Dean Academics, welcomed the graduates into XLRI’s global alumni network and underlined the transformative nature of the Blended PGDM programmes. He said the courses prepare leaders for a rapidly evolving world shaped by AI, sustainability challenges, and new workplace dynamics.

Dr. (Fr.) Donald D’Silva, Dean Administration & Finance, praised the graduates for balancing academic and professional commitments. Reflecting on XLRI’s 75-year legacy, he urged them to lead with integrity and purpose, particularly in an era of technological disruptions and geopolitical uncertainty.

The ceremony highlighted not only academic achievement but also XLRI’s mission of preparing leaders committed to the greater good. With its alumni network spread across the globe, XLRI continues to live by its ethos of shaping “managers with a difference,” professionals dedicated to serving society and humanity.

The 2nd Convocation of the Blended PGDM Programmes reaffirmed XLRI’s vision of fostering excellence with ethics, nurturing leaders who blend professional competence with moral responsibility.