XLRI Jamshedpur hosts 12th Dr. Verghese Kurien Memorial Oration on “Ecological Security for a Viksit Bharat”
Jamshedpur, October 18: XLRI – Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur, hosted the 12th Annual Dr. Verghese Kurien Memorial Oration at the Tata Auditorium on October 18. The highlight of the event was the address by Dr. Vinod B. Mathur, Former Chairperson of the National Biodiversity Authority of India and Former Director of the Wildlife Institute of India, who spoke on the theme “Ecological Security for a Viksit Bharat.”
The program began with a prayer song by the XLRI Choir, followed by the ceremonial lamp lighting. The annual oration, an initiative of the Fr. Arrupe Centre for Ecology and Sustainability (FACES), pays tribute to Dr. Verghese Kurien, the architect of India’s White Revolution, whose legacy of rural transformation and social upliftment continues to inspire generations. The oration serves as a platform for thought leaders to share ideas that can shape a sustainable future.
Dr. Tata L. Raghu Ram, Chairperson of FACES, presented the Annual Report, highlighting the centre’s initiatives in sustainability, climate action, and social responsibility. He underscored the importance of balancing development with environmental sustainability, citing lessons from past large-scale projects that impacted ecosystems and communities. Dr. Raghu Ram also highlighted XLRI’s ongoing research and initiatives on globalization, self-care, and climate change, supported by international collaborations including IUCN and ICSSR. Key developments include a new degree program on sustainable leadership, rural immersion initiatives, and CSR-focused education. Faculty contributions to policy, especially in ESG and national standards, were also recognized.
Dr. (Fr.) Sebastian George, S.J., Director of XLRI, welcomed the gathering and reiterated the institution’s commitment to sustainable development, social justice, and ethical leadership.
During his address, Dr. Vinod B. Mathur emphasized that India’s vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047 depends on balancing ecological and economic security. He stressed that nature-positive growth can create jobs, strengthen resilience, and protect livelihoods. Urging the adoption of green finance, renewable energy, and nature-based solutions, he highlighted the need for inclusive development that integrates environmental sustainability with economic progress. Dr. Mathur concluded that lasting prosperity for India can only be achieved when ecological security becomes central to the nation’s growth narrative, a vision that aligns with XLRI’s commitment to societal welfare.
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, allowing students and faculty to discuss sustainability challenges and actionable solutions. Dr. Sanjay Patro, Dean (Academics), delivered the Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to Dr. Mathur and all dignitaries for their participation. The program ended with the National Anthem and a fellowship interaction, reflecting XLRI’s enduring mission to combine academic excellence with ethical values and social responsibility.
