Jamshedpur: XLRI – Xavier School of Management celebrated its 70th Annual Convocation on Saturday at the Tata Auditorium. The institute conferred degrees upon 530 students across various programs. ICICI Bank CEO and XLRI alumnus, Sandeep Bakhshi, was the chief guest. The institute honored Bakhshi with its highest award, the ‘Sir Jehangir Ghandy Medal for Industrial and Social Peace,’ recognizing his significant contributions to the industrial and social sectors.
Leadership and Values
XLRI Director, Dr. (Fr.) Sebastian George, S.J., described the convocation as a moment for reflection and future responsibility. He emphasized the institute’s commitment to excellence, value-based leadership, and nation-building. Praising the achievements of the Batch of 2026, he urged students to maintain discipline, patience, and a mindset of continuous learning.
T.V. Narendran, Chairman of the Board of Governors, told the graduating class that a degree is not just a credential but a foundation for shaping the future through personal values. He highlighted the importance of understanding global events, noting how interconnected the world has become. Citing COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine war, and Middle East conflicts, Narendran explained that events in one nation now impact every industry worldwide. He encouraged young professionals to master soft skills and uphold social responsibilities, reminding them that success belongs to those who handle stress and failure with resilience.
The Strength of the Indian Economy
In his address, ICICI Bank CEO Sandeep Bakhshi noted that while many nations gained independence alongside India, few achieved the same level of progress. “Opportunities are equal for all, but individuals, institutions, and nations utilize them differently,” Bakhshi stated.
He credited India’s public sector for laying a strong foundation in banking, insurance, and mutual funds. Following liberalization in the 1990s, the private sector built upon this excellent human resource pool. Bakhshi praised India’s regulatory bodies—RBI, SEBI, and IRDAI—for creating one of the world’s most stable financial systems.
Addressing the students, he said, “You are elite talents enriched by XLRI’s world-class education. As you begin your professional journeys, remember that while the world faces challenges, India remains strong. Move forward with excellence, humility, and a spirit of service—not just for success, but for the nation.”
Academic Excellence Awards
The institute presented medals to several students for outstanding performance in the 2025-26 academic year:
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Best All-Round Student (Parineet Reddy Medal): Abhinav Singh Roy
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Best All-Round Woman Student (Geeta Saxena Medal): Anushka Chaturvedi
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Outstanding FPM Student (K.V.K. Raju Medal): Sudhanshu Bhatt
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HRM Topper: Khushi Kaur Mehta
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BM Topper: Nischal Goyal
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Social Initiative Awards: Nehal Jain and Samyak Jain
