Jamshedpur, October 19: XLRI – Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur, on Saturday hosted the 12th Dr. Verghese Kurien Memorial Oration on the theme “Ecological Security for a Viksit Bharat”, featuring Dr. Vinod B. Mathur, former Chairperson of the National Biodiversity Authority of India and ex-Director of the Wildlife Institute of India.
The event, organised by the Fr. Arrupe Centre for Ecology and Sustainability (FACES) at XLRI, began with a prayer by the XLRI choir and the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. The oration honours Dr. Verghese Kurien, architect of India’s White Revolution, and aims to inspire dialogue on sustainable development and social transformation.
Dr. Mathur, in his address, said that India’s vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047 hinges on aligning ecological and economic security. He underscored the need for nature-positive growth, green finance, renewable energy, and nature-based solutions to ensure inclusive and sustainable progress. “India can achieve lasting prosperity only when ecological security becomes central to its growth narrative,” he said.
Earlier, Dr. Tata L. Raghu Ram, Chairperson of FACES, presented the centre’s annual report, detailing initiatives in sustainability, climate action and social responsibility. He highlighted XLRI’s research collaborations with bodies such as IUCN and ICSSR, a new degree programme in sustainable leadership, and projects promoting rural immersion and CSR-driven education.
Dr. (Fr.) Sebastian George, S.J., Director of XLRI, welcomed participants and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to sustainable development, social justice and ethical leadership. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A and a vote of thanks by Dr. Sanjay Patro, Dean (Academics), followed by the National Anthem and a fellowship gathering.
The annual oration, a flagship initiative of FACES, reflects XLRI’s mission to integrate academic excellence with ethical and environmental responsibility, continuing its legacy of Excellence, Integrity, and Nation Building.
