Event Overview
On October 12, 2026, XLRI – Xavier School of Management in Jamshedpur hosted the 13th Dr. Verghese Kurien Memorial Sustainable Development Oration. The event was organized by the Fr. Arrupe Centre for Ecology and Sustainability (FACES) and featured Dr. Shaji Krishnan V, Chairman of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), as the chief guest and orator.
Oration Theme and Key Messages
The oration, themed “Producers as Nation Builders: Rethinking Growth, Institutions and Inclusion in India,” examined the role of producers in India’s development trajectory. Dr. Krishnan emphasized a shift toward production‑led growth supported by strong producer‑centric institutions, collective ownership, and the creation of rural enterprises to foster inclusive prosperity, retain value within communities, and enhance climate resilience.
Speaker Background
Dr. Shaji Krishnan V brings over three decades of experience in commercial banking, development finance, rural and cooperative banking, digital transformation, and financial inclusion. At NABARD, he has led reforms in the cooperative sector, fintech initiatives, data analytics, climate finance, and innovation‑driven rural development.
FACES Annual Report Presentation
During the programme, Dr. Tata L. Raghu Ram, Chairperson of FACES, presented the centre’s annual report. FACES continues to advance XLRI’s responsible management agenda through funded research on biodiversity, the circular economy, and corporate sustainability. Its activities include rural immersion programmes, a postgraduate certificate in CSR leadership, and incubation support for tribal and forest‑based enterprises via XCITE and JIDCO. The centre also contributes to national ESG and biodiversity policy development and plans to advise governments on integrating nature into decision‑making, with Dalma earmarked as a research laboratory for tribal enterprises.
Interaction with Rural Entrepreneurs at XCITE
Earlier in the day, Dr. Krishnan visited XLRI’s Council for Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship (XCITE), interacting with 15 founders and entrepreneurs from the centre’s rural business incubation initiative. The entrepreneurs showcased their ventures, products, and growth aspirations, prompting dialogue on rural entrepreneurship, innovation, and the challenges faced by emerging enterprises.
NABARD’s Commitment to Rural Innovation
Dr. Krishnan praised XCITE’s progress over the past six months and reiterated NABARD’s commitment to fostering innovation across Eastern and Northeastern India. This commitment includes capital support, regional infrastructure development, and digital initiatives aimed at strengthening producer organisations, driving youth employment, and promoting balanced regional development.
Institutional Significance
The combined oration and interaction underscored the importance of linking entrepreneurial initiative, institutional backing, and sustainable development to reinforce rural economies. Through the Dr. Verghese Kurien Memorial Sustainable Development Oration and associated engagements, XLRI reaffirms its dedication to dialogue on responsible leadership, inclusive growth, and sustainable development, aligning with its motto “For the Greater Good.”