Jamshedpur News:XLRI Hosts International Conference on Respect in Business and Leadership

Jamshedpur. XLRI – Xavier School of Management, in collaboration with the JRD Tata Foundation for Business Ethics, hosted a transformative three-day International Conference on Respect in Business and Leadership from January 9 to 11, 2025. This landmark event emphasized the integration of respect into business and leadership practices, fostering ethical frameworks to shape a sustainable and inclusive global future.
The inaugural ceremony, held on January 9, 2025, was graced by eminent dignitaries, including Ms. Soni Sinha, Chief Ethics Counsellor, Tata Steel, who remarked, “Respect is not a mere principle but a binding force that harmonizes organizational success with social good.” Prof. Dr. Madan Pillutla, Dean of the Indian School of Business, serving as the Chief Guest, emphasized, “Leadership that respects humanity, and diversity will always transcend the confines of profit-driven motives to create lasting legacies.”
The session also included inspiring addresses by Prof. Sanjay Patro, Dean (Academics), XLRI, and Fr. Donald D’Silva SJ, Dean (Admin-Finance), who together outlined XLRI’s enduring commitment to building ethical business leaders. As Prof. Patro remarked, “Respect is the invisible currency that fuels ethical leadership.” This sentiment was echoed by Fr. D’Silva, who stated, “The journey toward respect begins with the small but meaningful actions we take daily in our organizations and communities.”
In a significant highlight, Fr. Kuruvilla Pandikattu SJ, Chair Professor of the JRD Tata Foundation for Business Ethics, launched his latest book, Ethical Leadership and Sustainable Practices. Reflecting on his work, he noted, “Sustainable leadership rests on the unshakeable foundation of respect, which inspires individuals and organizations to thrive with purpose.”
EthicoSphere Launch: A New Era for Ethical Leadership
On January 10, 2025, XLRI unveiled EthicoSphere, a groundbreaking platform dedicated to fostering ethical leadership in academia and industry. The launch featured a keynote address by Dr. Himanshu Rai, Director of IIM Indore, who articulated, “The shift from compliance to value-driven governance is not just desirable but essential for sustainable progress.”
Fr. George Sebastian, Director of XLRI, emphasized, “EthicoSphere is an initiative where integrity meets innovation, creating a blueprint for ethical ecosystems across industries.” Complementing this, Ms. Soni Sinha remarked, “Platforms like EthicoSphere encourage us to confront systemic challenges and find ethical solutions that align with global priorities.”
Keynote Addresses: Wisdom from Visionary Leaders
The conference featured a stellar lineup of keynote speakers:
• Prof. Ram Kumar Kakani, Director, IIM Raipur, who stated, “Ethical leadership is not about avoiding mistakes but about owning them and learning from them.”
• Prof. Pawan Kumar Singh, Director, IIM Tiruchirappalli, noted, “Respect fosters collaboration, and collaboration breeds innovation.”
• Prof. Sriram Narayanan, Michigan State University, remarked, “The future of business ethics lies in the harmonious integration of technology, transparency, and respect.”
• Prof. Arup Varma, Loyola University, Chicago, highlighted, “Leadership rooted in respect creates organizations that stand resilient in the face of challenges.”
Insights from Prominent CXOs
Panel discussions included thought leaders from industry, with notable contributions:
• Praveen Kumar, Microsoft, asserted, “Respect is the bridge between technology and humanity.”
• Renny I John, IBM Consulting, stated, “Ethical leadership must inspire trust in a world of disruption.”
• Saurav Kumar, Amadeus Labs, remarked, “Innovation thrives in an environment where respect for diverse ideas is the norm.”
• Shekhar Tiwari, GEP Worldwide, commented, “Leadership is as much about listening as it is about leading.”
• Bikram Keshori Nayak, Vedanta Ltd., noted, “Sustainability begins when respect for the environment becomes a business imperative.”
• Amar Joshi, Prudential India, emphasized, “Ethical practices are not optional; they are the bedrock of sustained success.”
• Ankur Bansal, UKG, observed, “Respect for employees creates a culture of excellence.”
• K S Jaishankar, Centelon Solutions, concluded, “Respect in leadership fosters trust, which is the currency of the future.”
Continuing the Legacy of EthicoSphere
EthicoSphere is envisioned as more than a conference initiative; it is a continuous dialogue and collaborative movement to inspire ethical decision-making globally EthicoSphere represents a living commitment to respect, integrity, and sustainability, and we aim to make it a global hub for ethical innovation.”
The initiative will include ongoing research, case studies, and collaborations with industry and academia to address pressing ethical challenges. XLRI plans to host EthicoSphere Dialogues annually, inviting thinkers and practitioners to share insights and best practices.
Cultural Exchange and Vision for the Future
The As the conference concluded, it left participants inspired and committed to fostering respect and ethics in their personal and professional lives. The Conference has set a high standard for ethical discourse, and the legacy of EthicoSphere promises to keep the dialogue alive with cultural diversity and meaningful conversations. XLRI reaffirmed its mission to shape responsible leaders who integrate respect and ethics into business practices globally.
For updates and details on EthicoSphere’s initiatives, visit ic-2025.xlri.ac.in.