UditVani, Jamshepdur: On November 22, 2024, XLRI – Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur, held the 32nd JRD Tata Oration on Business Ethics at Tata Auditorium. The keynote speaker for the event was Harish Bhat, Advisor and Director at the Tata Group. He delivered an insightful address on “Doing the Right Thing – The Legacy of Ratan Tata,” shedding light on the principles of ethical leadership championed by one of India’s most revered industrialists.
A Tribute to J.R.D. Tata’s Ethics Vision
The event began with a ceremonial lamp-lighting by prominent figures, including TV Narendran, Chairman of XLRI; Harish Bhat; Fr. S George S.J., Director of XLRI; Dr. Sanjay Patro, Dean (Academics) at XLRI; and Fr. Kuruvilla Pandikattu, S.J., Chairperson of the JRD Tata Centre for Business Ethics.
Fr. Pandikattu highlighted XLRI’s long-standing commitment to business ethics, noting that the JRD Tata Foundation and the Chair for Business Ethics are the cornerstone of the institution’s ethics-oriented initiatives. XLRI remains the only business school in India with a dedicated Chair for Business Ethics in honor of J.R.D. Tata.
The Pillars of Ratan Tata’s Ethical Leadership
Harish Bhat, in his oration, emphasized the powerful impact of Ratan Tata’s leadership philosophy. He explained that for Ratan Tata, “doing the right thing” involved several key principles. These included conducting business ethically, adhering to moral correctness beyond legal compliance, prioritizing fairness to all stakeholders, and showing genuine compassion for others. One of Tata’s standout qualities, Bhat noted, was his unwavering commitment to treat everyone with respect and dignity—a hallmark of his character. Ratan Tata’s belief that “the nation comes first” further shaped his decision-making, placing national welfare above personal or corporate interests.
XLRI’s Ongoing Commitment to Ethical Business Practices
In line with the teachings of the JRD Tata Oration, XLRI continues to incorporate ethics into its academic programs. The institution offers a regular course on Managerial Ethics to first-year students across its programs (GMP, HRM, BM) and hosts workshops and Management Development Programs (MDPs) in collaboration with Tata Steel. XLRI’s efforts extend beyond the classroom with initiatives like the All India Essay and Poster Competitions, which received 182 entries last year, and ongoing publications in platforms like Outlook Magazine and the Tata Company Newsletter.
Looking ahead, XLRI plans to host an International Conference in January 2025 on “Respect in Business and Leadership,” in collaboration with seven foreign universities. This conference will mark the launch of EthicoSphere, an initiative from the XLRI-JRD Tata Foundation aimed at deepening research in business ethics. The PEACE committee, comprising students, will play an active role, building on the success of previous conferences.
Expanding Influence through Partnerships and Research
XLRI’s dedication to ethics extends beyond its campus through collaborations with institutions like Loyola College Chennai, Serampore College Kolkata, and Michigan State University. These partnerships help facilitate workshops on ethics, seminars, and dialogues on diversity and inclusion. Students have also excelled in international competitions, such as the ethics and sustainability case competitions at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Additionally, XLRI’s research contributions in applied business ethics are noteworthy, with four published books and ongoing initiatives to push the boundaries of this critical field.
Through these comprehensive efforts, XLRI continues to shape future leaders with a strong foundation in trust, responsibility, and ethical leadership, ensuring a positive impact on the global business community.
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