UditVani, Jamshedpur : XLRI marked a historic milestone as it hosted its 70th Annual Convocation Ceremony at the Tata Auditorium, celebrating the graduation of 530 students across its flagship programmes.
The ceremony reflected the institute’s enduring legacy of over seven decades in shaping responsible, values-driven leaders.
The graduating cohort comprised students from diverse programmes, including the Fellow Programme in Management (FPM), Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management (HRM), Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management (BM), General Management Programme (GMP), and Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM).
The convocation underscored XLRI’s continued commitment to academic excellence and holistic leadership development.
The highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of the prestigious Sir Jehangir Ghandy Medal for Industrial and Social Peace—XLRI’s highest honour—on Sandeep Bakhshi, Chief Executive Officer of ICICI Bank.
Recognised for his outstanding contributions to industry and society, Bakhshi, an alumnus of XLRI, delivered the Convocation Address, inspiring graduates to embrace resilience, continuous learning, and purpose-driven leadership.
He highlighted India’s growth trajectory, powered by human capital and digital transformation, while urging students to prioritise excellence over comparison and lead with humility, compassion, and a spirit of service.
Delivering the Director’s Report, Fr. Sebastian George described the convocation as both a moment of reflection and a gateway to future responsibilities.
He emphasised discipline, perseverance, and lifelong learning as essential traits for success, urging students to lead with integrity and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
In his address, T. V. Narendran, Chairman of the Board of Governors, highlighted the importance of informed decision-making in an increasingly interconnected world.
He stressed the need for graduates to understand global geopolitical dynamics, adapt to rapid technological advancements, and cultivate strong interpersonal skills.
Emphasising resilience and mental well-being, he encouraged students to effectively navigate challenges and remain committed to building a more inclusive and equitable society.
The ceremony also celebrated academic excellence, with several students receiving prestigious medals.
Abhinav Singh Roy was awarded the Parineet Reddy Medal for Best All-round Student, while Anushka Chaturvedi received the Geeta Saxena Medal for Best All-round Woman Student. Other notable awardees included Sudhanshu Bhatt for Outstanding FPM Student, Khushi Kaur Mehta for highest CQPI in HRM, Nishchhal Goel for highest CQPI in BM, and Aditya Singh for highest CQPI in LSCM.
The XLRI Medal for Social Initiatives was jointly awarded to Nehal Jain and Samyak Jain, recognising their contributions beyond academics.
Additional recognitions were conferred for excellence in research publications and long-standing service, reflecting XLRI’s emphasis on academic rigour and institutional commitment.
The formal proceedings included the Invocation, Director’s Report, Chairman’s Address, presentation of the Sir Jehangir Ghandy Medal, Convocation Address, and the conferment of degrees.
As the Class of 2026 steps into professional arenas across industries and geographies, the convocation stands as a testament to XLRI’s mission of nurturing leaders who combine professional competence with ethical integrity.
The institute continues to reinforce its vision of contributing to the greater good, ensuring its graduates remain catalysts for positive change in society.
