UditVani, Jamshedpur: Aligning with the national vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, XLRI Jamshedpur successfully concluded a two-day ICSSR-supported seminar and doctoral workshop titled “A Convergence: Reflections in Entrepreneurial Journey through Cultural Forms and Voices.”
The initiative, backed by the Indian Council of Social Science Research and FACES, sought to reposition culture from passive preservation to a dynamic driver of economic value, identity creation, and sustainable grassroots entrepreneurship.
The project, funded under an ICSSR research grant for 2024–25, brought together academicians, policymakers, and over 50 cultural practitioners from Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh.
The research team, including Prof. Vinayak Ram Tripathi and Prof. Tata L. Raghu Ram (XLRI), collaborated with Prof. Harsh Jha of Indian Institute of Management Udaipur and Dr. Mukesh Kumar from the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India, ensuring a strong blend of academic depth and policy relevance.
The seminar opened with thought-provoking insights from institutional leaders. Dr. (Fr.) Mukti Clarence, SJ, Administrator of XLRI, emphasized moving beyond surface-level preservation toward enterprise-led cultural transformation rooted in dignity and inclusion.
Dr. Saurav Snehvrat highlighted the growing role of XLRI’s Rural Business Incubator (XCITE) in translating academic research into real-world impact.
Delivering the keynote, cultural entrepreneur Amitava Ghosh underscored the urgency of grassroots innovation, drawing from decades of experience with Kalamandir and Biponi.
Anil Gupta, Padma Shri awardee, inspired participants with insights on grassroots innovation and rural value chains, referencing his recent Shodhyatra in Gumla.
Dr. Richa Sharma of ICSSR, addressing virtually, stressed the importance of robust research methodologies to strengthen the social-cultural entrepreneurship ecosystem.
A key highlight was the participation of distinguished cultural practitioners, including painter C.R. Hembrom, Dr. Vasavi Kiro (Torang Trust), Gustav Imam (Sanskriti Art Gallery, Hazaribagh), Gunjal Ikir Munda (RUMBUL, Ranchi), and Ravi Raj Murmu (Sawanta Studio, Jadugoda).
Through compelling personal narratives, they demonstrated how indigenous knowledge systems can evolve into sustainable enterprises while preserving authenticity.
The second day focused on a specialized doctoral methodological workshop, enabling scholars to convert cultural narratives into rigorous qualitative research.
The session was led by Prof. Sankalp Pratap of Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, with academic support from Prof. Himadri Roy Chaudhary (XLRI) and Prof. Harsh Jha (IIM Udaipur), equipping researchers with advanced analytical frameworks.
The event concluded with an address by Prof. Sanjay Patro, Dean (Academics), XLRI, and closing remarks from Basant Tirkey of TICCI. Dr. Tata L. Raghu Ram extended a vote of thanks, acknowledging the collective efforts behind the initiative.
With its unique blend of grassroots voices and academic rigor, XLRI Jamshedpur has set a compelling example of how institutions can actively contribute to building an entrepreneurial and culturally rooted Viksit Bharat.
