XLRI- Xavier School of Management organised the 7th Dr. Verghese Kurien Memorial Oration. Under the aegis of Fr Arrupe Center for Ecology and Sustainability (FACES), XLRI, in memory of the founder of AMUL, Dr. Verghese Kurien, the oration aims to provide a platform to listen to and learn from thought leaders, social entrepreneurs, development sector professionals and policymakers who have made a significant contribution to the idea of an empowered, prosperous, and sustainable society.

 This year, Ashish Kothari, eminent environmental activist & founder of Kalpavriksh virtually delivered the oration on the topic “Eco-Swaraj: Recovery  towards Justice and Sustainability”.

 In his address, Kothari urges that “One has to be respectful of nature and recognize that other species and earth as a whole also have inherent rights not just because they’re useful for human beings. The principles of Swaraj set out in Gandhi’s texts have never been fully realized.

Yet, they continue to resonate through Indian Civic culture to this day in the country’s grassroots environmental movement. Recognizing that living harmoniously with nature is central to Swaraj.

Eco-Swaraj is not a movement in itself, but it describes patterns. Juxtaposing Eco-Swaraj with COVID-19 along with other ongoing global crises such as climate, biodiversity, and inequality will provide us an opportunity to rethink what development should really mean”.

In his speech Fr. P. Christie, S. J. Director of XLRI stated, “Dr. Verghese Kurien was an ingenious thinker, a revolutionary, and a social entrepreneur who ideated the world's biggest agricultural development program. Dr. Kurien’s remarkable life and achievements are an embodiment of his faith in the common man's ability to exercise control over his destiny.

His life and work exemplify the model for a responsible management leader, combining business skills with the larger good of the society and nation-building. XLRI instituted the oration in his memory to commemorate his legacy through propagating and disseminating the idea of an empowered, equitable and sustainable society

 Fr. P. Christie, S. J. Director of XLRI welcomed Ashish Kothari and said, “We are delighted to have Ashish Kothari to deliver the 7th Dr. Verghese Kurien Memorial Oration this year. His vast work on environmental issues like the environment interface, biodiversity policy, and alternatives would help our students understand the current global environmental issues and inspire them to work for the greater good”.

 Prof. Raghuram Tata, convenor of XLRI’s Fr Arrupe Center for Ecology & Sustainability (FACES) said in his address, “FACES at XLRI was established with the mission to promote practices, policies, and dialogue that have an impact on holistic and sustainable development of society and enterprises.

Dr. Verghese Kurien Memorial Oration on Sustainable Development is our humble initiative to pay tribute to the great visionary.”