Xavier School of Management (XLRI), hosted a remarkable event as part of the G20 University Connect Programme titled "Engaging Young Minds." The event brought together students, staff, alumni, and management members from XLRI to engage in a dynamic dialogue centered around the theme of India's G20 Presidency for the year 2023 - "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - One Earth, One Family, One Future."
The G20 University Connect Programme is an initiative that aims to involve the youth in global discussions, providing them a platform to contribute their perspectives and ideas to important policy debates. Under the theme "Engaging Young Minds," the lecture series saw a collaboration between XLRI, the Research and Information System (RIS) for Developing Countries, and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India.
The chief guest for the event was Sanjay Bhattacharyya, a seasoned diplomat who has served as India's Ambassador to Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Turkey, and Egypt, as well as the former Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs. The occasion commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by prominent figures including Fr. S George SJ (Director, XLRI), Fr. Donald D’Silva SJ (Dean - Administration & Finance), Prof. Sanjay Patro (Dean - Academics), and Prof. Kalyan Bhaskar (Strategic Management Area, XLRI).
Fr. S George SJ, in his opening address, expressed gratitude to RIS and MEA for providing XLRI the opportunity to host the University Connect Programme. He emphasized the importance of global collaboration in addressing challenges related to sustainability, energy, climate, security, and peace.
The event marked the inauguration of the G20 University Connect Lecture Series at XLRI with the screening of the official G20 video introducing India's Presidency. The video underscored the honor bestowed upon India as the host nation and highlighted the theme "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life forms. The lecture series kicked off with Bhattacharyya's insights on the formation of the G20, India’s priorities during its Presidency, and the role of youth in shaping the global dialogue.
Bhattacharyya emphasized the significance of the G20, given that its member nations collectively account for a substantial portion of the global population, trade, and GDP. He elaborated on this year's focus areas, including green development, climate finance, inclusive growth, digital economy, public infrastructure, technological transformation, and women's empowerment.
The lecture was followed by an engaging question-and-answer session, allowing students to directly interact with Ambassador Sanjay Bhattacharyya, facilitated by Prof. Kalyan Bhaskar.
In conjunction with the lecture series, an essay writing competition was held on campus as a precursor to the event. The competition provided a platform for students to express their insights on various G20 themes. Prof. Kalyan Bhaskar noted the importance of such initiatives in enabling future leaders to engage with present-day issues.
"We, the Committee for Public Policy Research at XLRI Jamshedpur, got the golden opportunity to organize the event from end to end. As a run-up to this event, we organized an article writing competition on campus to make the students aware about themes of G20. It was an enriching experience to interact with the ambassador, while learning more about how India is shaping up the contemporary discourse on all major multilateral forums. We are very excited to be given such an opportunity", said by an XLRI student from the CPPR Committee.
‘G20 University Connect’ Lecture Series: Exploring Interconnected Future with 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'
Friday, 01 September 2023 | Jamshedpur
| PNS
‘G20 University Connect’ Lecture Series: Exploring Interconnected Future with 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'
Friday, 01 September 2023 | Jamshedpur | PNS
