XLRI- Xavier School of Management recently organized the 9th Dr. Verghese Kurien Memorial Oration. Organized under the aegis of Fr Arrupe Center for Ecology and Sustainability (FACES), XLRI, in memory of the Founder of AMUL, Dr. Verghese Kurien, popularly known as “the Milkman of India,” 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, Shri Suman Bery, Vice Chairperson of NITI Ayog delivered the oration on the topic “Sustainable Development Goals 2030: Indian model of localisation”.
Delivering the oration on the topic, Shri Suman Bery said, “Sustainable development goals were adopted by the UN soon after Modi PM took over. And he showed exceptional leadership on behalf of India. If India matters to Sustainable Development Goals then Sustainable Development Goals also matters to India. Agenda 2030 is captured by 17 SDG goals and each has their own targets. By December, India will take over the presidencies of a group of countries and will also tell some harsh truth to the world about SDGs.” He also emphasized on the Indian model of SDG Localisation that has 4 pillars namely; Creating institutional ownership, Establishing a robust review and monitoring system, Developing capacities for integrating SDGs in planning and monitoring and Promoting a whole society approach.
In his Address, Mr. Bery urges that, “As citizens you have the right to hold your state government responsible in terms of what they are achieving and what they are not achieving in terms of SDGs.” He shared different state initiatives as examples. He also discussed how NITI Ayog monitors national progress every year based on the targets and indicators. We worked hard on the data to pull together the SDG index. National surveys, public domains, ministry data, national level data sources are used to gather data. “SDG are self-reinforcing and encompass economic, social and environmental aspects”, he said.
Mr. Bery also advised the gathering saying, “Students are future leaders of India and as commitment in whatever walk of life you choose do it as if you are doing your part of SDG. Raise your consciousness about why these are important.”
Fr. S George, Director at XLRI Jamshedpur said, “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.”
Prof L Tata Raghu Ram, Chairman of FACES – Fr Arrupe Centre for Ecology and Sustainability introduced the gathering about the committee. FACES is a multi- disciplinary centre at XLRI, Jamshedpur, which aims to promote policies, practices and dialogue which have an impact on holistic and sustainable development of society and enterprises. “FACES always looks forward to creative inputs and cooperation and a lot of vigor in the coming year”, he added.
