Discovering the purpose and acting according to it is crucial in the lives of every business entrepreneur,” Mr. Amit Raj Sinha, MD and CEO, Sigachi Industries Limited

Jamshedpur। The International Conference on Enabling Social and Business Responsibility in Our Globalised World, hosted by the JRD Tata Foundation for Business Ethics and XLRI, Xavier School of Management, in collaboration with international partners, represents a significant milestone in the discourse on ethical leadership and corporate responsibility. The conference, held at the XLRI campus in Jamshedpur, India, brought together a diverse group of leaders, scholars, and practitioners from various corners of the globe, all united by a common interest in fostering ethical practices within the business community and beyond.
The conference began with opening remarks that set a reflective and aspirational tone, emphasizing the critical role of ethical leadership in shaping a more just and sustainable world. The messages from Fr. George, SJ (Director of XLRI), Fr. Jerry Coutinha, SJ (Jesuit Provincial), and Fr. Donald D’Silva, SJ (Dean Admin-Finance at XLRI), underscored the foundational values of the JRD Tata Foundation for Business Ethics and XLRI, highlighting the importance of community, compassion, and commitment in leadership.
The participation of distinguished guests like Ms. Soni Sinha, Chief Ethics Officer, Tata Steel and Mr. Amit Raj Sinha, MD and CEO, Sigachi Industries Limited, Hyderabad, provided invaluable insights into the practical application of ethics in business. Ms. Soni’s discussion on Tata Steel’s approach to ethics exemplified how organizations could embody ethical principles systematically. She urged the future leaders to practise ethics and responsibility in the personal and professional lives. She quoted JRD Tata, “No success or achievement in material terms is worthwhile unless it serves the needs or interests of the country and its people and is achieved by fair and honest means.”
Mr. Sinha’s focus on ethics in decision-making and the integration of ESG considerations into business operations offered a roadmap for embedding responsible practices into corporate DNA. He dwelt on the ethical dilemmas that every individual and industry faces and gave tips on how resolve these dilemmas ethically. Drawing from the three pillars of the golden circle, What, How and Why, he urged the leaders to recognise the purpose of one’s own life and that of the industry. “Discovering the purpose and acting according to it is crucial in the lives of every business entrepreneur,” he added. The prime reason human being continued to prosper and grow is not intellect or adaptability, but our sense of culture and community. He urged the participants and practitioners to contribute to our community with hard work, commitment and responsible ethics.
Fr. Kuruvilla Pandikattu, SJ, of the JRD Tata Foundation, outlined the event flow, emphasizing the community’s centrality, compassion, and commitment. Prof. Jeff Thies, Director of the Institute of Business Ethics and Sustainability at Loyola Marymount University, delivered a thought-provoking online address, exploring the complexities of business ethics and the significance of values-based reasoning in leadership. Prof H.K. Pradhan proposed the vote of thanks.
The conference featured a rich array of paper presentations, covering a wide range of topics from ethics in higher education and corporate governance to innovative practices in green technology and ethical AI applications. These academic contributions, coupled with a panel discussion featuring executives from leading corporations, bridged the gap between theoretical ethics and practical business applications. The keynote addresses further deepened the dialogue, offering diverse perspectives on the challenges and opportunities presented by business ethics in a globalized economy.
The Special Dinner and Cultural Programme at the end of Day 1 provided a relaxed setting for participants to network, fostering connections that span geographical and disciplinary boundaries. This cultural exchange not only enriched the conference experience but also underscored the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the discourse on ethical leadership.
The International Conference on Enabling Social and Business Responsibility in Our Globalised World served as a catalyst for advancing the conversation on ethical leadership and corporate responsibility. By bringing together a multidisciplinary group of thought leaders and practitioners, the conference underscored the urgency of integrating ethical principles into the fabric of global business practices. The discussions and insights generated during the conference highlight the potential for ethical leadership to drive significant positive change, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue and action in this vital area.