The School of Commerce, Finance and Accountancy at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), in collaboration with the International Skill Development Corporation (ISDC), hosted an International Conference on “Industry & Innovation – Building Resilient Leadership for Inclusive & Sustainable Development” on 12 February 2025. The event brought together esteemed academicians, industry leaders, and researchers to discuss innovative strategies aimed at fostering resilient leadership and sustainable development.

Inaugural Ceremony

The conference commenced with an inaugural ceremony at L. F. Rasquinha Hall, LCRI. The event began with a solemn invocation and a graceful welcome dance. Dr Manuel Tauro, Dean of the School of Commerce, welcomed the gathering and emphasised the importance of balancing industrial progress with societal and environmental responsibilities.

The Chief Guest, Dr Anand Edward D’Souza, Director of DAWN HR Solutions Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru, shared his entrepreneurial journey and encouraged students to embrace resilience, innovation, and integrity. The Guest of Honour, Mr Joseph Santhosh Sequeira, Principal Cloud Architect at Dedalus National Healthcare Services Global, UK, highlighted the rapid advancements in IT and stressed the importance of seizing opportunities and maintaining resilience. He cited Colonel Sanders’ story as an inspiration for perseverance.

Rev. Fr Vishwas Joy Misquith SJ, Finance Officer, presided over the event and reinforced the university’s commitment to intellectual growth and inclusive leadership. Video messages from Pro-Chancellor Rev. Fr Melwin Pinto SJ and Vice-Chancellor Rev. Dr Praveen Martis SJ underscored the university’s dedication to strengthening industry-academia partnerships.

Keynote Address and Technical Session

The keynote address was delivered by Mr Ronald Olivera, Founder & CEO of Zillion Pathways, Dubai. He stressed the importance of focus, determination, communication skills, and proficiency in English as essential tools for success in global industries.

A technical session followed, led by Mr Shujath Bin Ali, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer at Re-Sustainability Ltd. He spoke about entrepreneurship and sustainable leadership, underlining the importance of staying informed about industry trends, maintaining discipline, and fostering positive thinking. He highlighted the transition from profit-centric business models to a people-planet-profit framework in alignment with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Research Presentations

The conference saw an impressive 143 paper presentations conducted in hybrid mode—70 offline and 73 online—across 11 tracks covering General Management, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Marketing. Researchers presented innovative ideas and engaged the audience with their insights.

Conference conveners Ms Poojari Nisha Gopal and Ms Renita Joyce Fernandes played a pivotal role in ensuring the event’s success through meticulous planning and coordination.

Valedictory Ceremony

The Valedictory Ceremony in the evening featured Dr Denis Fernandes, Director of Arrupe Block, as the Chief Guest, and Dr Alwyn D’Sa, Registrar of St Aloysius College, as the Guest of Honour. Dr Shobha, Head of Department, welcomed the audience, while Ms Poojari Nisha Gopal delivered the vote of thanks. The session was compered by Ms Rishal D’Souza, Assistant Professor.

Dr Denis Fernandes, in his address, emphasised the balance between industrial growth and environmental sustainability. Dr Alwyn D’Sa drew parallels to Darwin’s theory, advocating resilience, creativity, and adaptability as key survival skills in an evolving landscape. Dr Suresh Poojari, former Dean, appreciated the conference’s theme, highlighting resilience as a critical factor for the success of startups and personal development.

Conclusion

The conference concluded on a note of collaboration and innovation, reinforcing the importance of inclusive, sustainable, and resilient leadership. It showcased St Aloysius University’s commitment to academic excellence and industry partnerships, paving the way for transformative developments in business and education.