"Success is not just about career milestones, it’s about building intangible assets—your concepts, your competencies, your connections,” said Firdose Vandrevala, chief guest at the 23rd Graduation Ceremony of XLRI – Xavier School of Management for its VIL and Corporate Programmes. A distinguished alumnus and former faculty member, Vandrevala—who has held top leadership roles including MD of Tata Power and Deputy MD of Tata Steel—addressed 314 graduating professionals at the Tata Auditorium.

Congratulating the graduating students, he acknowledged the pivotal role played by families, peers, and faculty in their journey. Drawing from his own life experiences, he offered ten profound principles for professional and personal growth. Among them: the art of balancing work and life, nurturing resilience, staying curious, mastering one’s domain, finding joy in the little things, and having the courage to never give up. “Avoid the seven deadly sins—greed, envy, pride—and remain grounded as you grow,” he advised, earning a resounding applause from the packed auditorium.

The graduating students belonged to six specialized programs: PGCBM Batch 42, PGCHRM Batch 34, PGCHRM (Accenture) Batch 8, PGCGM Batch 2, EDHRM Batch 18 and EDABS Batch 1

The event marked a milestone in the careers of working professionals from across industries, many of whom had juggled demanding roles while pursuing their executive education.

Gold Medals for Academic Excellence were awarded to: Tanya Malhotra (EDHRM), Vanshika Gupta (PGCHRM – Accenture), Puja Chatterjee (PGCGM – PwC), Shashank Shekhar (PGCBM), Prachi Painuly (PGCHRM) and Vindhya Rajendran (EDABS)

The Executive Diploma in Human Resource Management program continued to stand out as a platform for real-world impact. With an average of 10 years of work experience, this batch saw professionals rise to positions such as DGM, Unit HR Head, and Senior Manager. Their achievements included spearheading hospital expansions, winning ET Emerging Leader Awards, driving cost-cutting workforce strategies, resolving long-pending legal issues, and boosting HR capabilities in sectors like tech, manufacturing, retail, and healthcare.

Addressing the gathering, Fr. Sebastian George, S.J., Director of XLRI, emphasized the need for inclusive growth and urged the graduates to contribute meaningfully to society by addressing socio-economic challenges. “Your education is not just a personal milestone but a social responsibility,” he remarked.

Dr. Fr. Donald D’Silva, S.J., Dean (Administration & Finance), highlighted Vandrevala’s exemplary journey and his continued commitment to education and excellence. “He is not just a leader in the corporate world, but also a visionary builder of institutions,” he said.

The ceremony was presided over by XLRI’s leadership including Dr. Sanjay Patro (Dean, Academics) and Dr. Manoj Thomas (Associate Dean, VIL & Corporate Programmes), who collectively reaffirmed the institute’s mission of preparing industry leaders who serve For the Greater Good.