St Aloysius holds International Conference on Sustainable Business Practices – Issues, Challenges and Prospects
Mangaluru: St. Aloysius (Deemed to be a university), the Department of Commerce, in collaboration with KVC Academy and ISDC, organised an International Conference on “Sustainable Business Practices: Issues, Challenges, and Prospects” at Fr L. F. Rasquinha Hall on March 19, 2024, in a hybrid mode.
Rev. Fr Dilan Perera, S.J., Director of the Jesuit Juniorate, Sri Lanka, was the keynote speaker. In his keynote address, he dwells on various issues pertaining to sustainability and business practices from a global perspective.
Rev. Dr Praveen Martis S.J., Vice Chancellor, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) presided over the inaugural session. In his presidential remarks, he spoke on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) issued by the United Nations Organization.
In the technical session that followed the inaugural, Mr R. S. Rajan, co-founder and director of Livpure Private Ltd. and CEO of Privi Groups, Mumbai, enlightened the delgates conservation of water resources and business practices relating to sustainability.
In the next session, CA Hastha Narayan (F.C.A.), Founder, Hastha and Company, Chartered Accountants, Mangaluru, deliberated on Green Accounting and Audit.
The inauguration was done in a unique way by the dignitaries by planting a sapling in the pot, which was later planted at an ideal location on the campus. As a green initiative, seed pens were also released to be distributed to the students and staff through the cooperative stores.
About 550 delegates participated in the conference, and 70 papers were presented on the theme of the conference. Eight outstanding paper presenters were recognised and awarded with certificates of appreciation.
Dr Alwyn D’Sa, Registrar and Controller of Examination; Dr Denis Fernandes, Director of Arrupe Block; C. A. Kiran Vasant, Chairman, KVC Academy; Ms Nanada Devi, Centre Head, ISDC; Dr Manuel Tauro, Dean, Faculty of Commerce; Dr Zeena Flavia D’Souza, Convenor of the Conference; and Dr Shobha, Co-Convenor, the faculty members and students of commerce, were present on the occasion.
During the inaugural ceremony, three students were felicitated for their outstanding performances in the recently held ACCA examinations. Ms Calida Naomi Lobo cleared all the papers before completing B.Com. and became an ACCA Affiliate; she also secured the Global 6th rank and the All India 2nd rank in the Advanced Financial Management Paper. Mr Rishon Alton DSilva bagged the Global 12th rank and the All India 3rd rank in the Audit and Assurance paper, and Rachael Rose Pais is already an ACCA affiliate while doing B.Com.
Dr Manuel Tauro, Dean, Faculty of Commerce, welcomed the gathering, and Dr Shobha, HoD of Commerce, proposed the vote of thanks at the close of the inaugural function. Ms Renita compered the program.
The valedictory ceremony of the conference was held at 3.30 p.m. The event marked the conclusion of insightful discussions and collaborative efforts towards advancing sustainable practices. Dr Abubakkar Siddiq, Professor and Coordinator, Department of P.G. Studies in Commerce, University College Mangaluru, was the guest of honour. He addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of sustainability in the education and business world.
Mr Jeeth Milan Roche, an environmentalist, was the chief guest. He enlightened the gathering on various issues, such as the cutting of trees for development and problems with waste management, and gave certain solutions that they have been implementing at VANA Trust, such as composting and making manure, ‘Hejje’ an initiative to recycle footwares to prevent throwing them into drains and getting into water bodies.
Ms Rishal Dsouza compered the valedictory program. Ms Suchitra welcomed the gathering. Dr Zeena Flavia D’Souza, HoD, Commerce (Professional), and convenor of the conference, proposed the vote of thanks. The program concluded with the National Anthem.
