St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University), 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 addresss, he dwell on various issues pertaining to sustainability and business practices in a global perspective.  

Rev. Dr Praveen Martis S.J., Vice Chancellor, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) presided over the inaugural session. He, in his presidential remarks, spoke on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) 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, Mangalore deliberated on Green Accounting and Audit.

The inauguration was done in a unique way by the dignatories by planting a sapling in the pot, which was later planted at an ideal location in the campus.   As a green initiative, seed pens were also released to be distributed to the students and staff through the Coopertive Stores.   

About 550 delegates participated in the conference and 70 papers were presented on theme of the conference. Eight outstanding paper presenters were recognised and awarded with the certificte 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 performance in the recently held ACCA Examinations.  Ms Calida Naomi Lobo has cleared all the papers before completing B Com and became ACCA Affiliate; she also secured Global 6th Rank and All India 2nd rank in Advanced Financial Management Paper. Mr Rishon Alton DSilva, bagged Global 12th Rank and All India 3rd rank, in Audit and Assurance paper and Rachael Rose Pais is already 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 inaugural function. Ms Renita compered the programme. 

The valedictory ceremony of the coference 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 Mangalore was the guest of honour. He addressed the gathering highlighting the importance of sustainablity in education and business world. 

Mr Jeeth Milan Roche, Environmentalist was the chief guest. He enlightened  the gathering on various issues such as cutting of trees for development, problems on waste management, and gave certain solutions which they have been implimenting at VANA Trust, such as composting and making manure, ‘Hejje’ an initiate to recycle footwares to prevent throwing them to the drains and getting into water bodies. 

Ms Rishal Dsouza compered the valedictory programme.  Ms Suchitra welcomed the gathering.  Dr Zeena Flavia D’Souza, HoD, Commerce (Professional) and convenor of the conference, proposed the vote of thanks. The programme concluded with the National Anthem.