JAGSoM Hosts Global Sustainability Summit Integrating Indian Knowledge and ESG Leadership

Bengaluru, Jagdish Sheth School of Management (JAGSoM), in partnership with Sri Sri Institute for Advanced Research under The Art of Living Foundation, hosted the International Conference on

Sustainable India on February 16–17 at its Bengaluru campus. The two-day event convened more than 20 global academicians, policymakers and industry leaders to deliberate on sustainability, ESG integration, ethical governance and future-ready leadership through Indian Knowledge perspectives.

The conference examined actionable pathways for embedding sustainability into institutional and corporate frameworks, drawing on India’s civilizational wisdom alongside modern management and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. Organisers positioned the event at a time when India’s higher education landscape is evolving under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Union Budget 2026–27’s emphasis on outcome-driven learning, employability and innovation.

Speaking on the purpose of this powerful conference, Sanjay Padode, Chairman of Centre for Developmental Education and Board Member, JAGSoM, said: “If a civilisation survives for 8000 years, it must have some secret source. That source could be religion, culture or philosophy but at JAGSoM, we’re agnostic to religion and culture. We’re interested in the knowledge itself. By digging out those basic principles and bringing them back, we can restore balance in life and nature. That’s why this conference is rooted in sustainability. We’ll explore knowledge systems from the past year on year, starting with the Indian Knowledge System.There are so many narratives, stories, epics and documents to learn from. When we combine that wisdom with new technologies like AI and modern management, we can build a more balanced and better life for humanity going forward. ”

The inaugural session on February 16 was attended by Chief Guest Dr. Kelly Damphousse, President of Texas State University, along with Guests of Honour Dr. Santiago Gracia, VP–Strategic Development, and Dr. Celine Davesne, Associate Dean, both from KEDGE Business School. Over two days, the conference featured plenary sessions, thematic tracks, workshops and corporate showcases addressing environmental sustainability, social responsibility, ethical leadership and governance practices, as well as the role of technology and AI in fostering inclusive growth.

The valedictory ceremony was held at the Art of Living Centre in Bengaluru, where spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar addressed participants.
“Our ancient knowledge systems were never separate from nature, they were designed in harmony with it. Whether in Ayurveda, architecture, agriculture, or daily living, sustainability was a natural way of life. At the same time, we must be pragmatic, not glorifying something merely because it is ancient, nor rejecting something because it is modern. Let us objectively adopt what truly benefits humanity and strengthens our future. When wisdom and science come together, India can lead with both sustainability and innovation”

Discussions during the conference also reflected broader national priorities, including the integration of Indian Knowledge Systems into management curricula and aligning academic outcomes with employability and innovation benchmarks. Participants examined how traditional knowledge frameworks could inform contemporary ESG standards, corporate governance models and policy design, reinforcing India’s role in shaping sustainable development discourse.

The event further underscored JAGSoM’s focus on holistic education and social responsibility. The institution highlighted initiatives such as Kanyathon, its annual student-led charity run promoting girl child education and women’s empowerment, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 1 and 5.

Organisers said the successful conclusion of the International Conference on Sustainable India marks a step toward embedding Indian Knowledge perspectives within mainstream ESG and leadership conversations. By bringing together global thought leaders and integrating traditional wisdom with technological advancement, JAGSoM aims to strengthen its positioning as a contributor to responsible, future-ready management education in India and beyond.

JAGSoM is a management institution focused on combining academic rigor with practical exposure. The school states it is the only Indian B-school with all its management specialisations ranked in the QS Global Rankings and was recently recognised as the best B-school for Emerging Leaders by Business World.