St Xavier’s University’s ‘XavUltra Talks ‘24’ Hosts Industry Giants to Inspire Success

“When we merge commerce and management with purpose and passion, we create a recipe for extraordinary impact.”

The Xavier's Commerce and Management Society (XCMS) continues its commitment to empowering students by providing immersive exposure to the corporate world. On September 13, 2024, XCMS hosted XavUltra Talks, a speaker session and panel discussion under the theme ‘Industry Insights for a Successful Corporate Future’, at the Fr Albert Huart Hall.

This platform aims to arm undergraduates with the knowledge, skills, and resilience needed to thrive in the fast-paced corporate environment. Through dynamic conversations with industry leaders, XCMS strives to foster a profound understanding of corporate culture and inspire future professionals to chart their paths with confidence.

The event kicked off with an opening ceremony graced by dignitaries including Vice Chancellor Rev Dr Fr John Felix Raj, Registrar Dr Ashish Mitra, Dean Dr Anupam Mitra, and Professors-In-Charge Dr Mili Kar and Dr Sumantra Bhattacharya. Following the traditional lighting of the lamp, Rev Dr Fr John Felix Raj delivered an inspiring address, officially inaugurating the event. The Vice Chancellor then felicitated the eminent guest speakers: Vivek Bajaj (Co-founder, StockEdge), Aswini Bajaj (CEO, Leveraged Growth), Aadarsh Choudhary (Co-founder, EatVerse), Harshit Chokhani (COO, EdTech), Chaitali Das (Director, Rakshak Foundation), and CA Rohit Surana (Partner, Tejas Spire LLP).

The spotlight first fell on Vivek Bajaj, who delivered a compelling solo session on ‘Investment in the Stock Market’. Bajaj skillfully broke down critical concepts, such as bull and bear markets, explaining their importance for both economic growth and individual wealth creation. He emphasised that early investment, starting from a young age, can yield significant long term rewards. He further explored emerging trends, including the rise of technology and sustainability in investment strategies. The discussion underlined why financial literacy is essential, particularly for young minds, enabling them to make informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to the economy. His session concluded with an engaging Q&A session where Bajaj enthusiastically addressed questions from the audience, fostering an interactive and enlightening dialogue.

Following this, the panel discussion featured a powerhouse line-up: Aswini Bajaj, Chaitali Das, Aadarsh Choudhary, CA Rohit Surana, and moderator Harshit Chokhani. The experts shared personal insights drawn from their own career journeys, offering students a rare glimpse into the realities of corporate life.

Aswini Bajaj stressed the importance of passion, comprehensive knowledge, and deep market research. He also highlighted the need for mastering interpersonal skills and understanding human behavior to achieve corporate success. CA Rohit Surana, meanwhile, emphasised the value of developing unique skills and maintaining a resilient and dedicated attitude in the face of challenges.

Harshit Chokhani facilitated a thought-provoking conversation, probing Aadarsh Choudhary about his experiences pitching to investors and competing on Shark Tank. Choudhary shared the importance of trust and clear communication, while Chaitali Das discussed her work with Root to Jute Pvt Ltd, a social entrepreneurship initiative supporting artisans.

In his address, Aswini Bajaj remarked, “For being a successful entrepreneur, you cannot be your own boss,” underscoring the importance of collaboration and continued learning. CA Rohit Surana followed by detailing his strategies for managing large clients and the crucial role mentorship and networking play in professional growth.

The discussion also ventured into overcoming personal and professional challenges. Panelists advised students to cultivate a distinct personal brand, invest in self-growth, and prioritise building a strong professional network. Harshit Chokhani encouraged the audience to engage in self-reflection, highlighting the benefits of solitude for personal development. The speakers emphasised that true success lies not in doing different things, but in doing things differently—reminding the audience that innovation often stems from unique approaches to familiar problems.

The event concluded with key takeaways on adaptability, lifelong learning, and self-reflection, all of which are critical in navigating today’s rapidly evolving corporate landscape. Additionally, panelists stressed the importance of maintaining strong relationships, humility, and a passion for continuous improvement.

The XCMS event was a resounding success, bringing together insightful perspectives and expert advice from industry leaders. The students left inspired and equipped with practical wisdom to tackle future corporate challenges, proving once again that XCMS is dedicated to cultivating future leaders who are ready to make their mark.