Ethics in management important, students need to be conscious of growing inequality, says N. Ravi

On Saturday, during the 17th convocation of the MEASI Institute of Management in Chennai, N. Ravi, Director of The Hindu Group Publishing Private Limited, delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of ethics in management and the role of students in addressing growing societal inequalities. Speaking to graduates and faculty members, Mr. Ravi highlighted the need for management professionals to prioritize stakeholder interests beyond mere profit generation. He urged students to adopt a broader perspective, considering the well-being of employees, customers, suppliers, and the wider community as integral to sustainable business success. Mr. Ravi outlined key principles that aspiring managers should embrace, including compassionate treatment of employees, commitment to customer satisfaction, and adherence to ethical advertising standards. He argued that while honesty might initially benefit investment outcomes, ethical behavior must eventually become a fundamental, non-negotiable standard in professional conduct. Drawing upon the insights of French economist Thomas Picketty, he noted that financial returns often surpass those from other productive sectors, exacerbating income disparities between individuals with substantial capital and those without. This, he warned, could foster internal company tensions and deepen societal divides. In addition to advocating for ethical management practices, Mr. Ravi called attention to the increasing awareness among students regarding economic inequality. He encouraged them to remain vigilant about the growing wealth gap both within organizations and across society. As part of his guidance, he presented four essential recommendations for the graduating class: pursuing continuous education, particularly in legal and policy matters; integrating ethical considerations into managerial decisions; staying informed about social inequities; and maintaining a connection to their educational institutions. Furthermore, he emphasized the responsibility of graduates to promote financial literacy and safe internet practices, especially given the prevalence of online fraud and scams. T.A.M. Hameed Kan, Director of the MEASI Institute of Management, shared positive updates about the institution’s recent achievements. Students from the institute had secured gold medals from the University of Madras for the third consecutive year, reflecting consistent academic excellence. Over 90% of the graduating batch had already secured employment in various industries, demonstrating the effectiveness of the institute's training programs. Additionally, the institute received a National Board of Accreditation (NBA) certification for a three-year period, underscoring its quality of education. Imthiaz Pasha, president of the Muslim Educational Association of Southern India (MEASI), announced that all management seats at the institute were fully occupied, with approximately 74% of the seats allocated through counseling processes already filled. A total of 180 students from two batches, 2022–24 and 2023–25, received their degrees during the ceremony. Other notable attendees included M. Nazar Mohamed, Honorary Secretary of MEASI, Farhath Khan, CEO of the MEASI Institute of Management, and Zaffarullah Khan, Convener of the institute. The convocation event underscored the alignment between academic achievement and professional readiness, with a clear emphasis on ethical leadership and social responsibility. As the graduates prepare to enter the workforce, they carry with them a renewed sense of purpose and obligation to contribute positively to both their careers and society at large.