XLRI Ethics Events

Workshop on Essay and Poster:  

Essay Writing: Registration and Submission

Infographics/Poster: Registration and Submission

For XLRI Students: Essay Writing: Registration and Submission

For XLRI Students: Infographics/Poster: Registration and Submission

Prizes (Essay):  I: ₹ 20,000; II: 15,000; III: 10,000 plus 10 Consolation Prizes  ₹ 2,000 each. Total: ₹ 65,000

Prizes (Poster): I: ₹ 15,000; II: 10,000; III: 7,000 plus 10 Consolation Prizes  ₹ 1,000 each. Total: ₹ 42,000

AMA: December 2024

Last Date for Submission of Essay and Infographics/Poster: July 10, 2025, EOD

Announcement of Prizes:  July 31, 2025

The current era of unprecedented technological growth and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) presents humanity with an extraordinary choice: to use our advancements responsibly or face the dire consequences of neglect. This essay and poster/infographics competition, titled "The BEST or LAST Generation," is inspired by the words of great leaders who have emphasized the need for humanity to act responsibly in the face of monumental challenges.

As John F. Kennedy wisely remarked, "We have the power to make of this the best generation of mankind in the history of the world—or to make it the last." This powerful statement underscores the responsibility we carry in ensuring that technological progress enhances our humanity rather than undermines it. The potential for AI and other technologies to reshape societies is immense, but without a moral compass guiding this transformation, we risk allowing these tools to lead us toward self-destruction.

Similarly, Martin Luther King Jr. poignantly warned, "We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools." This message speaks directly to the need for unity, cooperation, and the shared responsibility of preserving the very fabric of our existence. In an interconnected world, the failure to address critical issues such as climate change, inequality, and the ethical use of technology threatens not only individual nations but humanity as a whole.

India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, offered a sobering reflection when he stated, "The only alternative to coexistence is codestruction."This is a stark reminder that the choices we make today—whether in diplomacy, the environment, or technological development—carry consequences that will determine whether we flourish or fall.

The Responsibility of Our Generation

In the age of AI and rapid technological advances, we possess unparalleled power. This generation, unlike any before it, can solve global challenges with the click of a button. The marvels of AI allow us to predict environmental trends, cure diseases, and create sustainable business models. Yet, the same technology, if used irresponsibly, can deepen social divides, automate violence, and erode human dignity.

With great power comes great responsibility, and it is this responsibility that we must embrace. As machines learn and AI grows, the potential for misuse or even simple oversight becomes alarming. There is a pressing need for ethical leadership in technology—leaders who can balance innovation with moral integrity, ensuring that progress does not come at the expense of our shared future.

This competition encourages students, professionals, and creative minds to reflect on what it means to be the "best generation." Through essays and visual representations (posters/infographics), participants are invited to explore how technological growth, when guided by principles of ethics, compassion, and responsibility, can help us avoid becoming the "last generation."

The Power of Art and Writing to Inspire Action

Essays offer a platform to think critically about the ethical challenges of our time. Writers can dissect the pressing issues related to AI, climate change, and social justice, providing solutions and strategies for responsible action. Meanwhile, posters and infographics serve as powerful visual tools to inspire, educate, and move audiences to action.

We stand at a crossroads. Will we embrace the responsibility of our time and rise to become the best generation? Or will we succumb to the pitfalls of technological recklessness, making us the last?

This competition seeks to initiate a global conversation, urging us all to act with foresight, wisdom, and moral clarity. Through our shared responsibility, we hope to shape a collective future where technology serves the greater good, unites us in brotherhood and sisterhood, and safeguards the survival of our species.

• International Ethics Conference on Respect:  Jan 10-11, 2025. Details

• Spirituality Conclave on Integrating Spirituality to Management:  Feb 10-11, 2025. Details

TIPS FOR WRITING ESSAY

ORGANISING Your thought is the most important part of the essay writings. Spend enough time reading, reflecting, systematizing, arguing and finalising the pattern of your essay!

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Title of the Essay

Author's name and designation

Abstract

Keywords

Introduction

• Catchy Question/Quote/Story

• Why the essay? (Relevance)

• Background

• Limitations, if any

• Thesis statement (Main argument in the essay)

The Body

• Argument 1

• Argument 2

• Argument 3

• Etc

• Counterargument, if any, and rebuttal

• Proving the thesis Statement

Conclusion

• Main arguments summarised

• Thesis statement reformulated

• Scope for further study, if any

• Apt quote or question

References

For details see

Model essay1

Model essays

APA Style

Suggestions for Poster/Infographics

Following the structure of the essay writing above, you may highlight each of the sections in brief sentences (arrows and points are preferred). Using less words, show the connection between each sections and make the argument visually present to the reader.

The poster should contain similar structure as the essay.

You may use a single PowerPoint slide as the basis for poster. Use text size as 12.

Size of the poster: A2

Elements in the poster

• Introduction

• Body

• Conclusion

• References

• Author's details

• Pictures

• Indicators (arrows, pointers, etc)

Model Posters