R. Joseph D’ Kennedy, a distinguished alumnus of the Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA) has declined an invitation to judge Chrysalis 2025, LIBA’s prestigious annual event. In a letter addressed to the event organiser, Kennedy cited three significant reasons for his decision, including his support for victims of clergy abuse, unresolved concerns about Loyola College’s governance, and the controversial naming of an auditorium after an individual linked to tax fraud.
Kennedy, who was the recipient of the TVS Electronics Special Prize for Creativity in 2004, expressed his deep gratitude for his time at LIBA and the lasting impact of its founder, Fr. Casimir Raj. However, he stated that his decision to decline the invitation was rooted in his commitment to justice and accountability.
Standing with Victims of Clergy Abuse
In his letter, the ECA (Ending Clergy Abuse) – India representative extended his unwavering support to victims of sexual abuse by Jesuits belonging to the Chennai/Madurai Jesuit Province. He emphasized that he could not, in good conscience, associate himself with an institution that has failed to adequately address these grave injustices. “Their ongoing fight for justice is a cause I stand firmly behind,” he wrote.
Concerns Over Loyola College’s Governance
He also highlighted his concerns about Loyola College’s governance, referencing a detailed 41-page report he submitted to the University Grants Commission (UGC) in December 2022. The report, titled “Loyola College, Chennai is at a Dangerous Inflection Point and Granting University Status Will Be Extremely Suicidal for India as a Nation and the Christian Faithful,” led to the UGC denying Loyola’s application for university status. His’s concerns remain unresolved, and he believes it would be inconsistent to participate in an event hosted by an institution with which he has fundamental disagreements.
Controversial Naming of Auditorium
Kennedy expressed deep disappointment over the decision to name an auditorium after an individual who has been raided multiple times for tax fraud and settled for a substantial tax composition. The same individual was awarded the “Star of Loyola” by the management of Loyola College, Chennai. He lamented, “Sadly, the man raided for tax evasion is the role model LIBA / Loyola College sets as an example to its students.” He argued that this decision undermines the values of integrity and accountability that LIBA and Loyola College should uphold. He called for the building to be renamed after LIBA’s founder, Fr. Casimir Raj, a world-renowned scholar.
A Call for Dialogue and Resolution
Despite his decision, Kennedy reiterated his respect for LIBA’s mission and its efforts to foster leadership and innovation among students. He wished the participants of Chrysalis 2025 success in exploring the theme of “AIVolution” and expressed hope for constructive dialogue on the issues he raised.
Kennedy’s letter has sparked a broader conversation about accountability, transparency, and the values that educational institutions should embody. As the debate continues, many are watching to see how LIBA and Loyola College will respond to these pressing concerns.
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