From India to the World: Harvard India Conference 2025 Celebrates India's Global Ascendancy

The 22nd edition of the Harvard India Conference (ICH 2025), held on February 15-16, 2025, at the Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School, concluded with resounding success, bringing together over 1,000 attendees, 90+ speakers, and 30+ panels to discuss India’s growing influence on the global stage. This year’s theme, From India to the World, highlighted India’s journey as a global contributor, showcasing how its innovations, ideas, and cultural richness are shaping pathways for shared peace and prosperity worldwide.

The conference celebrated India’s rise as a major global force, emphasizing its role in addressing critical issues such as technology, climate action, economic growth, democracy, and cultural exchange. The theme of From India To The World resonated deeply, as India’s digital infrastructure, economic prowess, and soft power were repeatedly highlighted. From its position as the world’s fifth-largest economy to its ambitious goal of becoming a $30 trillion economy by 2047, India’s trajectory was a central focus.

Launchpad@ICH: A Glimpse into India’s Future

What made this year’s conference unique was the introduction of Launchpad@ICH, a groundbreaking initiative showcasing India’s entrepreneurial spirit, artistic innovation, and policy-driven problem-solving. The event also paid homage to India’s cultural roots through traditional postage stamp design in visual communications throughout the conference.

The Launchpad initiative comprised of three key programs:

• Art@ICH: A first-of-its-kind exhibition celebrating India’s artistic evolution.
• Startup Pitch Competition: Seven finalists competed for investment, highlighting India’s entrepreneurial ambition.
• Policy Hackathon: Over 400 participants tackled climate resilience, with winners receiving a $10,000 prize pool and opportunities to engage with policymakers.

Day 1 (Feb 15): Key Panels and Discussions at Harvard Kennedy School

The first day event was held at Harvard Kennedy School, where the focus was on media, policy, art, society, and climate change.

1. Reimagining Indian Journalism and New Media Landscape 
   Samdish Bhatia (Unfiltered by Samdish) and Saurabh Dwivedi (The Lallantop) discussed the evolution of digital journalism in India. With digital news users expected to reach 700 million by 2026, the panel explored how innovative storytelling and audience engagement are redefining news consumption.

2. India @ 2047: Roadmap to a $30 Trillion Economy 
   Experts like Somik Lall (World Bank) and Dr. Ritesh Mallik (Innov8) discussed the sectors driving India’s growth, the role of policy, and the importance of aligning education with market demands. The panel emphasized the need for a unified growth narrative to attract global investment.
3. Unveiling Power: Women Shaping India’s Future 
   Karishma Mehta (Humans of Bombay) and Pallavi Pareek (UNGENDER) highlighted the transformative role of women in India’s social and professional landscape. The discussion centered on storytelling, advocacy, and policy changes as tools for empowerment.

4. Community & Climate: India’s People-Powered Path to Environmental Action 
   Sonam Wangchuk, the educational reformist and environmental activist, brought a block of melting ice from Ladakh to visually underscore the urgency of climate action. The panel, featuring Bharati Chaturvedi (Chintan Environmental Research and Action Group), explored India’s sustainable practices and their global impact.

Day 2 (Feb 16): Key Panels and Discussions at Harvard Business School

The second day shifted to Harvard Business School, where the focus was on innovation, entrepreneurship, and India’s role in shaping the global workforce.

Key Panels and Discussions:

1. Ideas to IPO: India's Tech Giants Go Public 
   Ankit Mehta (ideaForge) and Rohit Kapoor (Swiggy) shared insights into India’s tech IPO success stories, highlighting how innovative ideas are transforming into publicly traded powerhouses.

2. Intelligence Without Borders: India’s Path to Global AI Leadership 
   Industry leaders from Meta, Krutrim, and Verix discussed India’s emergence as a key player in AI. The panel explored how India’s talent pool and innovation capabilities are driving the next frontier of artificial intelligence.
3. Investing in India: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow 
   Professor Tarun Khanna and Dan Tennebaum (India Capital) reflected on 25 years of investing in India, discussing shifting market dynamics and the country’s global potential.
4. Launchpad: Start-up Pitch Competition 
   Seven finalists from sectors like AI, health tech, and climate tech pitched their ideas to a panel of investors, showcasing India’s vibrant startup ecosystem and its potential to drive global innovation.

Nita Ambani’s Keynote: A Vision for India

The conference’s highlight was the keynote address by Nita Ambani, Chairperson of Reliance Foundation. Reflecting on India’s strengths, she emphasized the country’s youth and diaspora as its greatest assets. She also highlighted the adoption of technologies like AI, green energy, and genomics as transformative opportunities.

Ambani shared personal anecdotes, including a touching story about returning a gold chain to support Reliance employees during tough times. “Adversity should make you a better person, not a bitter person,” she said, underscoring the importance of resilience and compassion.

She also expressed her vision for India to host the Olympics, calling it a platform to showcase the nation’s frugal innovation and sustainable practices.

 

 

 

 

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_{Credit: Reliance Foundation}

Wrap-Up: India’s Global Leadership

The 22nd Harvard India Conference was a testament to India’s growing influence on the world stage. From its economic ambitions to its cultural richness, India’s journey from a regional power to a global leader was celebrated with enthusiasm and optimism. As Nita Ambani aptly put it, “India’s strength lies in its youth, its diaspora, and its ability to innovate. The world is watching, and India is ready to lead.”

The year's India Conference at Harvard not only highlighted India’s achievements but also set the stage for future collaborations, innovations, and partnerships that will shape a more inclusive and prosperous world. As the curtains fell on this year’s event, one message was clear: India’s time has come, and the world is eager to follow its lead.