Mohali: In a significant event at the Indian School of Business (ISB) Mohali campus, the Post Graduate Programme (PGP) Class of 2025 welcomed the Honorable Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, to the ISB Leadership Summit 2024. The summit, themed “Leadership in New India,” saw prominent dignitaries, including Punjab Governor Shri Gulab Chand Kataria and Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar, in attendance.
India’s Youth: The Key to Global Leadership
Delivering a powerful keynote address, Vice President Dhankhar spoke with enthusiasm about India’s emerging global stature, largely driven by its youthful population. He highlighted how India’s youth demographic, with its vast potential, is a “growth engine” that will propel the country to achieve its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. “Our youth are the envy of the world, and this rich human capital is integral to India’s growth and democracy,” Dhankhar remarked, urging the next generation to take active roles in governance and leadership.
Economic Milestones: From $1 Billion to $700 Billion
Reflecting on India’s remarkable economic journey, Dhankhar pointed out a staggering leap in India’s foreign exchange reserves from a mere $1 billion in 1989 to crossing $700 billion recently. He called this growth an “accomplishment beyond a geometric leap” and credited the country’s economic upsurge as evidence of India’s capability to shape the global economic landscape.
India: A Global Tech Powerhouse
Vice President Dhankhar emphasized technology as a driving force behind India’s transformation. Citing praise from the World Bank, he noted how India’s digital infrastructure has become a model for the world. “Digital technologies have enabled public infrastructure projects that benefit millions, from housing to health coverage and small business loans,” he said, showcasing India’s technological advancements as a testament to its growing leadership in the digital age.
A New Era in Global Diplomacy: India’s Rising Influence
Dhankhar concluded by asserting India’s growing role in global affairs. “We are no longer just a nation of promise; the promise has been realized. India’s rise is unstoppable, incremental, and continual,” he declared. With the world’s eyes on India, Dhankhar expressed confidence that the nation is well-positioned to address global challenges and lead by example on the international stage.
Technology to Shape India’s Future: Industry Leaders Weigh In
Rakesh Bharti Mittal, Chairman of ISB’s Mohali Campus Advisory Board and Vice Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, echoed the Vice President’s sentiments. He outlined India’s leadership in three crucial sectors artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and space which, he believes, will reshape the global order. “These are not just buzzwords; they are sectors where India is leading the world. I see no reason why developed nations will not partner with India on these fronts,” Mittal stated confidently.
ISB’s Role in Nurturing Global Leaders
Madan Pillutla, Dean of ISB, opened the summit with an inspiring message on the importance of leadership in solving global challenges. He emphasized ISB’s commitment to nurturing leaders capable of making a positive impact. “At ISB, we believe that the shortage of leadership globally is a key reason behind many of the world’s problems, and we aim to equip our students with the skills to fill that gap,” Pillutla said.
The ISB Leadership Summit 2024 brought together some of the brightest minds to inspire and prepare the next generation of leaders. Other notable speakers included Shri O.P. Choudhary, Finance Minister of Chhattisgarh; Sanjeev Sanyal, Member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister; and Mayank Kumar, Co-Founder and MD of upGrad, and a proud ISB alumnus.
Shaping New India’s Leadership for the 21st Century
The summit’s discussions underscored how India’s youth, technological advancements, and leadership are driving the country’s economic growth and global influence, positioning it as a key player on the world stage in the coming decades. The next generation of leaders, equipped with insights from this summit, will be pivotal in navigating the complexities of the 21st century, ensuring India’s continued rise in global prominence.
