California, USA: Nita Ambani, a prominent philanthropist and businesswoman, is set to deliver the keynote address at the upcoming India Conference at Harvard (ICH), one of the largest student-run events in the U.S. focused on India.
Scheduled for February 15-16, 2025, at Harvard University, the conference will explore the theme "From India to the World." Ambani’s keynote will focus on India's remarkable transformation into a global leader, highlighting its advancements in innovation, culture, and international cooperation.
A member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the founder and chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, Nita Ambani recently hosted the IOC session in India, the first in four decades. She also led efforts to position India as a candidate for hosting the 2036 Olympics. Through her initiatives, Ambani has impacted the lives of over 80 million people and continues to advocate for India’s growing presence on the global stage.
Ayush Shukla, co-chair of the conference, shared, "The India Conference has always aimed to push the limits of discussion surrounding India’s development. This year's theme, 'From India to the World,' encapsulates India’s evolving journey—where local innovation creates a global footprint. The theme celebrates India’s success in technological advancement and development while also highlighting the country’s values of collaboration, vibrant culture, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit."
The India Conference at Harvard is jointly organized by students from Harvard Business School (HBS) and Harvard Kennedy School (HKS). The event will be chaired by Arpit Garg, Sanchie Shroff, Kartik Sahni, and Ayush Shukla. It will feature over 80 speakers across two days, including policymakers, entrepreneurs, and cultural icons.
Key events include a fireside chat with Nita Ambani, a policy hackathon addressing climate change and financial inclusion, in partnership with the Indian School of Business, and a startup pitch competition with $20,000 in prizes for innovative solutions to India's challenges.
Other distinguished speakers at the conference include Pramath Raj Sinha, founding dean of the Indian School of Business and Ashoka University; Ashish Chauhan, CEO of the National Stock Exchange of India; Anjali Bansal, founding partner of Avaana Climate and Sustainability Fund; and renowned fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee.
This year’s conference will spotlight how Indian innovations are transforming global narratives, celebrating India’s growing influence and evolving role in the international arena.