Nita Ambani to Headline Harvard’s India Conference 2025

Nita Ambani, a prominent figure in philanthropy, education, and culture, is set to deliver the keynote address at the upcoming India Conference at Harvard (ICH), scheduled for February 15-16, 2025, in Boston.

The India Conference at Harvard is one of the largest student-led events in the United States focusing on India’s evolving role in global affairs. Jointly hosted by Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School, the conference brings together thought leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and cultural icons to engage in meaningful dialogue about India’s impact on the world stage.

This year’s conference theme, “From India to the World,” celebrates India’s emergence as a global leader in peace, prosperity, and innovation. Ambani’s keynote address is expected to align seamlessly with this theme, highlighting India’s transformative journey and its contributions to global narratives.

Ayush Shukla, one of the conference co-chairs, emphasized the significance of this year’s theme, stating, “The India Conference has always strived to push the boundaries of dialogue around India’s growth story. This year’s theme ‘From India to the World’ captures the essence of India’s transformative journey—where local ingenuity meets global impact.”

In addition to Ambani’s keynote, the conference will feature a fireside chat with her, providing deeper insights into her vision for India’s role on the global stage. Other notable events include a policy hackathon, organized in collaboration with the Indian School of Business and GDi Partners, focusing on climate challenges and financial inclusion in rural India, with winning teams receiving $10,000 in prize money. A startup pitch competition will also be held, offering Indian and Indian-origin entrepreneurs the opportunity to present innovative solutions to India’s unique challenges, with over $20,000 in prizes.

The conference boasts a lineup of distinguished speakers, including Pramath Raj Sinha, founding dean of the Indian School of Business and Ashoka University; Ashish Chauhan, CEO and MD of the National Stock Exchange of India; Anjali Bansal, founding partner of Avaana Climate and Sustainability Fund; and renowned fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee.

Harvard’s association with India has strengthened over the years, exemplified by the increasing representation of Indian-origin leaders within the university. Notably, Srikant Datar serves as the dean of Harvard Business School, and Rakesh Khurana is the former dean of Harvard College. The India Conference at Harvard serves as a platform for meaningful discussions on India’s transformative journey and its growing influence on the global stage.

Nita Ambani’s participation as a keynote speaker underscores her commitment to championing India’s global potential and her dedication to initiatives that have positively impacted millions of lives. Her recent achievements, including hosting the International Olympic Committee session in India after four decades and advocating for India’s bid for the 2036 Olympics, symbolize the nation’s growing influence internationally.

The India Conference at Harvard 2025 promises to be a significant event, fostering dialogue and collaboration among leaders and innovators dedicated to shaping India’s future and its role in the world.