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New Delhi, India, January 13, 2025 — A group of students from the prestigious Harvard Business School met at the Vice President’s Enclave for an exclusive meeting with the Vice President of India. The students appreciated the opportunity to hear the Vice President’s insights on leadership, innovation, and the future of business in India.
- Here are some excerpts from the Vice President of India’s address to the Harvard Business School Students:
Good evening, all of you.
You are from Harvard, where the emphasis is on being highly focused. Your institution has taught the world how to develop and advance leaders, helping organizations and individuals reach new heights. The education you receive is transformative, supported by a global perspective due to the diverse human resources at your university. I welcome you to the Vice President’s Enclave.
You come from a globally recognized institution. I have colleagues in the Rajya Sabha who are Harvard alumni, but we live in challenging times where change is inevitable. Long before Socrates, Heraclitus stated that change is the only constant in life. He illustrated this by saying that the same person cannot step into the same river twice, as neither the person nor the river remains unchanged.
The choice for young people is now apparent: it’s written on the wall—lead the change. Embrace it, or risk being swept aside by an unstoppable force.
Many of you come from diverse nationalities, but in terms of democracy, India is regarded as the mother of democracy. It is the oldest democracy in the world, while the United States is considered the most developed democracy. These two examples demonstrate that a rule-based global order can thrive only when democracies work together. If democracies do not come together, other forces may take control. I firmly believe that education is the most potent catalyst for transformative change—a change that promotes equality, addresses inequities, and drives the progress of humanity. Quality education is essential for this transformation.
India has always taken great pride in its historical institutions like Nalanda and Takshila, among the best in the world. People from all over the globe came to these learning centers, sharing their wisdom and experiences while gaining knowledge from India. However, we lost our way for a time due to invasions. Now, we are back on track and rediscovering our strengths. You have established institutions like the Ivy League with a reputation to uphold. It poses a significant challenge in today’s world, and we cannot simply rest on our past achievements.
The United States is often seen as a land of opportunity and still holds that reputation. I remember my days in Silicon Valley and other corporate hubs, where there was hardly any significant Indian presence. However, look at the substantial change that has occurred since then. Almost every noteworthy global organization now has an Indian genius at its leadership level. It is a testament to India’s enduring belief in certain principles.
Which other country can match India’s rich civilizational history of 5,000 years? Over these five millennia, we have not only boasted a remarkable track record but also a treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom found in texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas, as well as our epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The discourse in the Bhagavad Gita further illustrates our cultural depth. Therefore, I can confidently assert that India is the cultural nerve center of the planet.
India’s remarkable growth is the most significant development of this century for the entire planet. No other country has experienced such rapid progress in the last ten years as India, home to one-sixth of humanity. This growth bodes well for the entire world.
If you seek the essence of our democracy, you will discover diversity. You will encounter various points of view, some of which may be irreconcilable, but ultimately, they all converge towards a sense of unity.
Let me tell you, boys and girls, that you will be recognized as Harvard alumni for the rest of your lives. This university has an endowment of over 50 billion dollars—perhaps around 55 to 56 billion. I frequently remind everyone in my country that we must learn from this, as many institutions serve as think tanks and reservoirs to keep you moving forward. However, I want to emphasize that even the best must remain alert 24/7. This alertness is crucial because, like being in a river, if you want to stay in the same place, you must keep moving your feet; otherwise, you will be swept away.
Recently, India has become distinct for several reasons. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has praised the country, while the World Bank highlights India’s achievements in digitization and technological penetration. As a nation of 1.4 billion people, India is a role model for others.
While I won’t delve into statistics, it’s evident that various parameters can measure societal growth, and we see significant upliftment across the board. Coming from a village, I can personally attest to the changes: my town now has 5G connectivity, well-maintained highways, access to potable water, toilets in every household, and a reliable 24/7 energy supply.
Moreover, India is rapidly adapting to renewable energy, so it is no surprise that the headquarters of the International Solar Alliance are located in India.
India is a nation that exemplifies how to live in unity and harmony.
Boys and girls, you are in a country that attracts people seeking enlightenment. Many come here to find solace and peace of mind. I describe it as a spiritual center of the world. You are witnessing a significant historical event taking place right now. An event of such magnitude is genuinely astounding: 400 million people will gather on the banks of a river to take a holy dip, driven by spirituality and devotion, in just a few weeks. Organizing a congregation of this size presents immense challenges, including hygiene and medical considerations, which are meticulously planned for as the nation prepares for this remarkable event.
Some believe that our IITs and IIMs are influenced by patronage and primarily benefit the upper castes. However, I come from an OBC (Other Backward Classes) background. Our country’s president is a Tribal woman, and our Prime Minister is also from a Backward Community. While we do not wish to divide society along these lines, it is essential to recognize that the development occurring in this country requires an unbiased assessment, accurate calibration, proper appreciation, and a clear understanding. Look around you.
My statement is vindicated: this country has never believed in expansion at any point in history; we have only absorbed those we have received with open arms. I wonder why there is no debate in an institution like yours. How can one-sixth of humanity—India, a vibrant democratic nation—fail to be a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council? It should be a matter of concern for you.
You are all knowledgeable individuals. The U.S. is a vast country with a strong economy, but people need to recognize the value of institutions like yours. India made significant progress in just a decade, doubling its economy from two trillion to four trillion U.S. dollars. We’ve transformed our education system, and it shows in our achievements. Look at what we’ve accomplished.
Boys and Girls, let me share some statistics with you. Every day, we construct 14 kilometers of world-class highways; you may have seen them, and if you haven’t, you will soon. Additionally, we lay down six kilometers of railway track every day. Each year, we add four new airports and one new metro line. This year, we have surpassed Japan in terms of the length of our metro lines, exceeding 1,000 kilometers.
Boys and girls, because of your quality education and your background from Harvard, you will always be viewed differently due to your capacity and potential to make a difference. As you engage in your activities, please be highly discerning about what is happening in this country. If you observe your surroundings, you will find that this country stands out for nurturing democratic values, promoting human rights, and serving as a role model for the rule of law.
I understand you are planning to visit the new Parliament building. Am I correct? That building showcases the depth of Indian civilization over 5,000 years.
You will cherish wonderful memories. I was thrilled to connect with such brilliant people like you.
Source: Vice President’s Secretariat
— The CitiTimes editor has a certificate from Harvard Business School.
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