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The India We Imagine: Highlights from Harvard’s 2026 Conference

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India Conference at Harvard 2026: A Global Forum on “The India We Imagine”

The India Conference at Harvard 2026, held on February 14–15, 2026, marked the 23rd annual edition of one of the most influential student-led global forums in the United States. Organized by students across Harvard’s schools—including the Kennedy School and Business School—the event once again proved to be a premier platform for exploring India’s business, policy, culture, and global role.

Theme: The India We Imagine

This year’s theme, “The India We Imagine”, invited participants to reflect on India’s identity, values, complexities, and possibilities. It emphasized collective imagination, spotlighting voices that inspire India’s future trajectory. Sub-themes explored:

  • India’s evolving global identity
  • Pathways of progress and innovation
  • Challenges in governance, climate, and capital flows
  • Cultural narratives shaping India’s global presence

Scale and Features

The 2026 edition was one of the largest yet:

  • Attendees: Over 1,000 participants from around the world
  • Sessions: 30+ panels and 100+ speakers
  • Special Events:
    • Live pitch competition
    • Policy hackathon
    • Art showcase
    • Cultural performances, including a set by Sid Sriram

Notable Speakers and Highlights

Dr. Shashi Tharoor

  • Delivered a keynote on India’s democratic resilience, governance, and diplomatic evolution.
  • Reflected on India’s role in a changing world, emphasizing global engagement.
  • Shared a warm backstage reunion with Priyanka Chopra Jonas, praising her journey as “remarkable” and noting she has “made India proud by conquering a stage on which Indians rarely get to appear.”

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

  • Headlined a closing fireside chat moderated by Anjula Acharia.
  • Spoke on culture, confidence, leadership, and storytelling in shaping India’s global narrative.
  • Delivered a motivational address, reflecting on her journey from India to the US and inspiring students with themes of representation and creative influence.
  • Responded warmly to Tharoor’s praise, highlighting mutual admiration.

P.V. Sindhu

  • Shared insights on sporting excellence and the future of Indian sports.
  • Discussed resilience, inspiration, and breaking boundaries in athletics.

Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria (Retd.)

  • Spoke on defense modernization and deep technology.
  • Highlighted Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance), air power, and lessons from global conflicts.

Other Voices

  • Rohit Jawa (former CEO, Hindustan Unilever) on consumer shifts and business transformation.
  • Manish Malhotra (designer) on India’s creative industries.
  • Sid Sriram (musician) with a live performance.
  • Panels on diaspora leadership, capital flows, climate action, inclusive growth, and mental health.

Day-by-Day Focus

  • Day 1: Democracy, capital markets, diaspora, climate, and growth.
  • Day 2: Culture, representation, creative industries, and India’s global narrative.

The conference balanced glamour and gravitas—pairing high-profile cultural icons with strategic voices from policy, defense, and academia. This mix sparked lively discussions both on campus and online.

Why It Matters

The India Conference at Harvard has grown into one of the most respected student-led platforms on India in the US. For over two decades, it has:

  • Amplified India’s diversity and global influence
  • Connected policymakers, business leaders, academics, and cultural figures
  • Encouraged dialogue on India’s challenges and opportunities

The 2026 edition reinforced India’s position as a rising global force while inviting reflection on the values and imagination that will shape its future.

CitiTimes Editorial Creator has certifications from various Harvard schools, including the Business School, Kennedy School (The John F. Kennedy School of Government), and Law School.