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The Hindustan Times Leadership Summit
HT LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
The Hindustan Times Leadership Summit was launched in 2003 to enhance the level of discourse on critical issues, encourage interaction among leaders in important areas and present international quality thought- platforms aimed at solutions. The last twenty-one Summits have been outstanding successes with attendance by leaders from India and across the world. The audience included senior politicians, bureaucrats, diplomats, business executives, thinkers, commentators and analysts. Over the years, the Summit has become one of India’s most prestigious and eagerly awaited fora.
Two successful editions of the Summit have also been hosted in Singapore where top leaders of the region gathered together to discuss the unstoppable rise of Asia & the East, amidst the political & economic surge and the changing paradigm of the world order.
At HTLS 2023, the global thought leaders discussed and shared their views on progressing Beyond Barriers
This year, the landmark 22nd edition of the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit brings together leaders & icons from across the field of politics, sports, business, health & science, and entertainment, to have conversations that will give rise to #IdeasThatInspire.
[ Speakers ]
NARENDRA MODIHON. PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA
DR. S. JAISHANKARHON. MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
JOHN KERRY68TH U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE
CHANDRABABU NAIDUHON. CHIEF MINISTER OF ANDHRA PRADESH
K.M. BIRLACHAIRMAN, ADITYA BIRLA GROUP
THE Rt. HON. ELIZABETH TRUSS
ANIL AGARWALFOUNDER & NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, VEDANTA GROUP
PRIYA AGARWAL HEBBARCHAIRPERSON, HINDUSTAN ZINC LIMITED & NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, VEDANTA LTD.
DR. ASH K. TEWARIPROFESSOR, SYSTEM CHAIR OF UROLOGY AT ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, MOUNT SINAI HOSPITAL & DIRECTOR OF THE CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR PROSTATE CANCER
WALTER RUSSELL MEADRAVENEL B. CURRY III DISTINGUISHED FELLOW IN STRATEGY AND STATESMANSHIP AT HUDSON INSTITUTE
AKHILESH YADAVNATIONAL PRESIDENT, SAMAJWADI PARTY & MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT, INDIA
DR. MANISH GUPTADIRECTOR, GOOGLE DEEPMIND
AKSHAY KUMARACTOR & PRODUCER
AJAY DEVGNFILMMAKER & ENTREPRENEUR
NITIN GADKARIHON. MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
REVATHI ADVAITHICEO, FLEX
VIDIT GUJRATHIGRANDMASTER, GOLD MEDALLIST, CHESS OLYMPIAD
HARIKA DRONAVALLI CHANDRAGRANDMASTER, GOLD MEDALLIST, CHESS OLYMPIAD - WOMEN'S SECTION
BALBIR SINGH DHILLONHEAD, AUDI INDIA
PROF. ARVIND NARAYANANPROFESSOR OF COMPUTER SCIENCE, PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
PR SREEJESHTWO-TIME OLYMPIC BRONZE MEDALLIST
SUMIT ANTILTWO-TIME PARALYMPIC GOLD MEDALLIST & WORLD CHAMPION
SWAPNIL KUSALEOLYMPIC BRONZE MEDALLIST
JOHN KERRY, 68TH U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE
John Kerry served as the United States’ 68th Secretary of State from 2013 to 2017. As America’s top
diplomat, he guided the Department’s strategy on nuclear nonproliferation, combating radical
extremism, and the threat of climate change. His tenure was marked by the successful negotiation of the
Iran nuclear deal and the Paris Climate Agreement. On January 20, 2021, he was sworn in as our nation’s
inaugural Special Presidential Envoy for Climate and the first-ever Principal to sit on the National Security
Council entirely dedicated to climate change. President Biden announced Kerry would have a seat at
every table around the world as he combats the climate crisis to meet the existential threat that we face.
From 1985 to 2013, he served as a U.S. Senator representing Massachusetts, and was Chairman of the
Senate Foreign Relations Committee from 2009 to 2013. Secretary Kerry served in the U.S. Navy,
completing two combat tours of duty in Vietnam for which he received a Silver Star, a Bronze Star with
Combat V, and three Purple Hearts. He received his undergraduate degree from Yale University and his
law degree from Boston College Law School.
Secretary Kerry is the best-selling author of A Call to Service, This Moment on Earth with his wife Teresa
Heinz Kerry, and his 2018 memoir, Every Day Is Extra, which The New York Times described as “a
bittersweet reminder of what the country once demanded of its leaders.”
Secretary Kerry was the Democratic Party’s nominee for President of the United States in 2004. On May
3rd 2024, Secretary Kerry was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of his lifelong
commitment to public service.
K.M. BIRLA, CHAIRMAN, ADITYA BIRLA GROUP
Mr. Birla chairs the Boards of all major Group companies in India and globally including Novelis Inc., Birla Carbon, Aditya Birla Chemicals, Domsjö Fabriker, Terrace Bay Pulp Mill, Hindalco Industries Ltd., Grasim Industries Ltd., UltraTech Cement Ltd., Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd. and Aditya Birla Capital Ltd. In the 28 years, at the helm of the Group, he has accelerated growth, built meritocracy and enhanced stakeholder value. In the process he has raised the Group’s turnover by well over 30x to $65 billion.
He has been the architect of over 40 successful acquisitions by the Group in India and abroad, the highest by any Indian multinational. Key acquisitions include Aleris Corporation, Novelis, the second largest acquisition ever by an Indian company, Columbian Chemicals, Domsjö Fabriker, CTP GmbH – Chemicals & Technologies, Jaypee Cement, Binani Cement, Larsen & Toubro's cement division, Indal from Alcan, Madura Garments, the Chlor Alkali division of Kanoria Chemicals and Solaris Chemtech Industries. Mr. Birla has restructured the businesses to emerge as a global leader in the sectors in which the Group operates. Under his stewardship, Aditya Birla Group enjoys a position of leadership in all the major sectors in which it operates — from cement to chemicals, metals to textiles and fashion to financial services. Anchored by an extraordinary force of 187,000 employees belonging to 100 different nationalities, over the years Mr. Birla has built a highly successful meritocratic organisation.
Under his leadership, in 2020, Aditya Birla Group was recognised as among the Forbes World’s Best Employers 2020. In 2018, it was also recognised as ‘The Best Employers to work for in India’ by AON – Hewitt. The Group topped Nielsen's Corporate Image Monitor 2014-15 and emerged as the Number 1 corporate, the 'Best in Class', three times in a row.
Outside the Group, Mr. Birla has held several key positions on various regulatory and professional Boards. He was a Director on the Central Board of Directors of the Reserve Bank of India. He was Chairman of the Advisory Committee constituted by the Ministry of Company Affairs and also served on The Prime Minister of India’s Advisory Council on Trade and Industry. As the Chairman of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Committee on Corporate Governance, he authored the First Report on Corporate Governance that crafted foundational principles of corporate governance. Its recommendations were path breaking and became the basis of corporate governance norms. Furthermore, as the Convener of the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Administrative and Legal Simplifications, the extensive recommendations made by him in his report, have been implemented in totality. Mr. Birla also served as the Chairman of SEBI’s committee on Insider Trading which formulated corporate governance principles for Indian corporates. Mr. Birla is also the first Industrialist to be conferred Honorary membership by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). He is on the National Council of the Confederation of Indian Industry and the Apex Advisory Council of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India.
Mr. Birla is deeply engaged with educational institutions. He is the Chancellor of the Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS) with campuses in Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad and Dubai. Mr. Birla is Chairman, Governing Council of BITSoM, a new age business school based in Mumbai.
On the global arena, Mr. Birla serves on the London Business School’s Asia Pacific Advisory Board and is an Honorary Fellow of the London Business School. In 2019, Mr. Birla constituted a £15 million scholarship programme at the London Business School in memory of his grandfather, Mr. B.K. Birla, marking the largest ever endowed scholarship gift to a European Business School.
A firm practitioner of the trusteeship concept, Mr. Birla has institutionalised the concept of caring and giving at Aditya Birla Group. With his mandate, the Group is involved in meaningful welfare driven activities that distinctively impact the quality of life of weaker sections of society around the world.
THE Rt. HON. ELIZABETH TRUSS, Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
It was following the UK’s decision to leave the European Union that Liz was appointed Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade, in which role she established the UK’s first independent tariff regime in more than 40 years as the country once again took its own seat at the World Trade Organisation. She signed dozens of key trade deals with important partners such as Japan, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, kicked off negotiations with the US and submitted the UK’s application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership.
In her role as Minister for Women and Equalities, she stood up against identity politics and cancelled plans for gender self-identification without medical checks. She promoted a Conservative approach to equality based on ‘the core principles of freedom, choice, opportunity, and individual humanity and dignity’.
In September 2021 Liz was appointed Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, where she acted as a galvanising force for Global Britain, building relationships with allies around the world. She secured the release of British national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe from an Iranian jail after nearly six years in captivity. With responsibility for post-Brexit relations with the European Union, Liz also introduced the legislation to fix the Northern Ireland Protocol.
At the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, she promoted the development of a network of liberty, bringing together freedom-loving nations around the globe in challenging authoritarian regimes. She took to task the Chinese Government over its threats to national security and actions in Hong Kong and towards Taiwan; and then, after eyeballing Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at a meeting in Moscow to warn of the consequences of invading Ukraine, she imposed unprecedented sanctions on Russia following its defiant action.
She branded Putin’s regime ‘an international pariah’ when she summoned Russia’s Ambassador to the UK to the Foreign Office and swiftly became a leading figure in the international alliance providing support to Ukraine and its people in their hour of need, including ensuring that the UK was the first country in Europe to send weapons to the Ukrainian armed forces.
Following Boris Johnson’s resignation in July 2022, Liz entered the race to become leader of the Conservative Party and succeed him as Prime Minister, winning an overwhelming mandate from Conservative Party members and the support of the majority of MPs declaring a preference during the final stage. She entered Downing Street with a bold and radical plan to grow the economy and rescue the country from economic stagnation.
But the following two months were to prove both a momentous and tempestuous period: she took immediate and decisive action to support people and businesses with their energy bills, to accelerate domestic energy supply and to increase the UK’s energy resilience. However, just two days after she entered Downing Street, the country was rocked by the death of Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III acceded to the throne.
After leading the nation in mourning Her Late Majesty, Liz set about implementing her Plan for Growth, including a raft of tax cuts to kick-start economic growth, deregulation and reforms to boost productivity. However, she faced huge resistance from those who wanted to maintain the status quo and reached the conclusion that she could not deliver the mandate on which she had been elected and therefore stepped down.
She continues to serve as a Member of Parliament, drawing on her experience in government to contribute to national and international politics.
ANIL AGARWAL, FOUNDER & NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, VEDANTA GROUP
Under his visionary leadership, the Vedanta Group has over the past 25 years grown into one of the foremost diversified mining, metals, hydrocarbons, and technology groups in the world, with global industry-leading positions across Zinc, Silver, Aluminium, and growing presence across Nickel, Cobalt, Ferrochrome, Manganese, and metal recycling.
The Group also houses India’s largest private upstream producer of hydrocarbons, enjoys a leading presence in the Indian Copper, Iron Ore and Steel, and Power generation sectors, and has growing interests in power transmission, renewables, technology, optical fibre, and display glass. The Group also plans to soon foray into semiconductors, all of which are sectors crucial to the growth and development of the Indian economy.
In addition to operations in India, Vedanta also has a considerable footprint in the mineral-rich African continent, a deepening footprint in the Middle East, significant plants in Europe, a diversified portfolio of technology products developed in Taiwan, and a growing customer base in the Americas.
Mr. Agarwal believes businesses must give back to society and help them prosper, and hence, he has signed The Giving Pledge, a movement of global philanthropists who have committed to giving away most of their wealth towards philanthropic and charitable causes.
The Anil Agarwal Foundation, the platform through which Mr. Agarwal directs his social giving, is committed to empowering communities, transforming lives, and facilitating nation-building through sustainable and inclusive growth. The Foundation’s flagship project, Nand Ghar, is committed to developing model ‘Anganwadis’ across India that are focussed on eradicating childhood hunger and malnutrition, providing education and healthcare to children at the grassroots level and empowering women with a range of skills development programmes. Over 6500 Nand Ghars have been set up and are supported across India today.
PRIYA AGARWAL HEBBAR, CHAIRPERSON, HINDUSTAN ZINC LIMITED & NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, VEDANTA LTD.
As Chairperson HZL, Priya has been key in leading a robust growth plan for the organisation. Under her leadership HZL reported a record-breaking year surpassing production of 1 million tonne of refined metal. Given the push from Priya on investing in world class technology for maximum metal recovery, and digitization of the mining and smelting operations – HZL achieved highest-ever mined metal production in the first quarter of 2023 at 257kt.
Further, as part of Priya’s vision to reduce import dependency of silver, used heavily in the production of medical equipment and solar panels, HZL is establishing a best-in-class Fumer to extract maximum metal content through which the organisation will be able to produce additional silver in Hydro 2 plant.
Further, in addition to her role as Chairperson HZL, Priya is also the anchor of Vedanta’s ESG transformation. She is passionate about nature conservation, animal welfare, child nutrition and gender parity which has driven her to lead a variety of CSR initiatives. Under Priya’s leadership, the Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF), the philanthropic arm of Vedanta, has invested around USD 240 million towards socio-economic development in India touching the lives of around fifty million people across 1300 villages in India and has pledged USD 600 million over the next 5 years towards social impact projects. Vedanta has modernized over 4000 anganwadis across the country through its flagship project Nand Ghar which aims to ensure opportunities for seven crore children and 2 crore women even in the remotest parts of the country. Nand Ghar reimagines the anganwadi network with state-of-the-art infrastructure powered with 24x7 solar electricity, clean hygienic toilets, water purifiers and provides best in class services for e-learning based pre-school education, wholesome nutrition, health, hygiene, and women empowerment.
Priya has also led the development & implementation of a groupwide inclusion policy for its transgender employees in an effort to promote inclusivity and diversity at workplace. As part of the comprehensive policy, Vedanta is extending additional medical benefits in terms of a 30-day gender affirmation leave and financial support of up to Rs 2 lakh for gender affirmation surgery, the company said in a statement.
Following her love for animals, in 2010, Priya founded YODA - Youth Organization in Defence of Animals, today the largest animal welfare organization in Maharashtra with focus on rehabilitation of injured, sick, and abandoned stray animals, rehabilitating over 3000 animals each month. It partners with the local municipality to vaccinate and sterilize around 600 animals each month. YODA ensures the adoption of over 4000 shelter animals every year, providing 24/7 ambulance services across the city of Mumbai with fully equipped ambulances to conduct emergency treatments on spot. It aims to reduce rabies, ensure stray population control in Maharashtra, and promotes community awareness and education through school outreach to instill sensitivity towards animals in young children.
Priya is also leading India's first state-of-the-art animal welfare project TACO - The Animal Care Organization, under AAF which will bring leading academicians, veterinary professionals, and communities together to create a more holistic approach to animal care in India. TACO also supports tiger conservation efforts and provides infrastructural support to the Ranthambore National Park in collaboration with the Government of Rajasthan.
With focused action plans on decarbonization, water positivity, workplace safety, community welfare and workforce diversity, Priya’s leadership is driving Vedanta on a transformative journey to emerge as an industry leader in ESG.
DR. ASH K. TEWARI, Professor, System Chair of Urology at Icahn School of Medicine, and Director of the Center of Excellence for Prostate Cancer
Dr. Ash Tewari, a globally recognized urologic oncology expert and pioneer in robotic surgery, serves as the Professor and System Chair of the Milton and Carroll Petrie Department of Urology at the Icahn School of Medicine. He has several leadership roles, such as the Director of the Center of Excellence for Prostate Cancer at the Tisch Cancer Institute and the Surgeon-in-Chief of the Tisch Cancer Hospital at Mount Sinai Hospital. He has performed over 9,000 robotic surgeries and is a prominent recipient of research grants from the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense. His research interests include surgical prostate anatomy, genetic risk profiling, epidemiology, racial disparities, risk modeling, and integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning in healthcare. He is renowned for his nerve-sparing technique, which preserves sexual and urinary function. Dr. Tewari's team at the Milton and Caroll Petrie Department of Urology at Mount Sinai, thanks to a $3.8 million donation from philanthropist Robert F. Smith, has initiated the Mount Sinai Robert F. Smith Mobile Prostate Cancer Screening Unit. It offers services to communities in need and has successfully screened over 5,000 patients since its April 2022 launch. Dr. Tewari, a prolific scholar with over 250 peer-reviewed papers, has been recognized in prestigious lists like America's Top Doctors and New York Magazine's Best Doctors. His notable contributions to urologic oncology earned him the American Urological Association Gold Cystoscope Award in 2012 and the first Golden Robot Surgical Award for Excellence in Surgical Innovations for Cancer Patients, presented by Merryl and James Tisch, Co-Chairman of the Boards of Trustees of the Mount Sinai Health System.
WALTER RUSSELL MEAD, Ravenel B. Curry III Distinguished Fellow in Strategy and Statesmanship at Hudson Institute
DR. MANISH GUPTA DIRECTOR, GOOGLE DEEPMIND
AKSHAY KUMAR, ACTOR & PRODUCER
Akshay Kumar's talent and contributions have been widely recognized with numerous accolades. He won the prestigious National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in Rustom (2016) and the National Award for the Best Film on social causes as a producer of Padman (2018). He was also awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian honour, in recognition of his contributions to Indian cinema by the Government of India.
Kumar is also an immensely recognized face in the global brand world, having endorsed over 50 leading international and Indian brands, including multinational giants.
In 2022, Kumar was recognised by the Income Tax Department for being among the highest tax payers in India, and the highest among the entertainment celebrities.
Beyond entertainment, Kumar is also deeply committed to philanthropy, having donated over $10 million to various causes, including disaster relief, health, education, and the welfare of society. Kumar has partnered with the Government of India on several key national campaigns. He spearheads the ‘Bharat ke Veer’ mission of the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs in providing crowdfunded financial assistance to the next of kin of martyred Indian soldiers.
AJAY DEVGN, FILMMAKER & ENTREPRENEUR
After his iconic debut in 1991 with Phool Aur Kaante, Ajay delivered one unforgettable performance after another throughout the 90s. While films like Jigar and Dilwale got him commercial success, movies such as Naajayaz and Zakhm earned him critical acclaim.
The latter also won him the first of his four National Awards.
The 2000s saw Ajay showcase his versatility, moving seamlessly from the role of a gangster in Company to embodying the legendary freedom fighter in The Legend of Bhagat Singh. From action-packed hits like Vijaypath and Jaan to laugh-out-loud comedies like Golmaal and Total Dhamaal, Ajay has proven his range time and again. His portrayal of a righteous cop in Gangaajal set a new benchmark for the role of a heroic officer, one he would later redefine with Rohit Shetty’s Singham.
But Ajay’s talent doesn’t stop at acting. As a producer, he has nurtured his own production house, Ajay Devgn FFilms, since 2000, bringing new stories to life. As a director, he has taken the helm with projects like U Me Aur Hum, Runway 34, and Bholaa.
For his contributions and enduring impact on Indian cinema, not only did he earn numerous accolades including a spot in the Forbes India Celebrity 100 list, but was also conferred the Padma Shri in 2016.
Known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in supporting various social causes, Ajay continues to be a significant figure, who is dedicated to his craft and his known for his ability to connect with audiences.
REVATHI ADVAITHI CEO, FLEX
Since 2019, Ms. Advaithi has led Flex’s workforce spanning 30 countries in a transformation to define a new era in manufacturing. Under her leadership, Flex is focused on driving technology innovation, supply chain resilience, and responsible, sustainable manufacturing solutions across various industries and end markets.
Prior to Flex, Ms. Advaithi was president and chief operating officer for the electrical sector business at Eaton, with corporate responsibility for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa regions. During her tenure, she led several strategic initiatives, including igital technology transformation and globally distributed innovation centers.
In addition to her time at Eaton, Ms. Advaithi worked at Honeywell for six years in leadership roles spanning manufacturing, procurement, supply chain, and sourcing.
She is widely recognized as a strong advocate for collaboration between the private and public sectors to advance manufacturing, which has resulted in her appointment to the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations by the President of the United States and the Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness. Ms. Advaithi is also a co-chair of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Advanced Manufacturing CEO Community and a member of the WEF Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders.
She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Uber, Catalyst. org, and the MIT Presidential CEO Advisory Board, and is a member of the Business Roundtable and Catalyst CEO Champions For Change. Ms. Advaithi has been recognized as one of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women in Business and was listed n the inaugural CNBC Changemakers: Women Transforming Business list.
She has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science in Pilani, India, and holds an MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management.
BALBIR SINGH DHILLON, HEAD, AUDI INDIA
Driven with a clear vision, Balbir has effectively led, trained and coached national and international teams, cultivating excellent relationships with the Head Office, business partners and suppliers while putting organisation’s on a sustainable and profitable growth trajectory.
Balbir headed the Network Development team at Audi India since August 2018 when he joined the company for his second stint. In this position, he was responsible for Network Development, heading four key verticals including Network/Projects Management, Dealer Quality (Sales and After-sales) and Manpower Training.
Prior to that, he served as the Sales Director with Audi Middle East, Dubai, heading Sales Operations for the Audi Brand in the Middle East (ME) markets spearheading the retail, corporate & fleet business, pre-owned cars and sales planning.
Balbir first joined Audi India in November 2007 as Regional Sales Manager for the North- East of India, heading Sales and Marketing operations for the respective region. He established Audi as the market leader in Delhi/NCR with more than 50% market share by enabling corporate sales in the National Capital Region. He was then given the responsibility of Head of Sales Field Force, where he was responsible for the Regional Sales Managers to manage Dealer Partners, retail volumes, market share, target settings, tactical support, and workforce recruitment. Guided by a philosophy that prioritises big-picture thinking, Balbir was instrumental in scaling Audi India’s Sales operations significantly, between 2007 and 2012. In other stints, Balbir has held various roles including Head of Sales and Network Development in Porsche India and Regional Head for Sales with Honda Cars India in addition to working with TAFE India and Larsen & Toubro Limited, India at the start of his career.
Balbir packs in technical, managerial and financial knowledge having completed his Mechanical Engineering from Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh and later a program on Finance from Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow. Balbir is married and has two daughters. He is proficient in English, Hindi and Punjabi. He unwinds listening to old Hindi classics as well as watching movies.
PROF. ARVIND NARAYANAN, PROFESSOR OF COMPUTER SCIENCE, PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
PR SREEJESH, TWO-TIME OLYMPIC BRONZE MEDALLIST
[ Schedule ]
- 17:30 - 18:00NITIN GADKARIHON. MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS, GOVERNMENT OF INDIAIN CONVERSATION WITH SUNETRA CHOUDHURY, NATIONAL POLITICAL EDITOR, HINDUSTAN TIMES
- 18:00 - 18:30REVATHI ADVAITHICEO, FLEXIN CONVERSATION WITH VISHAL MATHUR, TECHNOLOGY EDITOR, HINDUSTAN TIMES
- 18:30 - 19:00VIDIT GUJRATHIGRANDMASTER, GOLD MEDALLIST, CHESS OLYMPIADHARIKA DRONAVALLI CHANDRAGRANDMASTER, GOLD MEDALLIST, CHESS OLYMPIAD - WOMEN'S SECTIONIN CONVERSATION WITH SUSAN NINAN, SENIOR ASSISTANT EDITOR, HINDUSTAN TIMES
- 17:30 - 18:00BALBIR SINGH DHILLONHEAD, AUDI INDIAIN CONVERSATION WITH RAVI KRISHNAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, MINT
- 18:00 - 18:30PROF. ARVIND NARAYANANPROFESSOR OF COMPUTER SCIENCE, PRINCETON UNIVERSITYIN CONVERSATION WITH VISHAL MATHUR, TECHNOLOGY EDITOR, HINDUSTAN TIMES
- 18:30 - 19:00SWAPNIL KUSALEOLYMPIC BRONZE MEDALLISTPR SREEJESHTWO-TIME OLYMPIC BRONZE MEDALLISTSUMIT ANTILTWO-TIME PARALYMPIC GOLD MEDALLIST & WORLD CHAMPIONIN CONVERSATION WITH ASHISH MAGOTRA, NATIONAL SPORTS EDITOR, HINDUSTAN TIMES
- 10:00 - 11:10INAUGURAL KEYNOTE ADDRESS & COMMEMORATIVE STAMP RELEASE FOR 100 YEARS OF HTNARENDRA MODIHON. PRIME MINISTER OF INDIAON STAGE: SHOBHANA BHARTIA, CHAIRPERSON & EDITORIAL DIRECTOR, HT MEDIA LTD.
- 11:20 - 11:50DR. S. JAISHANKARHON. MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, GOVERNMENT OF INDIAIN CONVERSATION WITH R. SUKUMAR, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, HINDUSTAN TIMES
- 11:50 - 12:20JOHN KERRY68TH U.S. SECRETARY OF STATEIN CONVERSATION WITH NAVTEJ SINGH SARNA, FORMER AMBASSADOR OF INDIA TO THE U.S. & AUTHOR
- 12:20 - 12:50CHANDRABABU NAIDUHON. CHIEF MINISTER OF ANDHRA PRADESHIN CONVERSATION WITH SUNETRA CHOUDHURY, NATIONAL POLITICAL EDITOR, HINDUSTAN TIMES
- 12:50 - 13:20K.M. BIRLACHAIRMAN, ADITYA BIRLA GROUPIN CONVERSATION WITH R. SUKUMAR, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, HINDUSTAN TIMES
- 14:15 - 14:45THE Rt. HON. ELIZABETH TRUSSIN CONVERSATION WITH SONIA SINGH, ANCHOR-EDITOR, NDTV DIALOGUES & VISITING FELLOW, CAMBRIDGE JUDGE BUSINESS SCHOOL
- 14:45 - 15:15ANIL AGARWALFOUNDER & NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, VEDANTA GROUPPRIYA AGARWAL HEBBARCHAIRPERSON, HINDUSTAN ZINC LIMITED & NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, VEDANTA LTD.IN CONVERSATION WITH RAVI KRISHNAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, MINT
- 15:15 - 15:45DR. ASH K. TEWARIPROFESSOR, SYSTEM CHAIR OF UROLOGY AT ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE & DIRECTOR OF THE CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR PROSTATE CANCERIN CONVERSATION WITH SANCHITA SHARMA, SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER, WHO INDIA
- 15:45 - 16:15WALTER RUSSELL MEADRAVENEL B. CURRY III DISTINGUISHED FELLOW IN STRATEGY AND STATESMANSHIP AT HUDSON INSTITUTEIN CONVERSATION WITH PRAMIT PAL CHAUDHURI, SOUTH ASIA HEAD, EURASIA GROUP
- 16:30 - 17:00AKHILESH YADAVNATIONAL PRESIDENT, SAMAJWADI PARTY & MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT, INDIAIN CONVERSATION WITH SUMIT AWASTHI, CONSULTANT EDITOR, NDTV
- 17:00 - 17:20DR. MANISH GUPTADIRECTOR, GOOGLE DEEPMINDIN CONVERSATION WITH VISHAL MATHUR, TECHNOLOGY EDITOR, HINDUSTAN TIMES
- 17:20 - 18:00AKSHAY KUMARACTOR & PRODUCERAJAY DEVGNFILMMAKER & ENTREPRENEURIN CONVERSATION WITH SONAL KALRA, CHIEF MANAGING EDITOR - ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE, HINDUSTAN TIMES
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[ Partners ]
Aditya Birla Group
A global conglomerate, the Aditya Birla Group is in the League of Fortune 500. Anchored by an extraordinary force of over 187,000 employees belonging to 100 nationalities, the Group is built on a strong foundation of stakeholder value creation. With over seven decades of responsible business practices, our businesses have grown into global powerhouses in a wide range of sectors – metals, pulp and fibre, chemicals, textiles, carbon black, telecom, cement, financial services, fashion retail and renewable energy. Today, over 50% of Group revenues flow from overseas operations that span 41 countries in North and South America, Africa, Asia and Europe.
The Adani Group
The Adani Group, one of India's most influential conglomerates, is at the forefront of transforming the nation's infrastructure—energy and utilities and transport and logistics. The group’s journey is underpinned by core principles of governance, sustainability, and a commitment to national progress.
The Adani portfolio of companies is guided by the ‘Growth with Goodness’ philosophy, which emphasises sustainable and responsible development aligned with national priorities. To this end, ambitious ESG targets, with a focus on decarbonisation, have been set.
In one of the largest commitments of its kind globally, a significant USD 100 billion investment has been earmarked for a green transition and transport by 2030. This includes building an Integrated Green Hydrogen Ecosystem encompassing three gigafactories to develop 10 GW solar panels, 5 GW wind turbines and 5 GW hydrogen electrolysers, expanding the portfolio of Adani renewables to 50 GW and expanding existing airports and ports portfolio. Five major companies – Adani Ports, Adani Green Energy, Adani Energy Solutions, ACC and Ambuja – have committed to achieving net zero by 2050. Furthermore, a pledge has been made at WEF’s 1t.org to plant 100 million trees by 2030.
Additionally, three Adani group firms – Adani New Industries Ltd(which houses a green hydrogen ecosystem), Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) and Ambuja Cements Ltd – have joined the World Economic Forum's 'Transitioning Industrial Clusters' initiative, forming the Adani Mundra Cluster.
The Adani Group is deeply committed to propelling India's economic growth and well-positioned in sectors critical to the nation's infrastructure and industrial progress. Its business verticals, ranging from ports to energy solutions, demonstrate industry-leading capacities to enhance India's self-reliance.
Audi
Audi stands for sporty vehicles, premium workmanship, and progressive design – for “Vorsprung durch Technik”. Founded in 1909 by August Horch, the Audi Group – which also unites the Bentley, Lamborghini and Ducati brands under one roof – is currently one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the premium segment. In 2023 Audi group delivered 1.9 million Audi vehicles,13,560 Bentley vehicles, 10,112 Lamborghini vehicles and 58,224 Ducati motorcycles to the customers
Audi has been at the forefront of luxury automotive innovation in the Indian market since its inception. Known for its distinctive blend of cutting-edge technology, progressive design, and unparalleled driving experiences, Audi has set new benchmarks for luxury, performance, and sustainability in the industry.
Renowned for its commitment to sustainability and future mobility, Audi India leads with a robust portfolio that includes a range of ICE and e-tron electric vehicles, setting new standards of intelligent technology and design in the luxury segment.
NBCC (India) Limited
Founded in 1960 as a Govt. of India Civil Engineering Enterprise, NBCC with its Headquarter in Delhi, today, holds the status of Navratna CPSE, and has emerged as the undisputed leader in the Construction Sector on the back of its capabilities, innovative approach, adherence to highest standard of quality, timely delivery and a dedicated workforce. Of late, NBCC entered a new business vertical named Re-Development of Government Properties, under its PMC Segment. The maiden project in this vertical called Re-development of Delhi's New Motibagh GPRA Complex successfully completed by the Company, earned it great appreciation, opening up new opportunities for the company in this vertical one after the other, eventually making this vertical, the prime focus area in its operation.
NBCC ventured into Overseas Operations in the year 1977, executing projects of diverse nature in countries such as Libya, Iraq, Yemen, Nepal, Maldives, Mauritius, Turkey, Botswana, Niger, Dubai.
Presently, the Company has its presence in Mauritius, Maldives, Seychelles, Dubai, Jeddah and exploring new opportunities in Fiji, Philippines, Israel, Mainland Dubai, Morocco and other African countries. Company is executing the highest value overseas project of construction of 2000 Social Housing Units at Hulumalhe, Maldives valuing USD 130 Million financed by Exim Bank of India under Buyers Credit Scheme.
Some of the remarkable Overseas projects recently inaugurated are Indian Pavilion at the World Expo in Dubai; Institute for security & law enforcement studies (Isles) at Addu city, Maldives and Social Housing at Mare Tabac & Dagoteire, Mauritius.
IndianOil
IndianOil - a leading force in the global energy sector. As a diversified and integrated energy major, IndianOil spans across oil, gas, petrochemicals, and alternative energy sources. The world of IndianOil is marked by exceptional talent, cutting-edge technologies, and pioneering R&D. Renowned for its adherence to best practices, commitment to quality, and transparency, IndianOil excels in harnessing energy responsibly and delivering it to consumers with remarkable affordability. In the realm of energy, IndianOil represents a blend of innovation, integrity, and excellence.
IndianOil is steadfast in its commitment to shaping the future of energy. The company has set a visionary goal to achieve operational Net-Zero Emissions by 2046, aligning with India’s broader target of Net-Zero by 2070. This ambitious objective highlights IndianOil's dedication to setting new benchmarks in environmental sustainability.
As it leads the charge in India’s energy transition, IndianOil is embarking on a bold journey to become a ‘One Trillion Dollar Giant by 2047.’ This goal aligns with India's vision to evolve into a $30 economy by the same year.
With the nation’s energy demands surging in tandem with its economic growth, IndianOil is accelerating its efforts to expand its capabilities and infrastructure. The company aims to fulfill 12.5% (one-eighth) of India’s energy needs by 2050. This strategic aim is part of a comprehensive growth blueprint that emphasizes expanding the energy portfolio, adopting cutting-edge technologies, and fostering strategic partnerships.
National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
The Namami Gange Mission, launched in 2014, is India’s flagship initiative to rejuvenate the river Ganga, which holds immense cultural, economic, and ecological significance. Structured around five pillars—Nirmal Ganga, Aviral Ganga, Gyaan Ganga, Jan Ganga, and Arth Ganga—the mission adopts a holistic approach to restoring and preserving Ganga’s vitality.
The *Nirmal Ganga* pillar tackles pollution control through the construction of sewage treatment plants, waste management, and stringent effluent monitoring. *Aviral Ganga* ensures uninterrupted flow, vital for maintaining the river’s ecosystem. *Gyaan Ganga* fosters research, innovation, and knowledge-sharing to guide evidence-based conservation efforts. *Jan Ganga* empowers communities to participate, building a movement around local stewardship and cultural pride. *Arth Ganga* links livelihoods with river health, promoting sustainable economic activities like organic farming, eco-tourism, and crafts along the Ganga’s banks.
This integrated mission embodies a commitment to revive Ganga as a clean, free-flowing river, sustaining both the environment and the communities that rely on it. Namami Gange is not just an environmental program; it is a unifying vision, merging cultural heritage with modern sustainability practices.
Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd
Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd. is a Miniratna - I Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, with a presence in both manufacturing and service sectors. Founded by two Scotsmen, Stephen George Balmer and Alexander Lawrie, in Kolkata, Balmer Lawrie started its corporate journey as a Partnership Firm on 1st February 1867. Besides four JVs and one subsidiary in India and abroad, the Company has eight business units - Travel & Vacations, Logistics Infrastructure, Logistics Services, Cold Chain, Industrial Packaging, Greases & Lubricants, Chemicals and Refinery & Oil Field Services. Balmer Lawrie is a leader in Corporate Travel and provides end-to-end Travel & Vacations services including International and Domestic air ticketing and holiday packages, MICE, Hotels / Resorts, LTC packages, Visa / Insurance, and all other related services. Its B2C portal Vacations Exotica provides the best airfares and holiday packages under the brand Vacations Exotica. The Air Ticketing Portal (https://govemp.balmerlawrietravelapp.com/) by Balmer Lawrie is a unique platform for Government of India / PSU employees. It is amongst the market leaders in Logistics in the organised sector. Backed by state-of-the-art infrastructure, Balmer Lawrie Logistics provides end-to-end logistics services like freight forwarding, warehousing, container freight stations and cold chain solutions under brand LOGICOLD.
POWERGRID
Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), is a Schedule ‘A’, ‘Maharatna’ Public Sector Enterprise of Govt. of India which was incorporated on 23rd Oct 1989 under the Company Act, 1956. POWERGRID is a listed Company, with 51.34% holding of Government of India and the balance is held by Institutional Investors and public.
POWERGRID is mainly engaged in the business of transmission of power through its EHVAC/HVDC transmission network. The company has diversified into telecom business by leveraging its Pan India transmission network through stringing of optical ground wire (OPGW). POWERGRID has provided/providing consultancy services to domestic and international clients by leveraging its capability and experience in the field of power transmission, sub transmission, distribution management, load dispatch & communication etc.
Delhi Tourism
Delhi Tourism, a government undertaking facilitating tourism since 1975 explores the wonders of this city be it its heritage, the art and crafts, the diverse cuisine and culture.
A symbol of the country’s rich past and thriving present, Delhi is a city where ancient and modern blend seamlessly together. It is a place that not only touches your pulse but even fastens it to a frenetic speed. Home to millions of dreams, the city takes on unprecedented responsibilities of realizing dreams bringing people closer and inspiring their thoughts.
Delhi has a lot more to offer. Delhi has a modern, well-planned and extensive Metro network that connects all corners of Delhi; this network is still growing. New roadways and flyovers have improved connectivity, the latest of which is the Signature Bridge, an ambitious project of Delhi Tourism, which is under construction at Wazirabad – it promises to be a landmark.
New malls and entertainment centres jostle for space with a growing number of brand new hospitals, residential complexes, and sporting facilities. Delhi is now a dream destination for those seeking expert medical attention and superior OPD and IPD facilities. Thanks to the advent of the Commonwealth Games, there are world-class stadia like the revamped Nehru Stadium that can be accessed by one and all, throughout the year. All of this has been developed and sustained while maintaining Delhi’s green cover, a unique feature that distinguishes this truly global metropolis from other cities in the world where the tree line is subdued by skyscrapers.
No visit to Delhi is complete without an experience of its famed specialties such as its delicious curries, barbecued tikkas and kebabs. It is also a shoppers’ haven, whether you want to pick up some rich, woven silks, handicrafts, or ethnic cushions for your home.
It is time to celebrate Delhi which is a symbol of the country’s rich past and thriving present. As a Capital city it is fittingly a window to the country. So come and look out of the window and discover a whole new city of numerous stories and experiences.
NTPC
NTPC is India’s largest power utility with a total installed capacity of 76475.68 MW (including JVs). Established in 1975, NTPC is steering ahead to be India’s largest integrated power company and targets to become a 130 GW firm by 2032.
NTPC has comprehensive Rehabilitation & Resettlement and CSR policies well integrated with its core business of setting up power projects and generating electricity. The company is committed to generating reliable power at competitive prices in a sustainable manner by optimising the use of multiple energy sources with innovative eco-friendly technologies thereby NTPC is contributing to the economic development of the nation and upliftment of the society.
GAIL (India) Limited
GAIL (India) Limited is India’s leading natural gas company with diversified interests across the natural gas value chain of trading, transmission, LPG production & transmission, LNG re-gasification, petrochemicals, city gas, E&P, etc. It owns and operates a network of around 16240 km of natural gas pipelines spread across the length and breadth of country. It is also working concurrently on execution of multiple pipeline projects to further enhance the spread.
GAIL commands ~66% market share in gas transmission and has a Gas trading share of over ~ 54% in India. GAIL and its Subsidiaries / JVs also have a formidable market share in City Gas Distribution. In the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) market, GAIL has significantly large portfolio. GAIL is also a pioneer in using gas for producing petrochemicals and has an integrated 810 KTPA gas based petrochemical complex in Uttar Pradesh. GAIL is co-promoter of two other petrochemical plants including 280 KTPA BCPL Complex in Assam and 1.1 MMTPA OPaL project in Gujarat.
Further, GAIL has acquired JBF Petrochemicals Limited (JBFPL) of 1.25 MMTPA Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) through Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP). JBFPL has been renamed as GAIL Mangalore Petrochemicals Limited (GMPL) and is now a wholly owned subsidiary of GAIL.GAIL holds participating interest in 10 domestic E&P blocks, 2 E&P blocks in Myanmar and 1 shale gas asset in US. GAIL is also the promoter of Konkan LNG Private Limited which operates LNG regasification terminal at Dhabol with design capacity of 5 MMTPA. GAIL is a pioneer in City Gas Distribution business in India with 8 JVs and 3 subsidiaries in India for its CGD business, notably Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) in Delhi and Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) in Mumbai. GAIL is also expanding its presence in renewable energy like Solar, Wind and Biofuel.
NHPC Limited
NHPC Limited is the largest hydropower development organization in India, with capabilities to undertake all the activities from conceptualization to commissioning of hydro projects. NHPC has also diversified in the field of Solar & Wind energy development etc.
NHPC Ltd. (Formerly known as National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Ltd.) was incorporated in 1975 under Companies Act, 1956. The company is mandated to plan, promote and organize an integrated and efficient development of power in all its aspects through Conventional and Non-Conventional Sources in India and abroad. NHPC is a listed company on NSE and BSE after successfully concluding its IPO in 2009.
NHPC has an authorized share capital of ₹ 15,000 crores, paid-up share capital of ₹ 10,045.03 crore and an investment base of ₹ 81658.07 crore as on September 30, 2024.
IIFCL
IIFCL is a wholly-owned Government of India company set up in 2006 to provide long-term financial assistance to viable infrastructure projects through the Scheme for Financing Viable Infrastructure Projects through a Special Purpose Vehicle called India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd (IIFCL), broadly referred to as SIFTI.
The authorized and paid up capital of the company stood at ₹ 10,000 Crore and ₹ 9,999.92 Crore, respectively as on 30th June 2024. IIFCL has been registered as a NBFC-ND-IFC with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) since September 2013 and follows the applicable prudential norms of the RBI.
As a long-term lending institution, IIFCL is amongst the most diversified public sector infrastructure lender in terms of eligible infrastructure sub-sectors and product offerings. It has the mandate to finance both green-field and brown-field projects, covering Direct Lending, Takeout Finance, Refinance and Credit Enhancement, across all infrastructure sub-sectors as notified by the Government in the Harmonised Master List of Infrastructure Subsectors These broadly include transportation, energy, water, sanitation, communication, social and commercial infrastructure.
