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HTLS 2024 highlights: India next big thing in chess, say Vidit Gujrathi and Harika Dronavalli

HTLS 2024 highlights: The Hindustan Times Leadership Summit is being held from November 14 to November 16.
Chess grandmasters Harika Dronavalli and Vidit Gujrathi
Chess grandmasters Harika Dronavalli and Vidit Gujrathi

HTLS 2024 highlights: Welcome to the 22nd edition of the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit (HTLS). This landmark edition brings together leaders and icons from across the fields of politics, sports, business, health and science, and entertainment to have conversations that will give rise to “Ideas that Inspire.” The summit is being held from November 14 to November 16. As in previous years, sessions on the first two days will be held virtually. Check the full schedule here....Read More

Among the key speakers scheduled to speak at the summit are Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, former US Secretary of State John Kerry, Aditya Birla Group Chairperson K M Birla, actor Akshay Kumar, Olympic bronze medalist PR Sreejesh, and others.

On Day 1, the speakers will include Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari, Flex CEO Revathi Advaithi, and chess grandmasters Vidit Gujrathi and Harika Dronavalli Chandra.

HTLS 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 around the world. The audience has 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 forums.

At HTLS 2023, the global thought leaders discussed and shared their views on progressing “Beyond Barriers”.

Follow all the updates here:
Nov 14, 2024 7:56 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: If Gukesh makes the early strike, Ding will find it tough, says Vidit Gujrathi

If Gukesh strikes initially at World Chess Championship, Ding Liren will find it tough, says Vidit Gujrathi. “I saw that he was struggling a bit in the last 20. He lost ten rating points. So it just shows that he is also not at his peak. He had a good performance, but then again a bit of a slump. So now I'm very curious to see how they will react. I think Magnus put it very nicely that if the match goes on equally for some time, then Ding’s confidence will increase. But if Gukesh strikes early itself, then it will be tough for Ding to come back. The first two games are very vital,” says Vidit Gujrathi

Nov 14, 2024 7:53 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: Gukesh favourite to win World Championship, Ding not at his best, says Vidit Gujrathi

Vidit Gujrathi says that Gukesh is a favourite to win the World Championship against Ding Liren. “Gukesh is the favorite. And as Harika said, all Indians want him to win and bring back the world title to India. If I've got to actually analyse the match – before the last tournament which Gukesh played, he was a heavy favourite, like probably 70-30 or even more, because in all of that, he had a sensational performance. Nine out of ten on Board 1. One of the best performances in history for Olympiad on Board 1. At the same time, Ding [Liren] was struggling there. His game is lacking that spark. Ding, I feel he's lacking confidence because he has not had a good tournament in two years. He is mentally not in the best headspace, as everyone knows. He himself has admitted that. And physically too, when I played against him in Amsterdam, I saw him suffering… like his body was twitching. I felt bad. But I hope it has gotten better since,” says Vidit Gujrathi

“I think Ding was at his best in 2018, 2019; he was playing an exceptionally high level of chess. He had an unbeaten streak of more than 80-plus games. I think probably more. And if he can even match that performance in some of the games, he can play a really good match. The problem, though, is his confidence. It's so ingrained, the confidence part and your moves that you cannot separate that. When you're confident, you don't hesitate. You don't double and triple-check your calculations. You just play with that instinct. And the faster you play, that confidence reflects on your opponent. He also feels intimidated. It's all interconnected. If he can bring that performance back or some part of it – like he did in his peak – then it will be a good match,” says Vidit Gujrathi.

Nov 14, 2024 7:49 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: Harika Dronavalli backs D Gukesh to win but expects a tough game at World Chess Championship

Harika Dronavalli says that she hopes Gukesh wins the World Championship but also wants to see a good match for the sake of the viewers. "Vidit has explained everything. I would just like to add that I like most of the things about these youngsters, be is Gukesh, Pragg, Arjun, Vaishali. I have seen them developing as players. And I've also seen them being extremely humble. And I think that's one thing I'm really impressed with. In the Olympiad especially, I was having some tough time with my results. But then I used to see all the boys coming in, winning all the games, and that definitely inspired me," says Harika Dronavalli.

Nov 14, 2024 7:48 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: Vidit Gujrathi agrees with Magnus Carlsen's assessment of D Gukesh

Vidit Gujrathi says that Gukesh gains a lot with his strength for calculation and his fighting spirit. "It makes sense, because in the shorter formats, he has not had the same performance when it comes to classical. He has also not taken them as seriously I feel. Because he just enjoys classical chess more. Even online chess, for example, Arjun plays a lot more Nihal plays a lot. Whereas Gukesh, I don't think plays online chess. And also, he's not really trained in the shorter formats. I agree with Magnus' point of view on Gukesh. Sometimes he suggests some strange moves, which also takes you back. So intuition is probably not his strongest suit, but he compensates for it with his fighting spirit and calculation," says Vidit Gujrathi.

Nov 14, 2024 7:47 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: Vidit Gujrathi on what sets D Gukesh apart

Vidit Gujrathi talks about how working with Paddy Upton has helped Gukesh. "Him as a person and him on the board are very different people. Him outside the board is a very mischievous, fun kid. But when it comes to the board, you can see it in his game face that he just wants to defeat you. He reminds you of Garry Kasparov when he's at the chess board. Earlier in the past few years, whenever we played team championships, he used to be very much by himself. He needed his own space. He was not interacting as much. But at the Olympiad, I saw a transformation in him. He was much more outgoing. He was talking. He was having more fun. I think something changed since his Candidates win. Also, I think he has been working with Paddy Upton, who worked with Indian cricket team when they won the World Cup. So I'm sure he has been working a lot on his mental aspect of training and mental conditioning. And that's showing. I think that's one of his biggest strengths," says Vidit Gujrathi.

Nov 14, 2024 7:46 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: D Gukesh didn’t grow up using chess engines, says Vidit Gujrathi

Vidith Gujrathi explains why Gukesh thinks a little differently from the others. “Gukesh has a very interesting upbringing when it comes to chess because, for the first 14 years or something, until he became a Grandmaster, he did not use chess engines at all. He was advised by his coach not to use the computer, so that he keeps his original thinking and that's why the way he thinks is very different from others, because he was not influenced by the modern chess engines. His thinking is very original, and I think it will remain. Of course, you have to adapt to the ways, but he keeps his unique flavour,” says Vidit Gujrathi

Nov 14, 2024 7:45 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: Vidit Gujrathi talks D Gukesh's evolution

Vidit Gujrathi says that he had invited Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa home for a training camp before the 2017 World Cup. “I've seen Gukesh for a very long time. In fact, there was a time when I played in 2017 World Cup and I had invited over Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa to my home. We had a training camp there. I still have, the images of them just being like 13, 15. I don't know how young they were,” says Vidit Gujrathi

Nov 14, 2024 7:43 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: Harika Dronavalli on balancing family and chess

Harika Dronavalli says that becoming a mother has helped her enjoy playing chess more. “It makes me feel like one of the oldest players because I have seen all the changes in the chess fraternity. I have always seen how these youngsters are right now. I was in this space where I used to play one tournament after the other. I used to think that this is so stressful and everything was about winning. But ever since I became a mother, I realise there are much more stressful things – related to your toddler. Then I started valuing it more – getting an opportunity to sit at board and practice, to go and play chess on the board in tournaments. I started giving more value to it,” says Harika Dronavalli.

“Now, I don't think playing chess is stressful. I'm actually enjoying it. I'm enjoying whatever time I get in tournaments, to go and play for country. The result is obviously important now, but not as much as it was earlier. Now, I think I'm enjoying more of playing because after becoming the mother, you realise your preferences. Your priorities change a lot. But at the same time, you have been brought up in such a way you're used to this kind of life and suddenly, to leave all this is not going to be easy. So I'm trying to balance both – to enjoy chess and also to spend some time with my daughter and try to teach her and things,” says Harika Dronavalli.

Nov 14, 2024 7:42 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: Harika Dronavalli on how Indian chess has transformed

A lot of difference has come after the Olympiad win, says Harika Dronavalli. "This is my 25th year since I started my first world Youth championship. I can say that I've seen all sides of chess, in general, how it all started and how we used to play even when there was no recognition at all. We used to go play for the country, come back and no one would know or notice. And, then I have seen so much of it change. There's been a lot of difference since the Olympiad win. There were so many people on the streets of London, coming to take a photo, which was not usual. So it took time to get used to this and to understand the importance of this Olympiad win. It makes a huge difference. But I think because I have seen the changes and shift from the way of recognition," says Harika Dronavalli.

Nov 14, 2024 7:41 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: Vidit Gujrathi talks about Candidates heartbreak and recovering from it

Vidit Gujrathi says that it took about two or three months for him to settle down after the disappointment he faced at the Candidates. “The world of sports is very dynamic and things keep changing. Right now, I'm in a very good headspace. After the Candidates, I didn't know what was next because it was one of the biggest tournaments of my life. And I prepared a lot for it. Six months without any distractions. Just focused on one goal. There were some good moments, but it did not finish as I wanted. So after that, there was a feeling of emptiness. I did not know what I was going to do next. If this was the highest I could go in my career. I was confused. I took some time off for myself and tried to figure out what my ambitions, next goals are. But after two-three months, things settled down,” says Vidit Gujrathi.

“Now I'm again feeling very good. I've been playing lots of tournaments. I think this year probably I've been home maybe two months max in the entire year, which is very less. So I'm always on the road. But I'm excited to play. One thing which has changed is that when I go to a game, there's a lot of, excitement. Earlier, there used to be a lot of anxiety, so I guess I'm just enjoying it more. Maybe it's also that when you smell victory, you feel nice and it helps you to enjoy it more. I hope it continues,” says Vidit Gujrathi.

Nov 14, 2024 7:36 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: Harika Dronavalli on more women thriving in Indian chess

Harika Dronavalli says that competition getting tougher in women's chess is good news for India. “Yeah, definitely. I think it's one of the best moments for Indian women's chess. I can see that we already have a third grandmaster, Vaishali,” says Harika Dronavalli. "And I'm sure there are many more are coming up. I haven't seen this close a gap in many years. I think that's where I can say this is one of the best scenes we are having in women's chess in India, and all that gives a very good impression.

"Once the competition is stronger, people will work better and become stronger. That's how it is always. When you have tougher competition, you get stronger. And I'm sure that it's going to be even better in future. Already girls are being inspired. They are taking up chess. But they should have really high ambitions. Not to just become grandmasters but have higher goals. I'm sure they can do it if they just keep looking in that direction," Harika Dronavalli adds.

Nov 14, 2024 7:33 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: What winning the Chess Olympiad gold meant for Vidit Gujrathi

Vidit Gujrathi says that nothing matches joy of winning an Olympiad gold. “Personally, it's a moment which fills me with pride. I have had a lot of individual achievements, but nothing matches the joy and the feel of winning an Olympiad gold. I think it's just unparalleled. So I'm very happy. But as Harika said, life moves on. I've been playing other tournaments and focused on my, other goals after that,” says Vidit Gujrathi.

Nov 14, 2024 7:30 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: Vidit Gujrathi says India 'The next big thing' in Chess

Vidit Gujrathi is confident that Indian chess is on the rise “Congrats for completing 100 years to Hindustan Times. I mean that's fantastic,” he first says before stating that Indian chess is on “an upward trajectory.”

"It has not plateaued because there's a World Championship going to happen in November, where Gukesh is representing India. And he can become the youngest world champion in history. So he has a very good chance. After the Olympiad, we saw that. For example, I was in London and one person just walked up and said that he started following chess after our Olympiad win.

“And he told me that he knows all the players, been following all the games. And that was just after the Olympiad. Before that, he was not so much into it. So it showed that this win has brought in more people into the sport. And after the World Championship, I'm sure it will happen again, and more youngsters will probably be inspired by Gukesh and other players. Chess can become one of the most popular sports in India after cricket,” says Vidit Gujrathi.

Nov 14, 2024 7:29 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: Harika Dronavalli on winning gold in Chess Olympiad

Harika Dronavalli says that she had been dreaming about winning the Olympiad gold since she was a kid. "I mean, it took a lot of time to sink in completely. I still remember the moment. It was the 22nd, and it was imprinted very clearly. It was such a moment to be on the stage and take the gold medal. It's been a long dream. This was my 20th year playing Olympiad. Ten Olympiads. I have been dreaming about this since I was a kid. There were times when I really wanted to be on that podium, and I never understood why we weren't there.

"So, it's been a long story. And, on 22nd September, everything came true. That's a moment I wanted to stop. But life goes on. So, yeah, this is one of the most special moments for me as a player for the fraternity. Men and women team winning at the same time. I think, yeah, this is very special for India," says Harika on being asked about winning the Olympiad gold," says Harika Dronavalli

Nov 14, 2024 7:21 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: Next session with Indian Grandmasters Harika Dronavalli and Vidit Gujrathi

Indian Grandmasters Harika Dronavalli and Vidit Gujrathi will shortly be in conversation with Susan Ninan, Senior Assistant Editor, Hindustan Times

Nov 14, 2024 7:03 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: Flex CEO on India's role in global tech landscape

"India is playing a significant role... A lot has changed in the last 5 years, and it'll continue to do so, particularly if it builds a semiconductor ecosystem," says Flex CEO Revathi Advaithi.

Nov 14, 2024 6:59 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: Flex CEO on supply chain crisis

"It was disappointing to see that in this day and age of AI, data, and information, the supply chain crisis, driven by the pandemic to some extent, was dealt with traditionally," says Flex CEO Revathi Advaithi.

Nov 14, 2024 6:56 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: AI will redistribute jobs, upskill workforce, says Revathi Advaithi

“The productivity boost that AI will bring will probably not directly reduce jobs but will redistribute them and upskill the workforce overall,” Flex CEO Revathi Advaithi says at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit.

Nov 14, 2024 6:54 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: AI will be an assistant to humans, says Revathi Advaithi

On a question about whether Artificial Intelligence would take away jobs from humans, Flex CEO Revathi Advaithi says: "I would say that my thesis is that I see it as an assistant to humans. The debate about whether it takes away jobs is certainly relevant to a company like ours, which has a large employee base. However, I believe the overall effect on employment will be net zero."

Nov 14, 2024 6:51 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: Revathi Advaithi on autonomous cars

“I don't know how much of a topic autonomous (cars) is in India now, but in the US, it's part of a pretty significant conversation...Whether you're in San Francisco or Austin, you see autonomous cars driving around. It's all about harnessing the power of AI and understanding all the data and information that's coming into the vehicle,” Revathi Advaithi says.

She adds: "Our generation, in the next 5 to 10 years, is going to be sitting in these cars that make everyday decisions using all the intelligence they gather. They'll make decisions on which turn to take, where to stop, and all those things."

Nov 14, 2024 6:47 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: Revathi Advaithi on AI in healthcare trand

"The real transformation comes in things like healthcare, which is significant. The large amounts of data that can be enhanced quickly (using AI). The ability to generate quick amounts of thesis around healthcare sectors. It's pretty significant. I'd say healthcare is probably the transformative area we've barely seen today," RevathiAdvaithi says.

Nov 14, 2024 6:41 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: AI is reshaping all our lives, says Flex CEO Revathi Advaithi

"Every question, every interview has to start with AI these days. It is obviously the force that is reshaping all our lives and the world around us," says Flex CEO Revathi Advaithi.

Nov 14, 2024 6:21 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: Next session with Flex CEO Revathi Advaithi

Flex CEO Revathi Advaithi will be shortly in conversation with Vishal Mathur, technology editor, Hindustan Times.

Nov 14, 2024 6:16 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: ‘We must set aside caste divisions,’ says Nitin Gadkari

“The challenges in our daily lives are not defined by the caste we come from, but by the effort we put in. To move forward as a society, we must set aside caste divisions and focus on collective growth and development,” says Nitin Gadkari.

Nov 14, 2024 6:14 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: RSS is not a political organisation, says Nitin Gadkari

“RSS is not a political organisation, yet it has every right to foster political awareness and social consciousness,” Nitin Gadkari says at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit (HTLS).

Nov 14, 2024 6:13 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: Career-oriented politics has become dominant, says Nitin Gadkari

On BJP facing rebel candidates in Maharashtra elections, Gadkari says: "'We are neither rightist nor leftist, we are known as opportunists'. This is the kind of politics today…What happens is that career-oriented politics has become dominant. The politics we have done is for the country, the poor, and farmers."

Nov 14, 2024 6:12 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: Nitin Gadkari on Ajit Pawar-Sharad Pawar split

On the two NCP factions led by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar, Nitin Gadkari says: "I respect Sharad Pawar, but when it comes to splitting parties, Pawar sahab has done it quite a bit. He split Congress, he split Shiv Sena. These things keep happening in politics. Sometimes we are friends, sometimes in opposite camps…"

Nov 14, 2024 6:09 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: Nitin Gadkari on Lok Sabha election results

“In 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Congress and its allies spread false propaganda. They claimed that if we win 400 seats, we will change the Constitution, misleading the people. But neither has the Constitution been changed, nor do we want to change it, nor is there any such intent. On the contrary, it is Congress that has repeatedly attempted to alter the Constitution,” Nitin Gadkari says.

Nov 14, 2024 6:05 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: ‘Our strength has grown in Maharashtra,’ says Nitin Gadkari

On BJP's performance in the upcoming assembly election in Maharashtra, Gadkari says: "Our strength has grown in Maharashtra. Three parties have come together. The Maharashtra government has also done good work, and the Ladli Behna Yojana has had a positive impact. In the upcoming election, our alliance will emerge victorious and we will form the government."

Nov 14, 2024 6:04 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: Nitin Gadkari on Maharashtra election

"Under Modi ji's leadership, the government of India has worked for farmers, villages, the poor, and labourers, achieving in 10 years what Congress couldn’t in 60. This is in the minds of all the people," Nitin Gadkari says.

Nov 14, 2024 6:00 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: Nitin Gadkari on toll prices

On rising toll prices, Nitin Gadkari says: “Look, we take public-private investment, we raise money from people, and we borrow from banks, and we have to repay this money. Earlier, it used to take 9 hours to travel between Mumbai and Pune. Now, it takes 2 hours. So, when cars run 7 hours less, doesn’t it save fuel? Isn’t it safer?”

He adds: “...If you want good services, you have to pay for them. We are now bringing in a satellite-based toll system.”

Nov 14, 2024 5:55 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: Nitin Gadkari on road accidents in India

“Road accidents are not determined by the size of the car, but by the attitude and behaviour of the people behind the wheel,” Nitin Gadkari says at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit.

"If we can shift our mindset and take responsibility, I’m confident we can reduce the number of road accidents," he adds.

Nov 14, 2024 5:49 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: Nitin Gadkari on tourism in ecologically sensitive areas

On limiting tourists in ecologically sensitive areas, Nitin Gadkari says: “The real cause of the issue is population. And that’s why we should seriously consider controlling the population. China has done it as well.”

Nov 14, 2024 5:47 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: Development and environment should go hand in hand, says Nitin Gadkari

On a question about construction projects in ecologically sensitive areas, Nitin Gadkari says: “Development and the environment should go hand in hand. Our society has three pillars: ethics, economy, and ecology & environment. Without creating conflict among them, we should protect ecology and the environment…”

Nov 14, 2024 5:42 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: Nitin Gadkari outlines plans to cut logistics costs

"In the next 2 years, we aim to reduce logistics costs down to a single digit from 14-16%, targeting 9%. PM’s vision is for India to become atmanirbhar, achieve a $5 trillion economy, and emerge as the world’s third-largest economy. We are working tirelessly to make this vision a reality," Nitin Gadkari says at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit.

Nov 14, 2024 5:39 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: Good infrastructure essential for eliminating poverty, says Nitin Gadkari

“Good infrastructure is essential for eliminating poverty, creating jobs, and advancing the country's progress and development,” says Nitin Gadkari.

Nov 14, 2024 5:36 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: Nitin Gadkari on developing India

"Water, power, transport, and communication—when these four things develop in a country, capital investment flows into it. And because of capital investment, there is growth in industry, trade, and business. And when industry, trade, and business grow, it impacts society. First, per capita income increases; second, poverty is reduced, employment rises, and the country becomes prosperous and well-off," Nitin Gadkari says.

Nov 14, 2024 5:31 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: Summit kicks off

Union minister Nitin Gadkari is in conversation with Sunetra Choudhury, national political editor, Hindustan Times. Watch here.

Nov 14, 2024 5:16 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: Here's the full schedule

On Day 1, the speakers will include Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari, Flex CEO Revanth Advaithi, and chess grandmasters Vidit Gujrathi and Harika Dronavalli Chandra.

*5.30pm to 6pm: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

*6pm to 6.30pm: Flex CEO Revathi Advaithi

*6.30pm to 7pm: Chess grandmasters Vidit Gujrathi and Harika Dronavalli Chandra

Nov 14, 2024 5:05 PM IST

HTLS 2024, Day 1: Summit to kick off with an in-depth conversation featuring Nitin Gadkari

Welcome to the 22nd edition of the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit (HTLS).

Union minister Nitin Gadkari will be shortly in conversation with Sunetra Choudhury, national political editor, Hindustan Times.

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