- Monthly platform to connect students with India’s leaders, thinkers and policymakers
- Ambassador Yogendra Kumar opens inaugural session with insights on global change, India’s rising stature
NE EDUCATION BUREAU
GANDHINAGAR, NOV 25
Swarrnim Startup and Innovation University, in collaboration with Chhatra Sansad India, inaugurated its flagship monthly lecture series ‘Voices of Bharat’ on Tuesday—an initiative designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world leadership. The launch event drew over 1,000 students and faculty members, signalling strong enthusiasm for the new intellectual platform.
The series aims to invite one eminent national figure every month—ranging from diplomats, policymakers and governance experts to innovators, entrepreneurs and public service leaders. Its objective is to cultivate informed civic engagement and help students understand India’s contemporary leadership challenges through first-hand perspectives.
The inaugural lecture was delivered by Ambassador Yogendra Kumar, former Indian envoy to the Philippines and Tajikistan, who spoke extensively on India’s diplomatic priorities, global aspirations and the strategic mindset required from today’s youth.
“The pace of change is accelerating without any predictability about its direction,” Ambassador Kumar said.
“Technology, communication and even the nature of life itself are reshaping our political and socio-economic structures. Your generation will soon be in the driver’s seat.”
Reflecting on India’s trajectory toward the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision, he emphasised that young Indians must cultivate awareness of global shifts and acquire the ability to manage change effectively at personal, national and international levels.
Touching upon the challenges of artificial intelligence and digital misinformation, he warned: “Today’s post-truth environment, fuelled by unregulated AI, exposes young people to unprecedented manipulation. Information integrity will be one of the defining challenges of your generation.”
The session was presided over by Dr Ragin Shah (Provost), Swarrnim University, and Kunal Thakur, Director, Chhatra Sansad, who joined the ambassador on stage.
Speaking on the launch of the series, Adi Rishabh Jain, Vice President, Swarrnim Startup & Innovation University, said:
“‘Voices of Bharat’ is our effort to make the campus a living classroom—where students interact directly with the people who have shaped India’s journey. Such exposure inspires both perspective and ambition.”
The university will announce the next speaker for the December edition shortly, with the series expected to become a key intellectual forum for Gujarat’s youth.
