The India Conference at Harvard 2025 is set to be more than just a gathering; it's a powerful conversation about India's evolving influence on the global stage. In this exclusive interview, the co-chairs Arpit Garg (HBS 2025), Sanchie Shroff (HBS 2025), Kartik Sahni (HBS, HKS 2025) and Ayush Shukla (HKS 2025) share their inspirations, the meaning behind this year’s theme, and what attendees can look forward to at the event.

The India Conference at Harvard is an annual student-run conference recognized globally as a premier forum for discussions on India's evolving role on the global stage. The upcoming edition of the conference will return on February 15 and 16, 2025 with the theme, “From India to the World,” and promises a compelling exploration of India’s impact on global business, policy, and cultural landscapes.

With a GDP growth rate outpacing global averages, India is cementing its place as a force to reckon with on the world stage. Its ascent in international politics, trade, and technology has captured the attention of global leaders and corporations alike. From spearheading innovation in healthcare and technology to producing influential leaders helming major global corporations, India is redefining what it means to be a global powerhouse.

Visa fraud is a growing concern as global travel and tourism experience a resurgence, with fraudsters exploiting the high demand for visas to deceive unsuspecting applicants. Fraudulent practices such as selling visa appointments, issuing fake appointment letters, and claiming to influence visa outcomes have become more prevalent. These scams often target travelers who are desperate to secure their visas, preying on their lack of awareness and the urgency of the situation.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Nigeria on Sunday was marked by a grand reception from the Indian diaspora in Abuja, the country’s capital. The visit, the first by an Indian premier to the West African nation in 17 years, underscored the growing strategic and cultural ties between the two countries. Speaking at a diaspora event, PM Modi hailed the vibrant Indian community in Nigeria as a cornerstone of India-Nigeria relations and highlighted India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.

Atheists frequently call on other people’s Gods when they’re desperate. Worn down by circumstance, my back to the proverbial wall, I accompanied my husband, a believer, to South Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi temple in the summer of 2022. In tight blue denims, a black Puma exercise t-shirt and a heavy mangalsutra, I looked every bit the modern-day Mumbaikar, playing it cool, but secretly eager to get Devi Ma’s attention that evening.

The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) will take place in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from January 8-10, 2025. This landmark event, hosted at Janata Maidan, marks the biennial gathering of the global Indian diaspora to celebrate their invaluable contributions to India's growth and development. Instituted in 2003, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa on January 9, 1915, recognizing the pivotal role of Indians abroad in supporting India’s progress.

In the recently launched book Rama, Lakshmana, and Hanuman: Brothers in Arms, author Srini Katta reinvigorates the revered Indian epic, the Ramayana, by drawing out timeless lessons in leadership, ethics, and personal growth. Katta's fresh take on Valmiki's classic goes beyond storytelling; it offers readers a guide for navigating today’s complex world using the deep insights and moral tenets woven into this legendary tale.

The Ramayana: A Timeless Epic

As Donald Trump’s 2024 re-election victory sinks in, speculation swirls around which high-profile Americans will secure key positions in a possible Trump 2.0 administration. Among the top contenders are three Indian American figures: Vivek Ramaswamy, Bobby Jindal, and Kash Patel, each of whom has supported Trump’s agenda and has the experience to play a prominent role in his administration.

Vivek Ramaswamy: Rising Star with a Vision for Change

In a historic achievement, six Indian Americans have won seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, marking the highest representation of the Indian American community in Congress to date. This “Samosa Caucus,” as it’s informally known, now includes a new face—Suhas Subramanyam, who made history as the first Indian American elected to the House from Virginia and the entire East Coast.