Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first-ever SOUL Leadership Conclave 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, emphasizing the need for world-class leadership to drive India’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). Addressing an audience of distinguished leaders and young aspirants, he underscored the importance of developing leaders across all sectors who can think globally while remaining rooted in India’s ethos.
Modi expressed that institutions like the School of Ultimate Leadership (SOUL) are essential in shaping the future of governance, business, and social impact. He announced that a vast SOUL campus would soon be established near GIFT City, Gujarat, to train leaders who can make an impact not just in India but on the global stage. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he recalled how a hundred dedicated leaders could transform the nation, urging the audience to embrace this spirit.
The Prime Minister highlighted India’s growing prominence as a global powerhouse and emphasized that leadership in politics, business, and governance must evolve to match this growth. He noted that Gujarat, despite lacking natural resources, has excelled due to human capital and strong leadership. He pointed out that the modern world demands leaders who can navigate complexities with innovation and strategic thinking. Institutions like SOUL, he said, would play a crucial role in training individuals to adapt to disruptive changes while retaining their values.
Modi stressed that India’s aspiration to lead in fields such as technology, space, biotechnology, and renewable energy must be backed by robust leadership. He called for a shift from merely following global trends to setting them. For this, he emphasized that leadership training must be structured and scientific, integrating global best practices with India’s unique strengths. He noted that SOUL had already begun this journey by conducting leadership workshops for government officials and policy-makers.
He reiterated that leadership is not merely about holding power but about driving innovation and making an impact. Leaders must be equipped with critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a deep understanding of international markets and governance. He stressed that India’s policies and decision-making processes must meet world-class standards, and institutions like SOUL would play a key role in achieving this.
The Prime Minister spoke about the power of a shared purpose, stating that it forges stronger bonds than even blood ties. Citing India’s freedom struggle as an example, he noted that a common vision creates leaders across sectors, driving transformative change. He called upon aspiring leaders to align their skills and ambitions with India’s larger goals, ensuring that the country remains at the forefront of global progress.
Modi also took a moment to express his gratitude to the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dasho Tshering Tobgay, for his presence at the event, especially on the occasion of the Bhutanese King’s birthday. The event, he said, symbolized the enduring friendship between India and Bhutan, built on mutual respect and shared aspirations.
The two-day SOUL Leadership Conclave will feature discussions by leaders from various fields, including politics, business, sports, media, and spirituality. The initiative aims to foster an ecosystem where young minds can learn from experienced leaders and shape India’s leadership landscape based on merit, commitment, and a passion for public service. As SOUL takes its first steps, Modi expressed confidence that the institution would become a global center for leadership excellence, preparing India’s “Amrit Peedhi” (Generation of the Future) to drive the nation forward.
