New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the School of Ultimate Leadership (SOUL) Leadership Conclave 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, marking the first edition of this prestigious event. Addressing an audience of distinguished leaders and aspiring young minds, the Prime Minister emphasized the critical role of leadership development in nation-building and the necessity of nurturing exceptional leaders across all sectors.
Highlighting the significance of SOUL, PM Modi remarked that leadership is essential for driving India’s growth, adding that institutions like SOUL will play a key role in shaping the future of Viksit Bharat. He announced that a new, expansive SOUL campus will be established near GIFT City in Gujarat, reinforcing the government’s commitment to leadership education and skill development.
Leadership as the Driving Force for India’s Progress
PM Modi drew inspiration from Swami Vivekananda, who believed that India could transform with just 100 effective leaders. He noted that in a country with 140 crore people, strong leadership is required in politics, business, governance, and innovation. Expressing confidence in SOUL’s impact, he said the institute would produce global leaders who will make a mark across various fields.
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of human capital in driving development, citing Gujarat’s growth as an example of how strong leadership and skilled human resources can overcome natural resource constraints. He stressed that the 21st century demands leaders who can innovate, embrace change, and drive new-age industries, calling for structured leadership training programs to equip future decision-makers with strategic thinking, crisis management, and futuristic planning skills.
Global Leadership and India’s Aspirations
Speaking about India’s emergence as a global powerhouse, PM Modi emphasized that the country needs world-class leaders in diplomacy, business, technology, and governance. He said institutions like SOUL will prepare individuals who can navigate global complexities while prioritizing national interests.
PM Modi asserted that future leadership is not just about holding positions of power but about making an impact through innovation and strategic decision-making. He expressed confidence that SOUL will cultivate problem-solvers, risk-takers, and visionary thinkers ready to tackle challenges in deep-tech, space, biotech, renewable energy, sports, manufacturing, and agriculture.
A Call for Excellence and Innovation
The Prime Minister emphasized that India must aim for leadership in all sectors and that SOUL should become a global benchmark for leadership training. He urged the institute to develop leaders who will shape governance, public policy, and industry with international best practices, ensuring that India remains at the forefront of global innovation.
Quoting scriptures, PM Modi reiterated that leadership is about creating a shared purpose that unites people, drives progress, and builds lasting institutions. He called for a revival of India’s spirit of collective leadership, likening it to the freedom movement that inspired generations of leaders.
The Future of Leadership in India
The Prime Minister highlighted that India’s youth, particularly those born in the 21st century, will be the first truly developed generation, referring to them as the “Amrit Peedhi”. He expressed confidence that SOUL will play a transformative role in preparing these young leaders for a new social and economic order.
Dignitaries and Global Participation
The event saw the participation of key dignitaries, including Bhutan’s Prime Minister H.E. Dasho Tshering Tobgay, SOUL Board Chairman Sudhir Mehta, and Vice Chairman Hasmukh Adhia. PM Modi thanked the Bhutanese Prime Minister for attending on a special occasion—the birthday of the King of Bhutan—signifying the strong ties between India and Bhutan.
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