FICCI Young Leaders Summit 2025 Showcases Visionary Voices Driving India’s Future
From technology and entrepreneurship to sports and culture, the summit highlights diverse leadership shaping tomorrow’s India
The FICCI Young Leaders Summit 2025 brought together an extraordinary mix of policymakers, entrepreneurs, cultural icons, and industry leaders to deliberate on the future of India’s growth story. Organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the summit underscored the importance of youth leadership, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration in building a resilient and inclusive nation.
Technology and Policy at the Forefront
The summit opened with insights from Ashish Shelar, Minister of Information & Technology and Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra. His address emphasized the role of digital transformation, AI, and emerging technologies in shaping India’s economic and social landscape. Shelar highlighted how Maharashtra is positioning itself as a hub for innovation, with policies designed to empower startups, strengthen IT infrastructure, and foster cultural integration alongside technological progress.
Voices from Industry and Business
The event featured prominent industry leaders who shared their perspectives on entrepreneurship, sustainability, and organizational leadership.
- Harsha V Agarwal, President of FICCI and Vice Chairman & MD of Emami Ltd, spoke about the importance of balancing tradition with modernity in business practices. He emphasized how Indian enterprises must innovate while staying rooted in values that resonate with consumers.
- Anant Goenka, President-Elect of FICCI and Vice Chairman of RPG Group, discussed the evolving role of young leaders in steering legacy businesses toward digital-first strategies and global competitiveness.
- Shashwat Goenka, Chair of the FICCI Young Leaders Forum and Vice Chairman of RP Sanjiv Goenka Group, highlighted the need for mentorship and collaboration to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs.
- Jyoti Vij, Director General of FICCI, reinforced the organization’s commitment to being the “voice of industry for policy change,” ensuring that young leaders have the support and advocacy needed to thrive.
- Aishwarya Bansal, Chair of the FICCI Young Leaders Forum Delhi-NCR and Co-Founder of Smartworld Developers, shared her journey of building sustainable urban solutions and the importance of women’s leadership in shaping inclusive growth.
Startup Ecosystem and Government Collaboration
The summit also spotlighted India’s thriving startup ecosystem. Dr. Sumeet K Jarangal, Director of Startup India at DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce, outlined the government’s initiatives to support entrepreneurs through funding, incubation, and global market access. His session emphasized how startups are not only solving local challenges but also contributing to India’s global reputation as an innovation powerhouse.
Political Leaders and Public Engagement
The presence of parliamentarians added a dimension of governance and public policy to the summit. Shrikant Eknath Shinde and Chandan Chauhan, Members of Parliament, shared their perspectives on how young leaders can engage with policy frameworks to drive meaningful change. Their remarks highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between governance and grassroots entrepreneurship.
Raghav Chadha, Member of Rajya Sabha, contributed to discussions on youth participation in politics and the role of young leaders in shaping India’s democratic future. His insights resonated with the summit’s theme of empowering the next generation to take ownership of national progress.
Culture, Sports, and Lifestyle
The summit was not limited to business and policy—it also celebrated cultural and lifestyle leadership.
- Sania Mirza, India’s former tennis star, spoke about resilience, discipline, and the importance of sports in shaping character and leadership.
- Sangram Singh, wrestler and actor, shared his journey of overcoming challenges and how sports can inspire youth to embrace perseverance.
- Ranveer Brar, celebrity chef, highlighted the intersection of food, culture, and entrepreneurship, emphasizing how culinary innovation can be a powerful tool for cultural diplomacy.
- Raashii Khanna, actor, discussed the role of cinema in shaping narratives and inspiring social change, particularly among younger audiences.
Youth Leadership and Political Engagement
The summit concluded with remarks from Aaditya Thackeray, MLA, Government of Maharashtra, who underscored the importance of youth participation in governance. His address focused on sustainability, climate action, and the role of young leaders in driving policy innovation.
A Platform for Collaboration
The FICCI Young Leaders Summit 2025 served as a dynamic platform for dialogue, collaboration, and inspiration. By bringing together voices from diverse sectors—technology, business, politics, sports, and culture—the summit highlighted the interconnectedness of India’s growth story.
The discussions reinforced that leadership in the 21st century is not confined to boardrooms or parliaments; it extends to every sphere where young minds are shaping ideas, solving problems, and inspiring communities.
Conclusion
As India stands at the cusp of unprecedented transformation, the FICCI Young Leaders Summit 2025 reaffirmed the power of youth leadership in driving sustainable, inclusive, and innovative growth. The summit’s diverse lineup of speakers and thought leaders showcased the collective energy and vision needed to propel India into a future defined by resilience, creativity, and collaboration.
This gathering was not just an event—it was a testament to the belief that the future belongs to those who dare to lead, innovate, and inspire.
