Dr. Arvind Panagariya at the ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0: If we take away COVID years, we have grown about 8.8% in real dollars for past 20 years, which we could not imagine in 1980s

“The conditions are perfectly there for India to take the world by storm. India is now the only economy, which is growing strongly.”

 

Mumbai, February 24, 2024: With “The People’s Agenda” at the Ideas of India Summit 3.0, Dr. Arvind Panagariya, Chairperson, 16th Finance Commission, shared his views on "The Economic Whisperer: How to Fuel Growth with Jobs."

 

Speaking about the old India and the new India, Dr. Arvind Panagariya, said, “I used to be very pessimistic about India in 1980s. Things changed in 1991. We have had upside down but the trend has been towards liberalization. If we take away COVID years, we have grown about 8.8% in real dollars for past 20 years, which we could not imagine in 1980s.”

 

Offering economic perspectives on fostering growth while addressing unemployment, Dr. Arvind Panagariya, said, “The conditions are perfectly there for India to take the world by storm. India is now the only economy, which is growing strongly. ”

 

“Unemployment is not really a problem for India; underemployment is. The challenge is creating well-paid, high productivity jobs.” Dr. Arvind Panagariya said talking about jobs.

Highlighting the power of India’s population, Dr.  Arvind Panagariya, said,  “The population is large and the population is young. The size of population will help us. We don’t have that kind of dependency ratios as China has.”

 

Dr. Panagariya, added, “We are a labour abundant country and a capital scarce country. We have put most of our capital in a few selective, capital-intensive sectors. A lot of workers are working in sectors, like agriculture and MSME, that have very low capital.” 

 

Sharing his view on manufacturing versus services debate, Dr. Arvind Panagariya said, “There’s no escaping manufacturing. There’s no country which has grown on services. Semiconductors manufacturing is important from the perspective of National Security.”

 

“In India, building consensus is a part of the democratic reform process, which makes passing laws a slower process.” Dr. Arvind Panagariya said, and also remarked, “During Vajpayee’s Prime Ministership labour laws were tabled. Subsequently, no government showed the courage. With Modi Government, the laws have been passed. It is now the states that have to write the rules and regulations to implement the laws”

 

Talking about reforms, Dr. Panagariya added “Implementation of labour laws, privatization of public sector enterprises and banks are some of the important reforms that need to be brought about.”

 

Sharing his love for India, Dr. Arvind Panagariya, said “Coming back to India has always been invigorating. I used to keep coming back and cannot stay away from India.”

 

A Professor of Economics, Arvind Panagariya has served as the first Vice Chairman of the NITI Aayog, He also served as India’s G20 Sherpa and led the Indian teams that negotiated the G20 Communiqués during presidencies of Turkey (2015), China (2016) and Germany (2017). Professor Panagariya has also been a Chief Economist of the Asian Development Bank.

 

The ABP Network’s ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 spotlighting the ‘The People’s Agenda’ brought a confluence of ideas and ideators to a common platform celebrating the country’s people and its plurality. The two-day summit hosted policymakers, cultural ambassadors, industry experts, celebrities, business leaders, economists, and leading luminaries to delve into the fundamental ideas of liberty, justice, equality, and diversity that define India, its society, culture, and politics. The meaningful deliberations on diverse topics had the brightest minds across sectors providing insights about the nation's trajectory and its journey to become Viksit Bharat.

“The idea of civic nationalism that India once embodied has shifted towards ethno-religious and linguistic nationalism over the last 10 years”, said Dr. Shashi Tharoor at Ideas of India Summit 3.0

·         “I am a proud Hindu. Growing up as a Hindu, I was passionately taught to accept all different religions. All forms of worship ultimately follow the same path.”

·         “I am against weaponisation of Hindu identity for a political purpose.”

 

Mumbai, February 24, 2024: Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament, INC - Thiruvananthapuram and Author: Notes from the Field at Ideas of India Summit 3.0, said, “Our form of nationalism is rooted in civic principles, grounded in the constitution. I hold a deep allegiance to this vision of India, the very essence of the nation I grew up in.”

 

Discussing the concept of nationalism, he commented, "Nationalism is an idea born in the 19th century, centred around uniting people with shared traits. Ethnicity, religion, and language were the primary criteria for this grouping. However, India's approach to nationalism evolved as a form of anti-colonial resistance. Our brand of nationalism distinguished itself from others. However, over the last ten years, the idea of civic nationalism that India embodied once changed to Ethno, religious, linguistic nationalism"

 

He continued, "While Pakistan was established on the basis of religion, the logic that led to the country's partition did not resonate with the makers our constitution at that time. Our form of nationalism is civic, anchored in the constitution. I have a profound commitment to this version of India, the one I was raised in.

 

Dr. Shashi Tharoor, further added, “I am a proud Hindu. Growing up as a Hindu, I was passionately taught to accept all different religions. All forms of worship ultimately follow the same path. This is reminiscent of Vivekananda's words in Chicago: "I believe in my truth, and you believe in your truth, but you have to accept my truth as well.” Tolerance and acceptance have been the very foundation of the Hindu religion from the start. I am against weaponisation of Hindu identity for a political purpose.”

 

The ABP Network’s ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 spotlighting the ‘The People’s Agenda’ brought a confluence of ideas and ideators to a common platform celebrating the country’s people and its plurality. The two-day summit hosted policymakers, cultural ambassadors, industry experts, celebrities, business leaders, economists, and leading luminaries to delve into the fundamental ideas of liberty, justice, equality, and diversity that define India, its society, culture, and politics. The meaningful deliberations on diverse topics had the brightest minds across sectors providing insights about the nation's trajectory and its journey to become Viksit Bharat.

Hopeful that SC orders will be followed to hold J&K Assembly elections by September: Omar Abdullah at 'Ideas of India' Summit 3.0

 Mumbai, 24th February 2024: Challenging the claims of the BJP regarding development and peace in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), JKNC leader and former J&K CM Omar Abdullah said that it was a matter of shame that elections were announced by the Supreme Court of India rather than by the Election Commission. He made these remarks while speaking at the 'Ideas of India' Summit 3.0 in Mumbai. He expressed hope for his party's good performance in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and expressed optimism that the Supreme Court's orders would be followed for conducting Assembly Elections in J&K by September this year.

 

"It is a matter of shame that elections were announced by the Supreme Court of India and not by the Election Commission," he said during a session on Truth and Reconciliation: Giving Kashmir a Chance.”

 

"If 5 years after 2019, you can’t hold elections then it is a shame. If you could have elections in 1996, then you should have no excuse in conducting elections in 2024. We will take the fight with BJP. I hope Supreme Court orders will be followed, and we will have elections by September. We will campaign for the rights of the people of J&K, their land, undo the damage of August 2019; we will be talking about acceptance," he asserted.

 

He also launched a scathing attack on the Modi Government, branding it as the most disconnected government with the people on the ground. "The government is not reaching out to the ordinary people. We haven’t had assembly elections since 2014. If everything is so peaceful and people are thrilled with what happened on 5th August 2019, then why are they not having elections?” he said. 

 

When asked about the current situation and issues facing Kashmiri Pandits, Abdullah stressed that while things may appear calm on the surface, militancy, terror attacks, and attacks on minorities have increased.

 

"To believe Article 370 is the root cause of the problems in Jammu and Kashmir is not right. The country was told separatism, terrorism, and lack of development are because of Article 370. But we will be reaching the 5th anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 this year, and separatists and terror on the ground continue to exist, and attacks on minorities in areas like Rajouri and Poonch are constantly being launched."

 

Speaking about the challenges faced by Kashmiri Pandits, Abdullah emphasized, "The absence of Kashmiri Pandits was an open wound of the last 30 years of trouble. One of the areas of reconciliation is to facilitate their return. They didn’t leave because of Article 370. They left because of a lack of security, and this government has not brought back that sense of security. More Kashmiri Pandits want to leave Kashmir today than five years ago. They are more targeted, and Bollywood keeps churning out propaganda movies. These are inconvenient facts."

 

The ABP Network’s 'Ideas of India' Summit 3.0, spotlighting 'The People’s Agenda,' brought a confluence of ideas and ideators to a common platform, celebrating the country’s people and its plurality. The two-day summit hosted policymakers, cultural ambassadors, industry experts, celebrities, business leaders, economists, and leading luminaries to delve into the fundamental ideas of liberty, justice, equality, and diversity that define India, its society, culture, and politics. The meaningful deliberations on diverse topics had the brightest minds across sectors providing insights about the nation's trajectory and its journey to become Viksit Bharat.

99% Indians don’t believe that the constitution of India constitutes India: Prof. Vinay Sitapati at Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0

 “Modi’s personal popularity is higher than BJP’s; Indira Gandhi made Congress “I”, Modi has not made BJP ‘M’ ”

 

“In my view, Narasimha Rao was the best Prime Minister we had for the sheer scale of the transformation he brought with one-tenth of the power Modi has”

 

Mumbai, February 24, 2024: “India remains a free country. Most parts of India look like a bento box and not a salad bowl. Indian politics will reflect Indian society.” Prof. Vinay Sitapati, Author and Associate Professor, Ashoka University spoke on Understanding Politics Personalities, Ideas, Ideologies at ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0. Politicians don’t have a fixed canvas to get votes. The canvas changes all the time.

 

Departing from conventional understanding of right, left, and centre, Prof. Sitapati establishes newer concept of Indian ‘Right and Left’, explaining, “Civilizational and constitutional views of India are different. If your moral compass is broadly the constitution of India, then you are left of centre. If you believe that civilizationally Indian nationalism is thousands of years old, you are right of centre.”

 

He further added, “99% Indians don’t believe that the constitution of India constitutes India. We think that secularism is central to the idea of India. Native Indian language  don’t have a word for secularism, which native language speakers don’t relate to. These ideas from the constitution does not have popular purchase in India. The constitutional view of India as a popular project has failed.”

 

Speaking about the Indian society and its dynamics, Prof. Vinay Sitapati said, “India hasn’t dramatically changed. It is just that the dynamics of the society that a particular politician has been able to leverage has changed.”

 

Comparing Dravidian movement to Hindutva, Prof. Vinay Sitapati, said, “The Dravidian movement lasted in Tamil Nadu from 1960’s onwards. It is not very different from how Hindutva has become so dominant in Gujarat after KHAM alliance and Madhav Singh Solanki.”

 

“For a typical BJP voter, India is rising, and things are getting better. Indians don’t only think in material terms of Roti, Kapda and Makkan. They think in spiritual terms as well. It is the feeling that we have arrived. Boring foreign policies have been used by the Government as a strong message to the common man that Indians can stand-up to the West,” Prof. Vinay Sitapati explains the psyche of BJP voter.  

 

On being asked who has been the best PM of India, Prof. Vinay Sitapati, said, “Narasimha Rao is the best PM India has had. He brought an extraordinary scale of transformation with one-tenth the power Narendra Modi has”

 

The ABP Network’s ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 spotlighting the ‘The People’s Agenda’ brought a confluence of ideas and ideators to a common platform celebrating the country’s people and its plurality. The two-day summit hosted policymakers, cultural ambassadors, industry experts, celebrities, business leaders, economists, and leading luminaries to delve into the fundamental ideas of liberty, justice, equality, and diversity that define India, its society, culture, and politics. The meaningful deliberations on diverse topics had the brightest minds across sectors providing insights about the nation's trajectory and its journey to become Viksit Bharat.

“West Bengal will be the mother of all battles in election 2024”, said Yashwant Deshmukh, Founder, CVoter Foundation, at the ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0

 

·         “If the 2024 elections centre on issues such as unemployment and poverty, the BJP's chances of re-election appear slim”, said Sanjay Jha, renowned Author and Columnist

 ·         “In Southern States, BJP has scope but they have to form an alliance with another party.”, said Pradeep Gupta, Author and Chairman & MD, Axis My India Ltd.

 

·         “NDA will encounter difficulties in seat sharing in Bihar”, said Prof. Sanjay Kumar

 

Mumbai, February 24, 2024: Seasoned pollsters, Sanjay Jha, Yashwant Deshmukh, Prof. Sanjay Kumar, Pradeep Gupta join the ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 to predict the people’s mandate for 2024. Speaking on the session, The Pollsters' Poll: Can They Get 2024 Right?, Yashwant Deshmukh, Founder, CVoter Foundation, said, “West Bengal will be the mother of all battles in election 2024. The question is, will BJP reach 370+? If we want to understand how to go beyond slogans and look at ground realities, we need to examine what happened in 2004 and what cannot happen in 2024. In 2019, the BJP had 37% of seats, while the Congress had 20%. This change in the baseline is the reason behind BJP’s confidence.”

Sanjay Jha, renowned Author and Columnist, commented,

"We saw what happened during the mayoral elections of Chandigarh. We have also observed the comments made by the Supreme Court regarding electoral bonds. If elections are conducted based on the issues of 2024, this government has no chance of coming back. If Congress has the spirit and confidence, Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra will play crucial roles in the upcoming elections, and Congress must take the lead and provide leadership for the INDIA alliance.

 

A leading election analyst, Prof. Sanjay Kumar, Co-Director of Lokniti, CSDS, said, “Bihar is an important state for the NDA, with 40 seats, of which the NDA won 39 last time. They need to repeat their performance in Bihar to maintain their edge. The BJP is carefully strategizing for each seat to reach its target of 370+ and 400+ for the NDA. It aims to achieve this ambitious goal. However, NDA will encounter difficulties in seat sharing.”

 

Pradeep Gupta, Author and Chairman & MD, Axis My India Ltd. said, In Southern States, “To emerge victorious, the BJP must form alliances with regional parties in southern states like Tamil Nadu or Andhra Pradesh. The BJP has a scope to reach its target of 370+ and 400+ for NDA. If the AIADMK collaborates with the BJP in Tamil Nadu, it could secure victory for the NDA. In Andhra Pradesh, regional parties hold significant influence. Additionally, it faces the challenge of competing against the ruling Congress in Karnataka.

 

The ABP Network’s ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 spotlighting the ‘The People’s Agenda’ brought a confluence of ideas and ideators to a common platform celebrating the country’s people and its plurality. The two-day summit hosted policymakers, cultural ambassadors, industry experts, celebrities, business leaders, economists, and leading luminaries to delve into the fundamental ideas of liberty, justice, equality, and diversity that define India, its society, culture, and politics. The meaningful deliberations on diverse topics had the brightest minds across sectors providing insights about the nation's trajectory and its journey to become Viksit Bharat.

Bandhan Bank MD & CEO Chandra Shekhar Ghosh sheds light on women empowerment; more women taking lead in family decision-making at 'Ideas of India' Summit 3.0

“The need for the country is to elevate women with financial support and empowering their entrepreneurial spirit”

 

“Every woman possesses innate entrepreneurial talent, with a staggering 95% success rate in their start-up ventures.”

 

Mumbai, February 24, 2024: Bandhan Bank's Managing Director and CEO, Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, illuminated the essence of women's empowerment during his address at the 'Ideas of India' Summit 3.0. Under the theme 'Banking on People Power, The Rise of Financial Freedom,' Ghosh emphasized the pivotal role of financial support in elevating women and nurturing their entrepreneurial spirit.

Addressing the evolution of banking amidst the rise of fintech companies, Ghosh emphasized, "While digital innovations will shape India's future, but our commitment to providing credit, facilitating group meetings, and ensuring regular engagement will foster sustainable growth in rural India.” 

Furthermore, Ghosh emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between business sustainability and charity. He stated, “Sustainability is crucial in any business, charity cannot sustain businesses. At Bandhan Bank, we ensure both our customers and our business thrive sustainably. Surplus funds are directed towards CSR initiatives, distinguishing us in our commitment to societal well.” 

Highlighting the tangible impact of Bandhan Bank's initiatives on women's lives, Ghosh cited success stories such as Ms. Lanka from Chembur, whose monthly income witnessed a remarkable surge from 22 rupees to 30,000 rupees with the bank's support. Similarly, he spotlighted Ms. Shravani from Odisha, showcasing the transformative potential of women's economic empowerment in enriching communities.

Reflecting on the entrepreneurial acumen inherent in women, Chandra Shekhar Ghosh stated, "Every woman possesses innate entrepreneurial talent, with a staggering 95% success rate in their startup ventures. Their earnings not only uplift their families but also enrich the fabric of our society."

Ghosh, a leading advocate of financial inclusion in India and with over three decades of experience in microfinance, banking, and development, is renowned for his work in transforming the lives of the underprivileged through initiatives like 'Bandhan.' What started as a not-for-profit entity in April 2001, providing small loans to the underprivileged, evolved into an NBFC in April 2006, and eventually into a universal bank in August 2015, marking a significant milestone in the Indian financial landscape.

The ABP Network’s ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 spotlighting the ‘The People’s Agenda’ brought a confluence of ideas and ideators to a common platform celebrating the country’s people and its plurality. The two-day summit hosted policymakers, cultural ambassadors, industry experts, celebrities, business leaders, economists, and leading luminaries to delve into the fundamental ideas of liberty, justice, equality, and diversity that define India, its society, culture, and politics. The meaningful deliberations on diverse topics had the brightest minds across sectors providing insights about the nation's trajectory and its journey to become Viksit Bharat.

“India itself is an idea; Our youth is seeking ideas elsewhere, but we possess magic, and the world is looking at us”: Piyush Pandey at ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0

Ad Film Director Prasoon Pandey: Bollywood is a very airbrushed, sanitized view of India. We were concentrating about what’s real India.

Singer Ila Arun: I didn't hesitate when it came to songs like 'Choli Ke Peeche' because they are deeply rooted in our folk culture and society.

Mumbai, February 24, 2024: The amazing family of Piyush Pandey, Chief Advisor, Ogilvy; Prasoon Pandey, Ad Film Director; Ila Arun, Actor, Singer & Writer spotlighted Family Values: Blending Tradition with Modernity at Ideas of India Summit 3.0.                                                       

Speaking about the lives of seven sisters and two brothers in Jaipur and the years of growing up, Piyush Pandey, said, “To watch the entire India from second class compartment was an extraordinary experience.”  He further added, “We learned from childhood the strength of camaraderie. People will only speak before you when they know you would value their ideas. “Can I do justice to the idea? – That’s what I am usually thinking.”

 

Prasoon Pandey, Advertising Film Director, added, “There was joy in being, sleeping, and staying together as a family sharing the same space and wealth of experience of every member”

 

Ila Arun, Actor, Singer & Writer, added “Rajasthan holds the key to my journey, and I take great pride in it. Even abroad, people yearn for the richness of culture and melodies that Rajasthan embodies. My songs, deeply rooted in Rajasthan, continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. Whether performing at home or abroad, I always make it a point to showcase local artists, for they have gifted me not just language but the very essence of soulful expression. In every corner of India, the heartbeat reverberates from the villages, and the soul finds its voice in the melodies of folk music. ”

 

Speaking about where he gets his ideas from, Prasoon says, “I am not a single man doing everything – You ought to have a team. You need not get elsewhere to get your ideas. I get my ideas from the streets.”  He further added, “Travel India a little bit; that’s when true respect will come. The youth are bright people; they are wonderful, but if they are not made to see what India has to offer, all of us are going to miss a lot.”

 

Speaking about Ideas of India, Piyush Pandey, remarked, “We don’t think of the idea of India. India itself is an idea. Our youth is seeking ideas elsewhere, but we possess magic, and the world is looking at us. We have to enjoy, respect it, and cultivate this idea in the next generation.”

 

Speaking about the real world, Prasoon Pandey, said, “Bollywood is a very airbrushed, sanitized view of India. We were concentrating about what’s real India. There were clients who were sceptical. You have brave clients who were experimental in their approach and believed in what we wanted to show. When that worked, others started coming in.” 

 

Remembering the transformation in Indian Ad world, Piyush Pandey, said, “Many people changed from 1980s, when they had no clue about the real India. They spoke to 10 people; we had to speak to a million. You have to change yourself. I am not a great believer of AI but the young India does. So I have to start believing on AI.”

 

 

Talking about Folk music and her famous song ‘Choli Ke Peeche’, Ila Arun said, "I didn't hesitate when it came to songs like 'Choli Ke Peeche' because they are deeply rooted in our folk culture. Such songs are common at our society. Renowned music directors like Naushad ji and Kalyan-Anand ji have masterfully incorporated folk music into cinema. There was definitely a gap when Bollywood was being influenced by outside but folk music never dies."

 

The ABP Network’s ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 spotlighting the ‘The People’s Agenda’ brought a confluence of ideas and ideators to a common platform celebrating the country’s people and its plurality. The two-day summit hosted policymakers, cultural ambassadors, industry experts, celebrities, business leaders, economists, and leading luminaries to delve into the fundamental ideas of liberty, justice, equality, and diversity that define India, its society, culture, and politics. The meaningful deliberations on diverse topics had the brightest minds across sectors providing insights about the nation's trajectory and its journey to become Viksit Bharat.

If you don’t have mental health, then everything else is a waste: Kareena Kapoor Khan at Ideas of India Summit 3.0

- I can’t wait for people’s validation, said actress Sobhita Dhulipala during a session titled "The Evolution of a Self-Made Actor: Through the Lens Brightly."

 

- The actresses shed light on different facets of being successful in the film industry at the Summit.

 

Mumbai, February 24, 2024: Bollywood actresses Kareena Kapoor Khan and Sobhita Dhulipala shed light on different facets of success in the film industry at the Ideas of India Summit 3.0, today in Mumbai. In a session titled “Queen of Hearts: One Actor, Many Acts,” actress Kareena Kapoor Khan emphasized the importance of mental health, advising against getting caught up in social media, and also shared her views on the theatre versus OTT debate. 

“If I have happiness, then every other thing matters. If you don’t have mental health, then everything else is a waste. For me, that is the key, and self-preservation is crucial for happiness. It is a constant battle, and I love and enjoy it," Kareena said.

 

Actress Sobhita Dhulipala, who was speaking in a session titled "The Evolution of a Self-Made Actor: Through the Lens Brightly," shared how she has been grateful and manages to find positives in life. “Compliments have never caused me stress. I have always felt great. It is always kind when someone walks up and says good things in the world of criticism. I feel encouraged,” she said.

 

In this digital era, the actresses enjoy a popular follower base on social media and constantly engage with their ideas. During the Summit, both shared how they navigate the world of social media and don’t get consumed by it.

 

Kareena said, “You are being scrutinized with a magnifying glass these days. Everybody has an opinion, and everybody is writing a review. The idea is that I know how to channelize my life and know when to pull back on social media. I don't get affected or consumed by it."

 

On the question of seeking validity as an actress, Sobhita added, “If I keep seeking validity despite getting the work and honor, it is never going to happen. I can’t wait for people’s validation. I tell my cousins not to use social media. It is not a helpful tool. I tell them to invest in relationships.”

 

Sharing her thoughts on the theatre versus OTT debate, Kareena said, “Covid changed everything, and people have been consuming digital content for two years. It has taught us to consume a lot of other stuff. Maybe the audience's mindset has changed. It's a different platform and a different kind of storytelling. But the heart lies in going as a family to the theater, which is eventually coming back with the success of films like Jawaan and Pathaan. This is where the joy lies. People are craving the togetherness of watching movies in theaters. Even small films are grossing 80-90 crores."

 

On the topic of theaters and OTT, Sobhita added, “I don’t think there is much difference. No two things are similar but our work as an actor remains the same.”

 

The ABP Network’s ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 spotlighting the ‘The People’s Agenda’ brought a confluence of ideas and ideators to a common platform celebrating the country’s people and its plurality. The two-day summit hosted policymakers, cultural ambassadors, industry experts, celebrities, business leaders, economists, and leading luminaries to delve into the fundamental ideas of liberty, justice, equality, and diversity that define India, its society, culture, and politics. The meaningful deliberations on diverse topics had the brightest minds across sectors providing insights about the nation's trajectory and its journey to become Viksit Bharat.

BJP is delivering to people on its promises and taking the ideas of India forward, Poonam Mahajan at the ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0

 Priyanka Chaturvedi, MP, Rajya Sabha, and Deputy Leader, Shiv Sena UBT:  I am looking at an India where farmers, students, women and wrestlers are protesting or they are suffering.

 

Mumbai, February 24, 2024: In a heated debated on the topic, “Left, Right or Centre: Where is India Headed?” Priyanka Chaturvedi MP, Rajya Sabha, and Deputy Leader, Shiv Sena UBT, and Poonam Mahajan, Member of Parliament – BJP, exchanged strong views on why their party would win in the upcoming elections, ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0.

Priyanka Chaturvedi, MP, Rajya Sabha, and Deputy Leader, Shiv Sena UBT, said, “This is not the first time when popular Prime Ministers have been voted out. I am looking at an India where farmers, students, women and wrestlers are protesting or they are suffering.” 

Poonam Mahajan, Member of Parliament – BJP, said, “BJP is delivering to people on its promises and taking the ideas of India forward. It is BJP which is bringing the Paper Leaks bill. BJP is empowering people with food, financial, and health security.”

 

The ABP Network’s ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 spotlighting the ‘The People’s Agenda’ brought a confluence of ideas and ideators to a common platform celebrating the country’s people and its plurality. The two-day summit hosted policymakers, cultural ambassadors, industry experts, celebrities, business leaders, economists, and leading luminaries to delve into the fundamental ideas of liberty, justice, equality, and diversity that define India, its society, culture, and politics. The meaningful deliberations on diverse topics had the brightest minds across sectors providing insights about the nation's trajectory and its journey to become Viksit Bharat.

"Grateful to those who bullied and shamed me in my youth; it made me stronger and was a formative experience.", said Padma Lakshmi at Ideas of India Summit 3.0

 ·         "Each challenge I encountered, from the scar on my right arm due to the accident to my skin color, played a pivotal role in my journey to success. Coming from a conservative South-Indian family, I had mixed feelings towards modeling; it was never in my plans. However, I embraced modeling as a means to settle my college loans, an unexpected path that contributed significantly to my growth."

Mumbai, February 23, 2024: On Day 2 of the ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0, fifty-three-year-old Padma Lakshmi, Global icon, Emmy-nominated producer, TV host, Author and Activist and Food expert, Padma Lakshmi talks about diversity, authenticity and beauty in her session titled, ‘Taste the Nation’.

Talking about her growing up years, Padma Lakshmi, commented, "Born at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi, my heart still belongs there, especially for its unbeatable Chaat and street food. My upbringing was a blend of New York and Chennai, enriching my early years with diverse experiences. I encourage people to travel and explore, to immerse themselves in new cultures, and to embark on journeys. Traveling before the weight of family responsibilities anchors you is crucial.”

Talking about her life and career, she said, “Without a mentor or a guidebook, I navigated my career by seizing every opportunity that came my way, a lesson I emphasize to those I mentor. The hurdles I once saw as obstacles have been the very pillars of my success. From the scar on my arm from an accident in Los Angeles to the color of my skin, my struggle with endometriosis, each aspect has taught me the subjective nature of beauty standards. Also, I am very grateful to those who bullied and shamed me in my growing years; it made me stronger My ultimate goal is to make my family proud. Crafting your own ethical compass and acting on what feels right leads you to your true path. The inner voice you heed acts like a muscle; the more attention you give it, the stronger it becomes.” 

The ABP Network’s ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 spotlighting the ‘The People’s Agenda’ brought a confluence of ideas and ideators to a common platform celebrating the country’s people and its plurality. The two-day summit hosted policymakers, cultural ambassadors, industry experts, celebrities, business leaders, economists, and leading luminaries to delve into the fundamental ideas of liberty, justice, equality, and diversity that define India, its society, culture, and politics. The meaningful deliberations on diverse topics had the brightest minds across sectors providing insights about the nation's trajectory and its journey to become Viksit Bharat.