New Delhi: In mid-February 2025, the prestigious Harvard India Conference (ICH) transformed the Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School into vibrant hubs of cultural exchange and innovation. This two-day event, which drew over 1,000 attendees, celebrated India’s ascension as a global leader by showcasing its rich artistic heritage alongside cutting-edge entrepreneurial ventures. The conference’s unique blend of art, technology, and policy discussions provided an international platform for Indian artists and innovators to share their work with a global audience.
At the heart of the conference was Art@ICH, a groundbreaking exhibition featuring Indian art, textiles, photography, and print. This showcase highlighted the evolving identity of Indian art, with works that spanned traditional folk art to modern digital installations. Renowned Gond artist Saroj Venkat Shyam led an interactive workshop, offering attendees a chance to immerse themselves in this traditional folk art form from Madhya Pradesh. Other notable art forms included Murgikala, which reinterprets Indian arts through illustrations, and Rag Dream Weavers, which reimagines public spaces with street children.
Beyond art, the conference also hosted a Startup Pitch Competition, where seven finalists presented innovative ideas ranging from AI breakthroughs to climate tech solutions. This competition underscored the ambition and creativity of Indian entrepreneurs on the global stage. Additionally, a session on venture capital and private equity drew significant attention, with experts like Manish Kejriwal, Deep Nishar, and Akrit Dokania offering insights into fundraising strategies for young professionals.
The conference also featured a Policy Hackathon, where over 400 participants tackled climate resilience challenges, with winners receiving a $10,000 prize pool and opportunities to engage with policymakers. This initiative highlighted India’s role in addressing global challenges through innovation and policy-driven solutions.
