Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said India, which is emerging as a global powerhouse, will need to have world-class leaders across all sectors to maintain the momentum.
He made the remark at the inauguration of the School of Ultimate Leadership (SOUL) Leadership Conclave 2025, the first of its edition, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on Friday.
He said SOUL must aim to become the world’s leading institution for leadership development.
“India is emerging as a global powerhouse,” the Prime Minister said.
He said that for this momentum and speed to increase across all sectors, world-class leaders and international leadership are needed.
Highlighting the potential of leadership institutions like SOUL to be game changers, he stated that such international institutions are not only a choice but a necessity.
Energetic leaders
“There is a need for energetic leaders in every sector who can find solutions to global complexities and needs while prioritizing the nation’s interests on the global stage,” said Modi.
Welcoming all the distinguished leaders and the upcoming young leaders of the future, Modi remarked that some events are very dear and today was one such event.
“Development of better citizens is necessary for nation building, development of excellent leaders is necessary in every field,” said the Prime Minister.
He remarked that it was necessary to groom excellent leaders in every sector, which is the need of the hour.
Therefore, he highlighted, the School of Ultimate Leadership is an important milestone in the development journey of Viksit Bharat.
Spiritual experience
Adding that SOUL was not just in the name of the organization, the Prime Minister said that SOUL would be the soul of the social life of India.
He added that in another sense, SOUL also beautifully captures the essence of spiritual experience.
Gujarat factor
Extending his greetings to all the stakeholders of SOUL, Modi announced that a new, vast campus of SOUL would be ready near GIFT City, Gujarat, in the near future.
The Prime Minister said that today when SOUL is taking the first step in its journey, India has to remember its critical role in shaping the institutes’ future.
Quoting Swami Vivekananda, Modi said the visionary leader always wanted to free India from the shackles of slavery and transform it with the help of merely 100 effective and efficient leaders.
He remarked that the country has to move ahead with the same zeal.
Noting that every citizen is working round the clock to achieve the dreams of a 21st-century Viksit Bharat, Modi underlined the need for good leadership across all sectors in a country with a population of 140 crores (1.4 billion).
He expressed hope that the School of Ultimate Leadership will create leaders who will leave a mark all over the world, including in the field of politics.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the critical role of both human and natural resources and their role in the progress of any nation.
He also cited an instance to show how Gujarat has emerged as a top state due to its leadership driven by its human capital, despite lack of sufficient natural resources.
He said, “Human resource has the greatest potential.”
He said that the 21st century calls for resources capable of leading innovation and channelizing skills.
Importance of skills
He pointed out the growing importance of skills across various sectors.
Modi further stressed the need for leadership development for embracing new skills, which must be pursued through scientific and structured approach.
Acknowledging the significant role that institutes like SOUL will play in the process, the Prime Minister was pleased to learn that it has already begun work in this direction.
He also mentioned that workshops have been conducted for State Education Secretaries, State Project Directors, and other officials for the effective implementation of the new National Education Policy.
Additionally, a leadership development camp has been organized for the Chief Minister’s Office staff in Gujarat.
He emphasized that these leaders should have a global approach but retain a local mindset.
He noted the importance of preparing individuals who understand both the Indian mind and the international mindset, and who are ready for strategic decision-making, crisis management, and futuristic thinking.
The Prime Minister highlighted that to compete in international markets and global institutions, leaders who understand international business dynamics are required.
He added that the role of SOUL is to prepare such leaders, with a large scale and scope, and with high expectations from them.
Modi advised everyone to keep in mind that future leadership will not be limited to power, but leadership roles will require capabilities in innovation and impact.
He highlighted the need for individuals in the country to emerge according to this necessity.
Critical thinking
He stated that SOUL will develop critical thinking, risk-taking, and solution-driven mindsets in these individuals.
Modi expressed confidence that the institution will produce leaders who are prepared to work amidst disruptive changes.
Stressing the need to create leaders who set trends rather than just follow them, the Prime Minister remarked that as India advances new leadership in sectors ranging from diplomacy to tech innovation, the influence and impact of the country will multiply across various sectors.
Highlighting that India’s entire vision and future depend on a strong leadership generation, Modi stressed the importance of treading forward by combining global thinking with local upbringing.
Underscoring the need to make governance and policy-making world-class, the Prime Minister said that this can be achieved when policymakers, bureaucrats, and entrepreneurs frame policies incorporating global best practices.
He emphasised the significant role institutions like SOUL will play in this regard.
Bhutan PM Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Chairman of the SOUL Board, Sudhir Mehta and Vice Chairman, Hasmukh Adhia were present among other dignitaries and delivered the keynote address at the event.
