Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first edition of the SOUL (School of Ultimate Leadership) Leadership Conclave 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The conclave aims to foster leadership development across various sectors, including politics, business, public policy, and social service.
Addressing the gathering, Modi highlighted the crucial role of leadership in nation-building. He stated that while the development of good citizens is essential, producing excellent leaders across all fields is the need of the hour. He described SOUL as a significant milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation and announced plans for a new SOUL campus near GIFT City, Gujarat.
Quoting Swami Vivekananda, Modi emphasised the importance of creating dynamic leaders who can drive India’s transformation. He underscored the necessity for leaders with a global perspective while maintaining a deep understanding of India’s needs. Highlighting India’s progress on the world stage, he noted that leadership institutions like SOUL are not merely a choice but a necessity.
Modi stressed the need for innovative leadership across sectors such as deep-tech, space, biotech, renewable energy, sports, and agriculture. He called for a structured approach to leadership training, ensuring that policymakers, bureaucrats, and entrepreneurs integrate global best practices into governance and policy-making.
Referring to India’s freedom struggle, Modi said that shared purpose and collective effort create impactful leadership. He remarked that leadership should not be about power alone but about innovation, adaptability, and impact.
The event saw participation from key dignitaries, including Bhutan’s Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay. The two-day conclave, running from 21-22 February, brings together leaders from diverse fields to share insights on leadership and inspire young minds. SOUL, an emerging leadership institution in Gujarat, seeks to develop leaders based on merit, commitment, and public service, broadening the landscape of political and social leadership in India.
