The Times Now Summit 2025 kicked off with a powerful inaugural session, setting the tone for two days of thought-provoking discussions on Bharat’s journey towards global leadership. Held under the theme ‘Keeping Bharat Ahead,’ the summit saw influential voices across politics, business, and global leadership come together to map out the nation’s future in an evolving world order.

Vineet Jain, Managing Director of The Times Group, set the stage with an impassioned address, emphasizing Bharat’s unique position as an ancient civilization with a modern vision. “Bharat is not just a nation. We are a civilization that has shaped history with wisdom and resilience. As the world undergoes rapid transformation, our challenge is to ensure Bharat doesn’t just keep pace but leads the way,” he remarked. Jain lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ability to blend tradition with innovation, citing his recent podcast that highlighted India’s deep cultural roots alongside its technological strides.

The summit gained momentum as Union Minister for Railways, IT, and I&B, Ashwini Vaishnaw, outlined the government’s four-pillar strategy to drive Bharat’s growth. “Our economy is on a strong trajectory, and our citizens’ income will rise significantly under a clear, systematic policy framework led by PM Modi,” he asserted. He detailed the four pillars: massive public investment in infrastructure, a push for manufacturing—including electronics and semiconductors—an inclusive growth model benefiting millions, and landmark legal reforms streamlining governance. He also highlighted how India’s transformation into the world’s second-largest 5G country and its ambitious railway and highway expansions signal a new era of progress.

However, one of the most striking moments of Vaishnaw’s address was his take on freedom of expression. “Freedom of speech is a fundamental right, respected across all branches of governance. But every right comes with safeguards, which ensure societal harmony,” he stated, touching upon the delicate balance between free speech and cultural sensitivities.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami further enriched the discussion with insights into his state’s governance reforms. He elaborated on the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand, calling it a “promise fulfilled” and stressing the extensive consultations held with various stakeholders before drafting the law. Dhami also defended the state’s recent ban on recording reels near Char Dham temples, distinguishing between spaces meant for tourism and those meant for spiritual devotion. “Pilgrimage and tourism are not the same. Some sites demand reverence, not entertainment,” he explained.

Adding a global perspective to the dialogue, billionaire philanthropist and Co-Chair of the Gates Foundation, Bill Gates, addressed the summit virtually. Reflecting on his first visit to India in 1997, he acknowledged the country’s remarkable strides in education, healthcare, and technology. “India is now a global leader in vaccine production, AI-powered agriculture, and digital finance. Its advancements in startups and AI-driven innovation are shaping the future, proving that local leadership and ambition can transform millions of lives,” Gates said. He praised India’s digital infrastructure, including Aadhaar and UPI, as models for the world to follow.

The Times Now Summit 2025, co-presented by Dream Sports and powered by Pernod Ricard India, brought together key stakeholders shaping the country’s growth narrative. It saw participation from state partners like Punjab, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, and Haryana, along with esteemed sponsors, including Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham as Knowledge Partner, Ekam as Associate Partner, and Da Milano as Luxury Partner. Bennett University joined as the Education Partner, while Times OOH took on the role of Outdoor Partner.

As the summit continues, the spotlight remains on India’s future—a nation balancing its ancient roots with its aspirations of global leadership. With discussions covering policy reforms, technological advancements, and economic growth, the Times Now Summit 2025 is poised to be a landmark event shaping Bharat’s trajectory in the new world order.