SPECIAL EDITION
Ananta Godrej Ideas India 2024: Coming together to look within
6 – 8 September 2024, Lucknow
Welcome to a Special Edition of the Ananta Leadership Newsletter!
We are excited to share highlights from this year’s Ananta Godrej Ideas India, held in the vibrant city of Lucknow from 6–8 September, 2024. It was a stimulating three days filled with insightful sessions including Action and Socratic Dialogues, Masterclasses, and Plenary Discussions.
The theme of this year’s gathering, “Looking Within”, felt especially poignant. In a world where logic, empathy, and heart often seem in short supply, we were reminded of the vital importance of pausing, reflecting, and reconnecting with our true selves.
The theme echoed throughout the event as we explored how self-awareness is a key to navigating the complexities of leadership and the world around us. It challenged each of us to reflect on who we are becoming and how to stay true to the core of who we are.
“In the bustle of our busy lives, we are tethered to screens to get ahead; overthinking leaves little room, and even less time, for understanding; and all the noise drowns out any semblance of inner quiet. Against this backdrop, that so many hit pause to attend the Ananta Godrej Ideas India 2024 is remarkable. This year’s theme, ‘looking within’, provided some much-needed space for reflection – both self and collective reflection. What these reflections lead to is sometimes inspiring and often uncomfortable. But after the experience at Ideas India, I left a little more self-aware and a lot more energized to continue on this journey of discovery – to learn how to go from success to significance in our restless world.”
SABINA DEWAN (KBF 10), Founder and Executive Director, JustJobs Network
MODULES
Towards reflection, introspection and insights
The sessions at the Ananta Godrej Ideas India are designed to help attendees unpack their worldview and arrive at the core of what they stand for. These sessions are a mix of introspection, interaction and knowledge sharing led by Aspen trained moderators.
Action Dialogues
The Action Dialogues fostered an open exchange of ideas, encouraging participants to actively engage in discussions that went beyond theory and into the realm of real-world application. Leaders, both established and emerging, debated and collaborated on ways to address the complex issues facing society today, with a focus on creating tangible impact. The Dialogues were on:
- Designing for Tomorrow: Living Sustainable Lives
- Spirituality and Fellowship
Masterclasses
The Masterclasses complemented the dialogues and helped participants delve deeper into specific areas of expertise. Led by thought leaders, these classes offered a more focused exploration of leadership, strategy, and personal growth, equipping participants with practical skills and fresh perspectives to take forward in their own journeys. The Masterclasses were on:
- Mental Wellness
- Sandwich Generation
“Attending Ideas for the first time was an incredibly invigorating experience. It felt like a mini seminar filled with insightful readings, thought-provoking reflections, and meaningful yet challenging conversations. Each session encouraged deeper thinking, pushing me to explore new perspectives and engage with complex ideas. What made the experience even more enriching was the opportunity to connect with fellows from different cohorts. Hearing their diverse viewpoints and sharing personal experiences added an extra layer of depth to the discussions. Overall, it was a refreshing and intellectually stimulating journey that left a lasting impact.”
VARUN GUPTA (KBF 9), Director, Ashiana Housing Limited
PLENARY SESSIONS
Lunch Plenary: Why are we failing to address the crisis of gender violence in India?
The plenary session highlighted the alarming prevalence of gender-based violence in the country, with almost one in three women experiencing physical or sexual violence. The panel emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach, addressing entrenched patriarchy, limited state capacity, and lack of awareness and education, and stressed the importance of engaging men and boys, efficient state intervention, and resource allocation. Existing support systems face challenges, underscoring the urgency of policy changes and community engagement to create a safer, more equitable society for all, with sustained efforts required to tackle gender based violence physical and mental health consequences.
Plenary 2: Embracing the other
In a time when division often takes center stage, our plenary session, “Embracing the Other,” was a refreshing reminder of the power of empathy and dialogue. Participants engaged in lively discussions that focused on understanding and connecting with different perspectives, highlighting how these interactions can bridge gaps between diverse groups.
The session emphasized that by embracing the “other”, we can all contribute to creating a more harmonious world. Instead of viewing diversity as a barrier, we celebrated it as a strength. The energy in the room was palpable, as attendees left inspired to foster connections and promote understanding in their own communities.
“The India Ideas festival felt a lot like the community the Ananta Center has built through its Fellowships – rigorously honest, beautifully welcoming and always committed to creating a better world. From the seminar experiences to the plenaries, the entire experience was inspiring, easeful and invigorating. The Fellows that have created the event have done so with love – creating a sense of magic and care that was clear to all participants. I am honoured to have been included – thank you for such a special experience!”
DAR VANDERBECK, Vice President, Aspen Global Leadership Network
HIGHLIGHTS
Anil Srinivasan (KBF 6) enchanted the audience with a piano concert in the dark
Dar Vanderbeck, Vice President of the Aspen Global Leadership Network (AGLN), shared her valuable insights during the discussions.
Dinner at the Mahmudabad House was the perfect setting for camaraderie
SNAPSHOTS
Concluded
Resnick Aspen Action Forum & 2024 Fellowship Director Retreat, Aspen, Colorado, July 2024
Upcoming
- Ananta Aspen Emerging Leaders Fellowship (18th edition), Wardha, Oct 2024
- Kamalnayan Bajaj Fellowship, Class 10 Seminar 2, Nov 25 – Dec 1, 2024
- Ananta Values-Based Leadership Programme, Class 5
