Says future leadership will go beyond power
New Delhi:Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday emphasised the urgent need for energetic leaders who can effectively tackle global complexities while safeguarding India’s interests on the world stage. He was speaking at the inaugural session of the School of Ultimate Leadership (SOUL) Leadership Conclave 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital.
Stressing that future leadership goes beyond the mere exercise of power, the Prime Minister noted the importance of innovation and impact. He underscored the necessity to develop “better citizens” for nation-building and “excellent leaders” across every sector, pointing out that India’s 140-crore population demands capable leadership at all levels.
Modi announced plans for a new, expansive SOUL campus near Gujarat’s GIFT City and highlighted the institution as a key milestone in the journey towards a “Viksit Bharat.” Citing Swami Vivekananda, he recalled the leader’s vision of transforming India with a core group of 100 dedicated individuals, urging the country to strive forward with similar resolve.
He praised Gujarat’s success story — though limited in natural resources, the state flourished due to human capital and robust leadership. Stressing that India is emerging as a global powerhouse, the Prime Minister said the country needs world-class leaders with a “global approach and local mindset,” prepared for strategic decision-making, crisis management, and futuristic thinking.
Modi envisioned SOUL as a platform to foster critical thinking, risk-taking, and solution-oriented approaches. He called for leaders who set trends rather than follow them, ensuring that India’s progress in diplomacy, technology, policy-making, and entrepreneurship resonates worldwide.
He concluded by highlighting the need to blend global best practices with local realities in governance, public policy, and emerging sectors such as deep-tech, space, biotech, and renewable energy, while also strengthening traditional sectors like sports, agriculture, and manufacturing.
