The 2024 India Today Conclave in Mumbai promises to be an electrifying event, unfolding against the backdrop of the recent Lok Sabha elections and the impending Maharashtra Assembly polls. The conclave, in its 22nd edition, has become a hallmark of intellectual exchange, bringing together a vibrant mix of political leaders, business magnates, cultural icons, and thought leaders to dissect the most pressing issues of the time. Over two days, from September 25-26, the prestigious Taj Lands End will host this distinguished forum, which has become a global platform for the exchange of ideas, thought-provoking discussions, and groundbreaking insights into politics, society, cinema, business, technology, and sports.
This year’s conclave promises heightened significance as it takes place just weeks before the Maharashtra Assembly elections, a state where political drama and shifting alliances have kept the public on its toes. Day 1 will open with a keynote address by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, whose rise to power was nothing short of dramatic, having rebelled against his own party, the Shiv Sena, and wrested leadership through a political coup. His address is expected to outline a vision for a "New Maharashtra," setting the tone for subsequent discussions on the state’s political power play, particularly after the churn seen post the last Assembly elections. Shinde’s insights will be closely watched, given the complexities of Maharashtra’s political landscape, where multiple factions of the Shiv Sena are vying for supremacy.
The political significance of this event will be underscored by the presence of several high-profile political figures. Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan is set to provide his analysis of Congress’s prospects in the state, particularly after the party’s better-than-expected performance in the Lok Sabha elections, where the INDIA bloc secured 13 out of 30 seats in Maharashtra. Chavan’s session will explore whether Congress can leverage this momentum to stage a comeback in the state, a critical battleground for the upcoming Assembly elections.
A highlight of Day 1 will be the session featuring Aaditya Thackeray, who will address the theme of 'Reinventing the Thackeray Legacy.' With the Shiv Sena divided into two rival factions—one led by Eknath Shinde and the other by Uddhav Thackeray—Aaditya’s insights will be pivotal as he attempts to navigate the complexities of carrying forward his family's political legacy amidst fierce competition for the loyalty of the 'Marathi Manoos.' The political discourse will also feature the Pawar siblings, Ajit Pawar and Supriya Sule, both of whom play key roles in Maharashtra's political landscape. Ajit Pawar’s ambition to become the state’s Chief Minister has been well-documented, and he will outline his blueprint for Maharashtra's growth in a dedicated session. Supriya Sule, known for her astute understanding of Maharashtra’s political intricacies, will offer her perspective on the evolving dynamics within the state.
Aside from politics, the conclave will also spotlight the world of cinema and the arts. Triptii Dimri, star of the much-anticipated film *Animal*, will take the stage to share her personal story of struggle and perseverance, providing a glimpse into her journey to stardom in Bollywood. Her session will offer an inspiring look at the challenges faced by newcomers in the film industry, as well as the creative choices that helped her establish a foothold in one of the world’s most competitive entertainment industries.
The conversation on cinema will continue with a focus on the evolving role of women in Indian films. A special session titled 'Women Redefining Indian Cinema' will feature acclaimed actress Richa Chadha, Academy Award-winning producer Guneet Monga, and filmmaker Kiran Rao. Together, they will discuss the rise of strong, multifaceted female characters in contemporary cinema and how women are reshaping the narrative in an industry traditionally dominated by male protagonists. Films like *Laapataa Ladies* and *Masaan*, which featured Chadha in critically acclaimed roles, serve as examples of this shift, and the session promises to offer deep insights into the broader societal impact of these changing narratives.
Day 2 of the conclave will be equally compelling, beginning with a session by former Union Minister P. Chidambaram, who will outline the Congress party’s vision for a “New India.” His session is expected to provide a comprehensive look at the party’s policy priorities and strategies as it positions itself as a key player in the upcoming general elections. The morning will also see top financial experts, including HDFC Asset Management Company CEO Navneet Munot, Edelweiss CEO Radhika Gupta, and Enam Securities’ Manish Chokhani, discussing India’s impressive stock market performance and what lies ahead for investors amid global economic uncertainties.
One of the most anticipated sessions of the afternoon will feature Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who will share his vision for a "developed" Maharashtra by 2047. Fadnavis, a key figure in the state's political landscape, will outline his ambitious plans for transforming Maharashtra into a global economic powerhouse by the centennial of India’s independence. With Maharashtra being one of the most industrialized states in the country, this session will be of immense interest to business leaders, policy analysts, and political observers alike.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju will also feature prominently on Day 2, as he speaks on the delicate balance of coalition politics in India. With the BJP heavily reliant on its NDA allies to maintain power, Rijiju’s insights into the art of political compromise and the challenges of managing alliances will provide a window into the intricacies of coalition governance.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and its transformative impact on India’s economy and society will also be explored in detail during the conclave. Tech leaders from Qualcomm, Microsoft, and Accenture will lead a panel on the rapid penetration of AI in India, highlighting the opportunities and challenges this technology poses in various sectors. This session is expected to provide valuable insights into how AI is shaping industries, jobs, and the future of innovation in India.
The evening of Day 2 will culminate with a session featuring Union Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, who will discuss the future of green fuel and sustainable development in India. Given his pioneering work in promoting electric vehicles and alternative energy sources, Gadkari’s session will be closely watched by those interested in India’s environmental policies and the future of transportation. The spotlight will also shine on sports, with Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and Asian Games Gold medallist Jaspal Rana sharing their journeys in Indian sports.
The conclave will close with a much-anticipated session featuring Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan. Titled "Mainstream to Maverick," the session will explore Khan’s unconventional career choices, his transition from mainstream commercial cinema to more eclectic roles, and his thoughts on the evolving landscape of Indian cinema.
All in all, the India Today Conclave 2024 promises to be an unmissable event, offering a rich mix of political discourse, cinematic insights, business strategies, and future-oriented discussions on technology and sustainability. The diverse range of speakers, from political heavyweights to cultural icons, ensures that this year’s conclave will offer something for everyone, making it a must-attend event for anyone interested in the future of India.
