Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa and former CEO of NITI Aayog, delivered an inspiring keynote at the SDA Bocconi Asia Center’s Convocation Ceremony on May 3, 2025. Known for his leadership in driving India’s economic and digital transformation, Kant addressed the graduating class with a call to harness disruption as an opportunity for leadership and impact.
In his speech, Kant emphasized the need for young leaders to navigate a world defined by disruption—be it geopolitical conflict, broken global supply chains, climate challenges, or emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing. “You are graduating at a time when the world is being redefined,” he said. “This is not a moment of crisis—this is your moment of opportunity.”
He urged students to recognize India’s potential to lead on the global stage. With a youthful population, strong digital infrastructure, and a thriving innovation ecosystem, India is on track to become a $30+ trillion economy by 2047.
The Class of 2025 reflected this optimism and diversity: 54% female and 46% male students, with an average age of 23. Their academic backgrounds ranged across Engineering (26%), Commerce (24%), Management (29%), Arts (12%), Science (7%), and Others (2%). Many came with prior experience across sectors like IT/ITES, Consulting, Manufacturing, Realty, Healthcare, Marketing, Advertising, E-Commerce, FMCG, and more.
Kant praised SDA Bocconi Asia Center for cultivating industry-ready leaders with global perspectives. He encouraged graduates to harness their skills to not only drive India’s transformation but to influence the world—making their education, heritage, and innovation a force for global progress.