The city of Pune is set to host a significant gathering of thinkers, policymakers, and technologists as the Pune Public Policy Festival makes its return. The event will be held over two days, January 9 and 10, 2026, at the prestigious Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics.
Theme Focuses on Tech's Societal Impact
This year's edition of the festival carries a highly relevant and forward-looking theme: 'Decoding Technology and Society'. This focus area has been chosen to mirror the evolving and complex relationship between technological advancement, the capabilities of the state, and India's ambitions on the world stage. The discussions aim to unravel how technology is reshaping governance, economy, and daily life.
Agenda and Expected Discussions
The festival will serve as a platform for in-depth dialogue on some of the most pressing issues at the intersection of policy and innovation. Participants are expected to delve into topics such as digital governance, data privacy, the future of work in an AI-driven era, and how technology can be harnessed to enhance state capacity for public welfare. The conversations will critically examine both the opportunities and challenges presented by rapid digital transformation.
The choice of venue, the Gokhale Institute, underscores the academic and serious nature of the discourse. The event promises to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, researchers, and students, fostering a multi-dimensional exchange of ideas.
Why This Festival Matters for India
The timing and theme of the Pune Public Policy Festival are particularly crucial for India. As the nation accelerates its digital infrastructure and aims for greater global influence, understanding the societal implications of technology becomes paramount. The festival's outcomes could contribute valuable perspectives to shape inclusive and effective policies that ensure technological progress benefits all sections of society.
The event, as reported by Mrityunjay Bose and last updated on 05 January 2026, 07:35 IST, is poised to be a key intellectual event in the early calendar of the new year, setting the tone for important policy debates in the times to come.
