PV Sindhu to Grace Harvard India Conference as Distinguished Speaker
Indian badminton ace PV Sindhu is set to take the stage as a speaker at the prestigious 23rd Harvard India Conference, scheduled for February 14-15, 2026. This announcement marks a significant moment for sports representation at global academic forums, highlighting Sindhu's influence beyond the court.
Star-Studded Lineup at Harvard's Premier Event
Sindhu will be part of an illustrious group of dignitaries addressing the conference. She will share the platform with actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas and politician Shashi Tharoor, who has been designated as the keynote speaker for the event. The conference is jointly organized by the Harvard Business School and the Harvard Kennedy School, bringing together leaders from various fields to discuss India's future.
Conference Theme and Activities
The theme for this year's edition is "The India we Imagine", which aims to explore the values, complexities, and possibilities shaping India's trajectory. According to the official synopsis, the conference will delve into three subthemes to examine the diverse forces influencing India's identity, progress, and forward path. In addition to speaker sessions, the event will feature a start-up pitch competition, art workshops, a policy hackathon, and a closing concert, making it a comprehensive platform for engagement.
Harvard's Tribute to Sindhu's Achievements
In announcing Sindhu's participation, the Harvard India Conference's Instagram post hailed her as a "trailblazing athlete, Olympic medalist, and inspiration to millions across the world." The post highlighted her historic achievements, including being the first Indian woman to win an Olympic silver medal in badminton at the 2016 Summer Games and one of only two Indian badminton players to ever claim an Olympic medal. Sindhu's accolades, such as the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, and Arjuna Award, underscore her contributions to Indian sports and her role in encouraging future generations.
About the Harvard India Conference
The Harvard India Conference is an annual global event focused on Indian business, policy, and culture. It serves as a student-driven platform that celebrates India's rich diversity and examines its emergence as a major global force. This edition promises to be a landmark gathering, with Sindhu's presence adding a unique sports perspective to the discussions on India's imagined future.
