ISB Leadership Summit 2026 Highlights India Unbound

The Indian School of Business (ISB) convened its 23rd annual ISB Leadership Summit (ILS) on 16 September 2026 at the Hyderabad campus. The event was jointly organised by the Post‑Graduate Programme (PGP), PGP YL and PGP MAX classes of 2027 and carried the theme “India Unbound: Defining Tomorrow’s Leadership.”

Keynote speaker Raamdeo Agrawal, Chairman and Co‑founder of Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd., addressed the audience, asserting that India is moving into a new era of financialisation. He highlighted the emergence of a multi‑trillion‑dollar economy, expanding capital markets, rising household equity participation and entrepreneurial growth, arguing that future leaders will derive value not only from GDP expansion but from accelerating financial‑wealth creation. Agrawal urged students to cultivate curiosity, disciplined learning and long‑term thinking, positioning capital markets as a powerful platform for value creation.

Dean Madan Pillutla, ISB’s Dean, reflected on the institute’s 25‑year journey, noting that the original vision of building a world‑class management school has been realised. He emphasized that resources and technology alone cannot drive progress; adaptive leadership is essential to address challenges such as climate change, inclusive growth and the responsible use of technology. Pillutla cited Nobel laureate Daron Acemoglu to illustrate that technology’s impact depends on how leaders deploy it for societal benefit.

The summit featured a broad roster of distinguished speakers and panelists. Highlights included:

  • Dr Vasudevan Gnana Gandhi, Padma Shri awardee and Senior Vice‑President – Propulsion, Skyroot Aerospace.
  • Dr Ananda Shankar Jayant, Padma Shri awardee and celebrated Bharatanatyam/Kuchipudi dancer.
  • Lt Gen Anil Puri, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, SM, former Additional Secretary, Department of Military Affairs and Administrative Member, Armed Forces Tribunal.
  • Vikas Divyakirti, Founder of Drishti IAS.
  • Gaurav Gupta, Founder of Gabit.
  • Vivek Gambhir, Venture Partner at Lightspeed India and former CEO of Godrej Consumer Products & boAt Lifestyle.
  • Nigar Shaji, ISRO scientist and Project Director, Aditya‑L1.
  • Tapan Mishra, former Director, Space Applications Centre, ISRO.
  • Raju Ramachandran, former Additional Solicitor General of India and Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India.

A Women in Leadership panel titled “Her Own Way: Ambition, Identity & Building on Your Own Terms” featured author Anuja Chauhan, entrepreneur Shubhika Sharma (Founder, Papa Don’t Preach), Varija Bajaj (Founder, Varija Lifestyles) and Priyanshi Sharma (Co‑Founder, Peek TV). The Sports Panel “Winning Beyond the Scoreboard: Leadership, Teams & the New Indian Sporting Ecosystem” included former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu and Joy Bhattacharjya, CEO of Prime Volleyball League and former Team Director, Kolkata Knight Riders.

Through keynotes, panel discussions, fireside chats and interactive sessions, participants were equipped with foresight, adaptability and resilience to lead in an increasingly complex and “unbound” world, ready to shape India’s next chapter of growth and global influence.