Politics & Government Speakers

Swaminathan S. Aiyar is a leading Indian journalist and economist, renowned for his popular column "Swaminomics" in The Times of India. He is a former editor of The Economic Times and was the India correspondent for The Economist for two decades. His work focuses on economic change in developing countries, human rights, and political economy. As a speaker, he shares insights on global policy and development, drawing on his experience as a frequent consultant to the World Bank and his work in social investment to bring medical services to marginalized communities.

M. Damodaran is one of India's most influential public figures, a former Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), and a leader of major turnarounds at UTI and IDBI. He is the founder of Excellence Enablers Private Limited (EEPL), a corporate governance advisory firm, and the Indian Institute of Management Tiruchirapalli. His keynotes provide valuable insights into corporate governance, India’s economic framework, and effective public administration.

Dr. Arun Shourie is a celebrated investigative journalist, a former Minister of Communications and IT for the Government of India, and a World Press Freedom Hero. A highly influential commentator on current and political affairs, he has authored 26 books on topics ranging from constitutional law to governance. His latest book, Preparing For Death, offers profound insights from major religions and philosophy to help people face life's ultimate challenge with equanimity.

Arun Maira is a respected leader and former Member of the Planning Commission of India. He is a best-selling author and a globally experienced expert in management, leadership, and public policy in India. With a career spanning leadership roles in the Tata Group, ADL, BCG, and the Planning Commission, he provides a unique perspective on Politics & Policy and Finance & Economy. His keynotes offer strategic blueprints for Management & Leadership and for achieving India's ambitious growth goals.

Dr. Pratap Bhanu Mehta is a leading political scientist, former President of the Centre for Policy Research, and a Harvard/Princeton-trained academic. He is an expert in political theory, constitutional law, and governance. He has held teaching posts at Harvard, JNU, and NYU School of Law. His influence extends to public policy, having served on the National Security Advisory Board and the Prime Minister's National Knowledge Commission.

Jayant Sinha is a former Minister of State for Finance and Civil Aviation in the Government of India and a successful venture capitalist with three unicorns to his credit. An alumnus of IIT Delhi and Harvard Business School, he is now a Visiting Professor in Practice at the London School of Economics (LSE). His keynotes provide deep, strategic insights into sustainable development, public finance, the AI revolution, and building resilient operations and supply chains.

Shankkar Aiyar is a leading political economy analyst, former Wolfson Chevening Fellow at Cambridge University, and the author of the critically acclaimed book Accidental India. His journalism exposed India’s 1991 gold crisis, accelerating economic liberalization. His keynotes, informed by his book Gated Republic, provide deep insights into India’s socio-economic fault lines, public policy failures, and the intersection of politics and economics in the country's development.

M. J. Akbar is a leading Indian journalist, former editor of major dailies, and a critically acclaimed author. He is a prominent expert on Indian policy and South Asian geopolitics. His first book, India: The Siege Within, had a deep impact on India’s policy in Punjab and Kashmir. His latest book, Tinderbox, discusses identity crisis and class struggle in Pakistan. His keynotes offer incisive commentary on current and political affairs and the complex dynamics of the Indian subcontinent.

Palki Sharma Upadhyay is a journalist and editor who translates complex international affairs into clear, evidence-led narratives. After early work in public broadcasting and print, she anchored WION’s global news coverage and later held senior editorial roles at Network18/Firstpost. Her on-air style privileges sourcing and context over spectacle. As a moderator and commentator she helps audiences and leaders read geopolitical signals, assess media risk, and shape communications that withstand scrutiny.