Aspire Leaders Program (ALP) alumni in India attended multiple cultural, professional, and networking events in both Mumbai and Delhi in July, 2024 with Aspire Institute CEO, Meena Sonea. The India Foundry team, Professor Tarun Khanna, and Meena Sonea hosted multiple days full of events, including a talk from Professor Khanna, a visit to the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy in Delhi, and a gathering at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) in Mumbai.
Building Community and Exploring Cultural Heritage in Mumbai
At the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, on July 28th, ALP alumni met Professor Khanna and Meena Sonea for a tour through the various exhibits.
This gathering at CSMVS was not just a reunion but a bridge connecting the Aspire alums to their shared history and cultural roots.
They explored ancient sculptures, artifacts from the Harappan civilization, and manuscripts spanning centuries. After the tour, they reflected on their journey.
Riddhi Kavte, an ALP alumnus who is a chemical engineer, shared that the visual experience helped enhance her understanding of history. Other alums valued the physical experience as a break from digital screens, calling the museum a form of therapy, allowing them to engage with history and art while disconnecting from technology.
Faiza Shaikh, ALP alumnus and software engineer, noted the relation between art and technology. This led to a deeper discussion surrounding how modern technology such as Artificial intelligence (AI) can be both a tool for pattern recognition and translating ancient languages – while also having constraints in thinking originally.
“This gathering at CSMVS was not just a reunion but a bridge connecting the Aspire alums to their shared history and cultural roots,” Kabir Jangam, 2022 Aspire Leaders Program alum, said. “It was a reminder of the power of museums to inspire, educate, and bring people together in meaningful ways.”
Sharing Ideas with Professor Tarun Khanna and Aspire Institute CEO in Delhi
On July 31st, Industry leaders and experts gathered with Aspire Leaders Program (ALP) alumni for a conference led by The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute at Harvard University, discussing the Indian education system at the India International Centre in Delhi.
Khanna moderated a public talk on ‘Education in India’ with other notable professors. ALP alumni enjoyed hearing from industry leaders and continuing the conversation with Meena Sonea.
“[We discussed] the importance of staying updated with industry trends, continuously learning, the value of diverse perspectives in driving innovation, and the power of networking in fostering professional growth,” Divya Kaushik, 2024 Aspire Leaders Program alumna, said.
Exploring the Role of Art and Culture
Aspire Leaders Program alumni joined for an additional day of activities at the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy in Delhi on August 1st.
Renowned art conservator, Mr. Anupam Sah, joined ALP alumni and Sonea to discuss the history and origins of handicraft across India.
“Meena joined us for the day, showing her love for Indian art and handicraft,” Kaushik said.
After exploring the museum and meeting with Sah, alums enjoyed a lively discussion over tea.
“The day concluded with underscoring the significance of balancing professional and personal growth, highlighting the role of art and culture in enriching our lives,” Kaushik mentioned. “The overall experience provided a fresh perspective and inspiration for my future professional endeavors!”
The overall experience provided a fresh perspective and inspiration for my future professional endeavors!
This combination of professional development on day one and cultural exploration on day two created a memorable experience.
“Attending this two-day event was a truly enriching experience,” Kaushik said. “I’m grateful for the insights gained, the connections made, and the inspiration drawn from both the conference and the museum visit.”
The Aspire Institute and the India Foundry look forward to future gatherings, supporting ALP alumni as they learn from each other and seek out new opportunities to develop themselves personally and professionally.
“[I’m] looking forward to applying these learnings in my professional journey and seeking more such holistic experiences in the future!” Kaushik said.
