The India Today Conclave, a flagship event of the India Today Group, kicks off today in Mumbai, bringing together a dazzling array of politicians, thought leaders, businessmen, film stars, and civil society pioneers. Now in its 22nd year, the India Today Conclave has established itself as one of the premier forums for exchanging ideas among the world’s leading political, entrepreneurial, and intellectual figures.
This year’s edition, held from September 25-26 at Taj Lands End in Mumbai, promises to be a riveting affair, coinciding with the aftermath of the high-stakes Lok Sabha elections and just weeks ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly polls. Discussions will span a wide range of topics, including politics, entertainment, sports, and business.
Day 1 will begin with an inaugural address by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who will outline his vision for a “New Maharashtra.” Shinde, who rose to power after leading a rebellion within the Shiv Sena, will reflect on the political landscape and share his insights on the state’s future direction. His address will set the tone for discussions on Maharashtra’s political powerplay, especially after the recent upheaval within the Shiv Sena.
Congress leader and former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan will offer his take on the party’s resurgence in Maharashtra, following its strong performance in the Lok Sabha elections, where it won 13 of the 30 seats secured by the INDIA bloc.
A key session on Shiv Sena’s political trajectory will feature Aaditya Thackeray, who will discuss “Reinventing the Thackeray Legacy” as the party faces internal divisions. Additionally, Ajit Pawar and Supriya Sule from the Pawar family will participate in back-to-back sessions. Ajit Pawar, who is vocal about his chief ministerial ambitions, will focus on Maharashtra’s growth, while Supriya Sule will delve into the complexities of state politics.
On the entertainment front, Bollywood star Triptii Dimri will share her journey to stardom, highlighting her struggles and the story behind her breakthrough. A session featuring Richa Chadha, Guneet Monga, and Kiran Rao will explore how women are redefining Indian cinema through powerful and unconventional roles.
Day 2 will continue the momentum with Congress veteran P. Chidambaram sharing his thoughts on the party’s vision for a “New India,” and industry leaders from HDFC, Edelweiss, and Enam discussing the Indian stock market’s bull run. Other notable sessions include Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis discussing Maharashtra’s development plan for 2047 and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju addressing the challenges of managing allies in the NDA government.
The conclave will conclude with insights from tech industry leaders on AI’s growing influence in India, followed by Union Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and Paris Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker discussing green fuel and India’s sporting future. Actor Saif Ali Khan will wrap up the event with a discussion on his career journey from mainstream to maverick.
