April 21, 2025, St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, organized the two-day Deenbandhu Andrews Samvaad beginning bringing together diplomats, policymakers, and academicians to discuss India’s evolving role in a complex and rapidly shifting global order.The summit— named after Charles Freer Andrews, a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and advocate of moral leadership—focused on major international issues such as climate change, artificial intelligence, supply chain realignment, and the reconfiguration of multilateral institutions.In his welcome address, Principal Prof. John Varghese emphasized the summit’s goal of encouraging intellectual dialogue and youth involvement in reshaping global narratives. Dean of Academics, Dr. Malay Neerav, further highlighted the role of students in engaging with emerging global paradigms.Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa and former CEO of NITI Aayog, delivered the keynote address. He underscored four key challenges the world faces today: weakening post-war global stability, fragmentation of trade and supply chains, disruptive technological growth, and the climate crisis. Kant emphasized India's potential leadership by advocating for sustainable growth, open-source AI based on Indian languages, and aligning the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative with green innovation.Ambassador Sanjay Bhattacharya addressed the plenary session, calling for a humanistic approach to foreign policy. Drawing inspiration from historical figures like Tagore, Gandhi, and Andrews, he emphasized inclusive multilateralism and India’s growing influence within global platforms such as G20 and BRICS. Bhattacharya concluded by calling Gen Z the stewards of the future, tasked with navigating ethical and strategic complexities in world affairs.The summit continues with sessions analyzing India’s global engagements, policy initiatives, and international responsibilities.
