How India’s Leadership is Shaping the Future with R. Balasubramaniam, Capacity Building Commission

India’s leadership story is a fascinating journey full of lessons for anyone looking to make an impact.

In just two years, opening up the space economy has led to over 100 new startups in aerospace, sparking innovation and fueling the dreams of a new generation of changemakers.

And it doesn’t stop there—India is heavily investing in future-focused areas like green hydrogen, quantum computing, and the blue economy, showing a clear vision for industries that will define tomorrow.

Drawing from its rich heritage, India blends ancient wisdom with modern governance.

Texts like the Arthashastra guide policies that empower people and prioritize collective welfare.

Initiatives like Aadhaar and participatory governance models reflect these principles in action, bringing millions into the financial mainstream and fostering inclusive growth.

Experts believe India’s leadership also addresses the need for decolonization—not just in reclaiming cultural pride, but in rediscovering its intellectual confidence.

This leadership model, rooted in inclusivity, resilience, and innovation, is steering India into a brighter future. 

In this episode of The NEON Show, Dr R. Balasubramaniam, author, member of the Capacity Building Commission (Government of Bharat), and Chairperson of the Social Stock Exchange Advisory Committee at SEBI, shares the essence of Indic leadership as explored in his book Power Within.

Time stamp

00:00 Intro
00:12 Dr. Balu’s contributions to rural service
00:41 Current roles: Capacity Building Commission member & Rhodes Professor
00:55 Overview of "Power Within"
01:13 Journey: From physician to policymaker
02:16 India’s traditional wisdom in governance
03:08 PM Modi’s leadership focus in Balu’s analysis
05:24 Modi’s ethos of service (Seva Bhaav)
08:09 Modi’s leadership during Morbi tragedy
10:06 RSS philosophy: Cultural nationalism & service
13:15 Overcoming colonial mindsets to restore pride
17:09 Participatory governance: Janbhagidari & Mission Karmayogi
23:57 Revamping civil services training
26:08 Influence of Ramakrishna Mission’s seva philosophy
28:01 Panch Pran: Vision for a self-reliant India
29:51 Chanakya Niti: Ancient leadership principles
34:38 Decisive actions: Doklam, surgical strikes, Pulwama
38:14 Challenges in implementing farm laws
45:51 Repeal of Article 370: J&K integration
50:05 India’s balanced foreign policy (Russia-Ukraine, Qatar)
52:03 Comparing Modi’s leadership to global icons

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