The IIT Delhi Alumni Association (IITDAA) successfully hosted the IITD Alumni Leadership Conclave 2026 on March 21 at Hyatt Regency, New Delhi, bringing together over 400 alumni, including CXOs, policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, and technology leaders. The event also connected with a wider global network of more than 65,000 IIT Delhi alumni.
The conclave was graced by the presence of Shri Shashank Mani, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha, Deoria, Uttar Pradesh), and Dr Satyapal Singh, former Minister of State for Human Resource Development (Higher Education), Government of India. Their participation added depth to discussions around leadership and national development.
Centered on the theme “Era of Symbiotic Atmanirbharta: Cooperation as a Competitive Edge,” the conclave underscored the growing importance of collaboration in driving innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth. Speakers emphasized that self-reliance in a globalised world increasingly depends on strong domestic capabilities complemented by meaningful international partnerships.
The event featured a series of panel discussions on emerging areas shaping the future of business, technology, and education. A session titled “AI and Humanity: Friend, Foe, or Future?” explored the evolving role of artificial intelligence, with panelists advocating for a shift from viewing AI as merely a tool to embracing it as a collaborative partner, while maintaining ethical standards and data privacy.
Another discussion, “Ideas to IPO: Start-up Ecosystem Enablers,” focused on building scalable ventures, highlighting the importance of mentorship, ecosystem support, and strong founder-investor partnerships. Meanwhile, the session on “Inclusive Learning & Education for the Unknown” stressed the need for lifelong learning, adaptability, and closer collaboration between academia and industry to address future skill demands.
A key highlight of the conclave was the felicitation of 44 IIT Delhi alumni who secured top ranks in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025, reflecting the institution’s continued contribution to public service.
Kalpen Shukla, President of IITDAA, noted that leadership today is defined by vision, resilience, and the ability to inspire change. The conclave concluded with a strong call for collaboration, innovation, and collective leadership in shaping a more inclusive and forward-looking future.
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