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Smriti Irani engages Harvard and Indo-American leaders in Boston tour
Irani’s Boston visit demonstrated the value of authentic conversations and civic participation in a globalized world.
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Vikas Deshpande - Sun, 20, Apr 2025
- 04:54 EDT
- 152
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Smriti Irani at community event in Boston. / Courtesy- Vikas Deshpande
In a compelling convergence of intellect, leadership, and cultural diplomacy, Smriti Irani, a distinguished leader in Indian public life, completed an action-packed 48-hour visit to Boston. Her tour featured impactful engagements at Harvard University and with the Indo-American community of New England, leaving a lasting mark on all who encountered her.
Meticulously coordinated by Mason Fellows, Abhishek Chaudhari and Surabhi Tomar of Harvard Kennedy School with over a decade of experience in strategic public engagement, the visit embodied the power of purposeful dialogue, civic leadership, and cross-cultural partnership.
A Power-Packed 48 Hours
Landing directly from Delhi, Irani maintained an impressive schedule, attending four public events, five delegation meetings, and nine one-on-one interactions—all within two days. Her clarity, composure, and unwavering energy stood out, resonating deeply with audiences and organizers.
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Smriti Irani with Ekal USA board members. / Courtesy- Vikas DeshpandeHighlights of the Visit
- Women in Power Conference at Harvard Kennedy School
As a featured speaker on the flagship panel “Breaking the Mold: Women Leading in Politics,” Irani reflected on her 20+ years in public service. She offered insights on democratic leadership, institutional reform, and how women's political participation transforms governance in complex societies.
Lunch & Learn: Gender Equity in the Global South
At a thought-provoking session at Harvard, she engaged in a policy-focused dialogue on the role of women as catalysts of change. The conversation explored grassroots empowerment, international collaboration, and the strategic role of policy in driving gender equity in the Global South.
- Spiritual Reflection at ISKCON Boston
On Saturday morning, Irani visited Boston’s ISKCON temple, where she was warmly received by His Holiness Radhanath Swami. Reflecting on the visit, she remarked, “It’s as though I travelled halfway across the world to find answers that eluded me at home.”
- Fireside Chat with the Indo-American Community of New England
More than 350 members of the Indian diaspora—from students to senior citizens—gathered for a candid and lively dialogue with Irani. The open conversation included questions on her early life, political journey, perspectives on Indo-US relations, and the role of women in politics. Her heartfelt and direct responses were met with admiration and applause. The event brought together leaders from major Indian-American organizations including the key organizers from Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA (HSS), Foundation of Indian-Americans of New England (FIA-NE), and India Association of Greater Boston, (IAGB).
- Interaction with Ekal Vidyalaya USA
In a special engagement with Ekal Vidyalaya USA, Smt. Irani commended the organization’s impactful work in rural education, healthcare, and livelihood empowerment. She expressed solidarity with their mission to build a self-reliant and equitable India.
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Smriti Irani with ISKCON Swami Radhanath. / Courtesy- Vikas Deshpande
A Model for Impact: The 3S Framework
The tour was executed through the 3S approach—Sampark (Contact), Samvad (Dialogue), and Samanvay (Coordination)—a proven model for strategic civic engagement. The Harvard student-coordinator described the experience as a live case study in leadership, negotiation, and public narrative.
Closing Reflections
Irani’s Boston visit demonstrated the value of authentic conversations and civic participation in a globalized world. As she reflected, “There were many conversations, but the most profound impressions came from the Swamis at ISKCON Boston.”
Her journey reinforced the importance of global partnerships, inclusive policy-making, and the dynamic role of diaspora communities in shaping tomorrow’s leadership.
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Smriti Irani at Harvard Kennedy School. / Courtesy- Vikas Deshpande
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