PM Modi Calls SOUL A Key Step Towards ‘Viksit Bharat’; Hopes For Future Leaders

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence that the School of Ultimate Leadership (SOUL) will nurture future leaders across various sectors.

He described the institution’s establishment as a significant milestone in India’s journey towards ‘Viksit Bharat.’

Speaking at the SOUL Leadership Conclave in Delhi, PM Modi stated, “The development of citizens is very important for nation building…The development of best leaders in various fields is very important and it is the demand of time. And that is why the establishment of the School of Ultimate Leadership is an important and big step towards the journey of ‘Viksit Bharat’.”

The Prime Minister also highlighted that SOUL’s large campus near GIFT City will be ready soon and will set new benchmarks in leadership and architectural excellence.

“The large campus of the School of Ultimate Leadership (SOUL) will be ready very soon near the Gift City. And today, while coming here, chairman showed me its entire model, plan. I really think that this institution will take leadership from the point of view of architecture as well. Today, as the School of Ultimate Leadership (SOUL) is taking a first big step in its journey, you must remember your direction and aim. Swami Vivekananda Ji had said give me a hundred energetic young men and women and I shall transform India. Swami Vivekananda ji wanted to remove India from slavery and transform India. And he believed that if he had 100 leaders, then he would not give India freedom but make India a number one country,” PM Modi asserted.

Strong Leadership Needed Across Sectors: PM Modi

The Prime Minister stressed that as India progresses towards becoming a developed nation, strong leadership is needed beyond politics, in every sphere of life.

“Today every Indian is working day and night for Viksit Bharat of the 21st century. In such a situation, even in the country of 140 million, we need best leadership in every sector, in every vertical, in every aspect of life and not just political leadership. There is a huge scope in the School of Ultimate Leadership to establish the leadership of the 21st century. I am hopeful that great leaders will emerge from the School of Ultimate Leadership who will lead not only in nation, but across world in various fields Some young people after training from here, might achieve a new position in politics,” the PM noted.

Recalling Gujarat’s and Maharashtra’s past challenges, PM Modi highlighted the role of leadership in transformation.

“Any country when it progresses, natural resources have their role to play. But more than that, human resources play a big role. I remember when the movement for the separation of Maharashtra and Gujarat was going on, we were kids then. But at that time, this was also a discussion what will Gujarat do by separating? It (Gujarat) has no natural resources. There is no mine, no coal. There’s nothing it will do. There is no water, there is desert and then there is Pakistan. What will it do? And people of Gujarat only have salt and what else? But look at the power of leadership, today the same Gujarat is everything,” the Prime Minister said.

PM Modi Inaugurates SOUL Leadership Conclave

Earlier in the day, PM Modi inaugurated the SOUL Leadership Conclave at Bharat Mandapam, with Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay also attending the event.

The two-day conclave, held from 21-22 February, brings together leaders from politics, sports, arts, media, spirituality, public policy, business, and the social sector to share their experiences and insights on leadership.

The event aims to foster thought leadership and inspire young minds through discussions on successes and challenges.

SOUL, an upcoming leadership institution in Gujarat, seeks to cultivate leaders driven by merit, commitment, and passion for public service rather than political lineage.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel conducted the Bhoomi Poojan ceremony for SOUL’s upcoming modern campus in Gandhinagar on 14 February.

The SOUL campus, planned for development over the next two years at an estimated cost of Rs 150 crore, will cover 22 acres near Gujarat Biotechnology University on GIFT City Road.

Also Read: Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay Calls SOUL A Testament To PM Modi’s Vision; Praises His Leadership