Intellectual Exchange Converges at The Leela Palace Bengaluru with Suhel Seth, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and Mohandas Pai
BENGALURU: The Leela Palace Bengaluru hosted an evening of conversation at the Maharaja Ballroom on Wednesday, September 23, bringing together an accomplished gathering of industry leaders, civic voices, media personalities and cultural figures for a candid conversation on the evolving realities of modern India. The discussion featured author Suhel Seth alongside Biocon Executive Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and Mohandas Pai, Chairman of Aarin Captial.
Set against the backdrop of Seth’s latest book, WTF India: Are We Losing the Plot?, the evening explored some of the contradictions and possibilities shaping contemporary India. Rather than a conventional book launch, the book served as a starting point for a wider conversation on how India can translate its remarkable economic, technological and entrepreneurial progress into more responsive governance, better cities and stronger civic outcomes.
The conversation examined the role of young Indians as a powerful force in shaping the country’s future, including their potential contribution to government systems and public institutions. Seth also emphasised that the responsibility for building a better India extends beyond governments, highlighting civic responsibility and citizen participation as essential to addressing everyday challenges. The discussion further touched upon urban development and infrastructure, the gap between India’s technological ambitions and lived civic realities, and the need for greater accountability across institutions and communities.
“The conversation was ultimately about the relationship between India’s progress and the responsibility that comes with it, particularly the role of young people, citizens and institutions in shaping the country we want to build,” said Nishant Agarwal, Vice President & General Manager, The Leela Palace Bengaluru. “The Leela Palace Bengaluru has always sought to be a platform for meaningful intellectual and cultural exchange. Bringing together voices such as Suhel Seth, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and Mohandas Pai for an open and timely dialogue reflects our commitment to creating spaces where ideas can be exchanged, questioned and carried forward.”
The exchange between Seth, Pai, and Mazumdar-Shaw brought together perspectives from entrepreneurship, industry and public life, with the conversation reflecting on the opportunities before India as well as the responsibilities that accompany its growth. The discussion underscored the importance of moving beyond criticism towards constructive engagement, particularly among citizens, businesses and the next generation of leaders.
The conversation was followed by a dynamic Q&A, with members of the audience engaging the speakers on sustainable urban growth, governance, civic responsibility and the role individuals can play in strengthening public systems. The evening concluded with an intimate networking reception featuring a curated dinner and cocktail menu, allowing guests to continue the conversation in an informal setting.
The evening brought together a distinguished cross-section of Bengaluru, with the room filled with industry and business leaders, civic and cultural figures, media professionals and other prominent members of the city’s intellectual and social community.
