Emerging as brand ambassador for India’s growth story: Former Union Minister Smriti Irani to address US universities

Electoral loss doesn’t mean any loss of Experience or oratory skills. She has over two decades of experience in public service after joining the BJP during former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure. First, she made her mark as a fiery opposition leader with unmatched oratory skills. Then, 10 years of experience in governance as Union Minister in Modi’s Cabinet.  Yes, we are talking about former Union Minister Smriti Irani, who is on a ten-day tour to America. As a public figure whose work spans governance, media, political organization, and international cooperation, Mrs. Irani has been invited in recognition of her policymaking experience that brings brand India to global discourse.

Smriti Irani will speak at five of the United States’ leading universities — Harvard, Stanford, UC Berkeley, Arizona State University, and Kellogg. These forums are not only centers of academic excellence but also key environments where the next generation of policy thinking, economic cooperation, and social innovation is being actively shaped. Her career has engaged deeply with systems — from national nutrition programs and digital infrastructure to skilling and workforce participation — offering insight into the mechanics of large-scale implementation and reform. In her role as Chairperson of the Alliance for Global Good: Gender Equity and Equality, she continues to work at the intersection of multilateral dialogue and grounded public policy. She was also there at the Davos Summit under the banner of her organization, the Alliance for Global Good, discussing the future in India with Fortune 500 companies.

April 12 | Harvard Kennedy School – Women in Power Conference

Mrs. Irani will participate in “Breaking the Mold: Women Leading in Politics”, a flagship panel at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Women in Power Conference. Now in its eighth year, the conference brings together public leaders working at the intersections of governance, equity, health, and global development. Given her experience, she can share insights on how women’s political participation can actively reshape policy outcomes — particularly in countries with complex social and demographic realities.

April 16 | UC Berkeley – IPEF Dialogue and Sky Deck Innovation Tour

At the India Policy Economy Forum, Mrs. Irani will be in conversation with Professor Pradeep Chhibber on India’s emerging policy frameworks in the context of economic transformation, public delivery systems, and digital infrastructure. Later that day, she will engage with founders and researchers at Sky Deck, UC Berkeley’s global startup accelerator. With a portfolio of over 200 high-growth ventures and more than $2 billion in collective funding, Sky Deck is a key node in the international entrepreneurial ecosystem.

April 17 | Arizona State University – Launch of the India Policy and Economy Research Club (PIERA)

At Arizona State University, Mrs. Irani will join students and faculty for the launch of PIERA — a platform created to deepen academic engagement on India’s economic policy, innovation landscape, and development priorities.

April 18 | Stanford University – Future of Work for Women Summit

At Stanford, Smriti Irani will deliver a keynote address alongside Professor Rohini Pande of Yale University. The summit convenes policymakers, academics, and business leaders to examine the evolving architecture of women’s work — and the levers that can unlock greater participation in a changing global economy.

April 19 | Kellogg School of Management – India Business Conference

At Kellogg, Mrs. Irani will join business and policy leaders at the India Business Conference, where the focus this year is on “India Forward: Supercharging Global Growth in the Next Decade.” Her remarks will focus on the infrastructure of inclusion behind India’s economic momentum — from digital innovation and institutional reform to the advancement of women entrepreneurs and MSMEs.

Drawing from her own experience in policy leadership, Smriti Irani will offer her perspective on how India is aligning its demographic and digital strengths to drive inclusive, sustainable growth — and what this means for global investors, partners, and institutions working in and with India.