Did Gautam Adani Just Call Whistling Woods International Students the ‘Gems of Bharat’?
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Synopsis
In a powerful address, Gautam Adani hailed Whistling Woods International students as the 'Gems of Bharat', emphasizing the need for India to narrate its own stories. He shared the stage with icons like Rajkumar Hirani and Kartik Aaryan, urging the youth to let their Bharatiyata shine.
Key Takeaways
- Gautam Adani emphasizes the importance of youth in shaping India's narrative.
- The students of Whistling Woods International are recognized as the “Gems of Bharat.”
- Authenticity in storytelling is vital for India's global image.
- Adani warns against Western biases in portraying India's stories.
- Films can serve as powerful tools for cultural diplomacy.
Mumbai, Oct 11 (NationPress) Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani praised the students of Whistling Woods International as the “Gems of Bharat” while sharing the stage with icons like Rajkumar Hirani, Kartik Aaryan, and Jackie Shroff.
The billionaire took to Instagram to share a diverse collection of images from his address to the students. He also included a picture with filmmaker Subhash Ghai, Kartik Aaryan, and others.
In his caption, Adani expressed, “It's always exhilarating to connect with the youth of our nation. When that youth hails from @whistling_woods, the atmosphere turns electric. Thank you, @subhashghai1, for creating a powerhouse of creativity and passion in our country - every corner of your institute emanates inspiration.”
Adani further shared, “Being on the same stage as icons like @hirani.rajkumar, @apnabhidu, @kartikaaryan, and Mahaveer Jain made the evening truly memorable! To the students - you are the gems of Bharat. Let your Bharatiyata illuminate the path to India's greatness.”
On Friday, the Chairman underscored the significance of India reclaiming its global narrative through the soft power of cinema and storytelling, while harnessing emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).
He remarked, “If we do not narrate who we are, others will rewrite who we were. Therefore, we must own our story, not with arrogance, but with authenticity, not as propaganda, but as purpose.”
Referencing Raj Kapoor's classic film 'Awara', where the renowned actor connected deeply with Soviet audiences post-World War II, he emphasized that Kapoor was India's greatest ambassador of soft power, fostering a cultural connection that enriched Indo-Soviet relations for generations.
Adani cautioned against allowing India's narratives to be shaped through Western lenses, as seen in films like 'Gandhi' and 'Slumdog Millionaire'.
“Why should it take Richard Attenborough from across the oceans to tell us Indians the story of our Mahatma?” he questioned.
He noted that for far too long, “India's voice has been strong within our borders but faint beyond them. In that silence, others have taken the liberty to depict Bharat through their biased lenses.”
“Nothing illustrates this bias more than the British film 'Slumdog Millionaire', which commercialized Dharavi's struggles for Western accolades, transforming our pain into foreign award ceremonies,” said Adani.
In stark contrast, he pointed out that a Hollywood film like 'Top Gun' “is not merely showcasing cinema; it is projecting power.”
“Beneath the dogfights and heroism lies a meticulously crafted narrative that showcases national pride, the strength of the US military, and promotes exports, portraying American valor globally. These films are not just tales; they are strategic tools designed to influence perception, assert US power, and define American identity,” he stated.
Point of View
Gautam Adani's remarks serve as a crucial reminder of India's capacity to shape its own narrative, especially in the realm of cinema. The call for authenticity over bias resonates deeply in today's global context. As the nation embraces its rich culture, the youth must be empowered to tell their stories with pride and clarity.
NationPress
13/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Gautam Adani call the students of Whistling Woods International?
Gautam Adani referred to the students as the 'Gems of Bharat'.
Who were some notable figures sharing the stage with Adani?
Adani shared the stage with icons like Rajkumar Hirani, Kartik Aaryan, and Jackie Shroff.
What message did Adani convey about storytelling?
Adani emphasized the importance of India owning its narrative and told the youth to share their stories authentically.
Why did Adani criticize films like 'Slumdog Millionaire'?
He criticized such films for portraying India's struggles through a biased Western lens.
What example did Adani use to illustrate India's soft power?
He cited Raj Kapoor's film 'Awara' as an example of effective soft power in connecting cultures.
