FLAME University Hosts Dr. S. Jaishankar: A Vision for Future Leaders in Diplomacy
Pune : FLAME University, a pioneer of interdisciplinary education in India, recently welcomed Dr. S. Jaishankar, the Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs, Government of India for an engaging interaction. This event provided FLAME students with the unique opportunity to engage directly with one of the most prominent figures in India, gaining invaluable insights from his experience. The session exemplified the university’s dedication to inspiring students to shape the future and cultivate global leaders of tomorrow.
The interactive discussion was driven by FLAME students, allowing them to glean leadership insights from Dr. Jaishankar’s perspectives. They posed a diverse array of questions, exploring his journey from being a diplomat to a minister. Topics ranged from essential skills for aspiring diplomats to India’s relationships with countries like the Maldives, Sri Lanka, China, Bangladesh, USA, Canada, Russia and UAE.
Addressing FLAME students and shedding light on the interdisciplinary nature of diplomacy and foreign policy, Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs, Government of India, Dr S. Jaishankar, shared, “Interdisciplinary thinking is at the core of diplomacy and foreign policy. You cannot do business today without knowing the world from multiple perspectives. This requires interpersonal and intercultural skills alongside foreign language proficiency. They are critical in providing us with the ability to put ourselves in the shoes of another person, transpose our thought process onto theirs and communicate what we want to say in the right way with the right nuance.”
Further, encouraging FLAME students to not only take an active interest in the world but also shape it, he added, “The world is a fascinating place, and without understanding it, you cannot do anything. But if you understand it well, it’s an opportunity. So, I would urge everybody, whether they are in business, technology or accomplished in the arts, to take an interest in the world. In today’s times, you cannot be mere spectators; you have to be an active player, too.”
Dr Jaishankar’s words perfectly align with FLAME’s dedication to nurturing future leaders, empowering them to navigate the complexities of a globalized world. The University’s cutting-edge curriculum and interdisciplinary education model point towards critical thinking, learning foreign languages, and global awareness, which, in turn, empower its students to contribute to India’s economic, social, and cultural growth and help the nation emerge as a formidable global power.
An enthusiastic reader, Dr. Jaishankar also expressed his admiration for FLAME University’s impressive library, which boasts of books, databases and e-journals across a wide range of disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, applied sciences, management, media, journalism, literature, environment, and languages. He remarked that having access to such a resource during his own student years would have made him feel incredibly fortunate.
Also sharing his thoughts was the Vice Chancellor of FLAME University, Professor Dishan Kamdar, who said, “It was indeed an honour to host Dr. S. Jaishankar at the FLAME campus. His presence is a source of inspiration for our students, faculty and community, who gained incredible insights today into how best to maintain global relationships and understand the art of diplomacy. This visit reinforces our commitment to provide students with opportunities to engage with inspirational global leaders of impact and engage in transformational dialogues. Since its very inception, FLAME has been committed to shaping the global leaders of tomorrow by offering them interdisciplinary education, which imbibes leadership qualities. We believe this interaction with Dr S. Jaishankar is yet another milestone for us and will help in stirring our young minds, enabling them to think big and become a force to reckon with.”
Dr. S. Jaishankar’s visit highlighted FLAME University’s commitment to fostering a vibrant intellectual community that unites global thought leaders, policymakers, and experts with its dynamic academic environment. It exemplifies FLAME’s vision of inspiring students through interactions with influential leaders, broadening their perspectives and encouraging interdisciplinary thinking to prepare them as the global leaders of tomorrow.