Gautam Adani Calls Whistling Woods Students ‘Gems of Bharat’; Urges India to Take Charge of Its Global Narrative
Mumbai (The Trending People): Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani praised the young creative minds at Whistling Woods International, calling them the “Gems of Bharat” and highlighting the crucial role of storytelling, cinema, and technology in shaping India’s global narrative.
The billionaire industrialist attended an event at filmmaker Subhash Ghai’s Whistling Woods International Film School, where he shared the stage with Rajkumar Hirani, Kartik Aaryan, Jackie Shroff, and producer Mahaveer Jain. Adani described the experience as “energizing” and lauded the institute for nurturing creativity and passion among India’s youth.
Adani’s Message to the Youth: “You Are the Gems of Bharat”
Sharing glimpses from the event on Instagram, Gautam Adani posted a series of pictures featuring his address and interactions with the film fraternity. He wrote,
“Always energizing to be among the youth of our nation. And when that youth comes from @whistling_woods, the energy turns electric. Thank you, @subhashghai1, for giving our country a powerhouse of creativity and passion – every corner of your institute radiates inspiration.”
He added, “Sharing the stage with icons @hirani.rajkumar, @apnabhidu, @kartikaaryan and Mahaveer Jain made the evening even more special! To the students — you are the gems of Bharat. Let your Bharatiyata light the path to India’s greatness.”
His words struck a powerful chord, especially among aspiring filmmakers and media professionals, who view the event as an inspiration to use creativity as a tool for national identity and cultural pride.
Adani on India’s Soft Power and Storytelling
In his address, Gautam Adani emphasized the importance of India taking control of its global narrative through cinema, storytelling, and emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI).
He said, “If we do not narrate who we are, others will rewrite who we were. That is why we must own our story — not with arrogance, but with authenticity; not as propaganda, but as purpose.”
To illustrate his point, Adani cited the example of Raj Kapoor’s legendary film “Awara”, which became a symbol of India’s cultural diplomacy during the post-World War II era. He called Kapoor “India’s finest advocate of soft power” who helped build emotional bridges between India and the Soviet Union through cinema.
Criticism of Western Narratives on India
Gautam Adani cautioned against letting India’s story be defined through Western perspectives, citing films like “Gandhi” and “Slumdog Millionaire.”
“Why must it take Richard Attenborough from across the oceans to tell us Indians the story of our Mahatma?” he asked, stressing the need for India to produce authentic narratives rooted in its cultural identity.
He went on to criticize “Slumdog Millionaire” for portraying poverty as spectacle, saying, “Nothing reveals this bias more than the British film ‘Slumdog Millionaire,’ a spectacle that sold Dharavi’s poverty for Western applause, turning our pain into foreign award-winning ceremonies.”
In contrast, he pointed to Hollywood’s “Top Gun” as an example of cinema serving as an instrument of national strength and pride. “Behind the dogfights and heroism lies a brilliantly crafted narrative that showcases national pride, the might of the US military, and drives exports — an image of American courage to every corner of the world,” Adani explained.
Adani’s Vision for India’s Global Image
The Adani Group Chairman asserted that for too long, “India’s voice has been firm within our own borders but faint beyond them.” He urged creators and storytellers to reclaim India’s image in the global arena through authentic representation, cultural strength, and innovative storytelling.
Adani’s remarks come at a time when India’s entertainment industry is rapidly expanding globally, with streaming platforms and AI-driven production tools creating unprecedented opportunities for cultural exchange.
Final Thoughts by The Trending People
Gautam Adani’s powerful address at Whistling Woods International resonates beyond cinema — it’s a call for India to reclaim its narrative in the world of storytelling. By encouraging young filmmakers to embrace their “Bharatiyata” and craft stories that reflect India’s true spirit, Adani redefined the intersection of entrepreneurship, culture, and national identity.