Priyanka Chopra to Headline Harvard India Conference 2026 Alongside Shashi Tharoor and Amitav Acharya
Global star and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Priyanka Chopra Jonas is set to headline the 23rd edition of the India Conference at Harvard University in 2026. The prestigious student-led event will be held on February 14 and 15, 2026, on the Harvard campus and will focus on India’s growing influence on the global stage.
Priyanka will share the platform with noted author and parliamentarian Dr Shashi Tharoor and international relations scholar Amitav Acharya, making this year’s edition one of the most high-profile in recent times.
The India Conference at Harvard, now in its 23rd year, is among the most influential academic platforms dedicated to discussions on India’s politics, economy, culture, and diplomacy.
The 2026 edition will revolve around the theme “The India We Imagine”, exploring India’s values, ambitions, and evolving identity in a rapidly changing world.
According to the organisers, over 1,000 students, researchers, and professionals from across the US and abroad are expected to attend the two-day event, both in person and through digital streaming.
Priyanka Chopra, who commands a massive global following of over 90 million across social media platforms, will address topics related to global entertainment, representation, and cultural diplomacy.
A member of the organising committee stated, “Priyanka’s journey from Indian cinema to Hollywood makes her a powerful voice in conversations about India’s soft power.”
Fans and industry observers have welcomed Priyanka’s inclusion at the conference.
One fan wrote on social media, “So excited to hear her speak on the global entertainment landscape!” Another commented, “Waiting to see her amazing response — she always speaks with clarity and confidence.”
Film trade analyst Taran Adarsh noted, “Priyanka represents modern Indian stardom on a global platform. Her presence at Harvard reflects how Indian cinema and culture are being recognised internationally.”
A senior producer who has worked with Priyanka said, “She brings credibility, experience, and perspective. She is not just an actor, but also a cultural ambassador.”
Background of the Project
The India Conference at Harvard is organised annually by students of Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard Business School, and Harvard College. Over the years, it has hosted prominent leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and artists.
Past speakers have included former prime ministers, chief ministers, corporate leaders, and international scholars.
Priyanka Chopra’s participation continues the conference’s tradition of inviting influential voices who shape India’s global narrative.
As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Priyanka has actively worked on issues related to education, child rights, and gender equality, strengthening her role beyond the entertainment industry.
Her career spans over two decades, with major successes in Bollywood, Hollywood, and international streaming platforms.
What’s Next
On the professional front, Priyanka was last seen in the Hollywood film Heads of State, alongside Idris Elba and John Cena. The film performed well on streaming platforms and ranked among the top ten titles in several international markets.
She is now awaiting the release of The Bluff, directed by Frank E. Flowers. The action thriller, also starring Karl Urban, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Safia Oakley-Green, and Temuera Morrison, will premiere on Prime Video on February 25.
In Indian cinema, Priyanka is set to return after eight years with SS Rajamouli’s ambitious project Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The film, currently under production, is expected to release around Sankranthi 2027 and is already being touted as one of the biggest pan-India projects in the making.
Our Final Thoughts
Priyanka Chopra’s selection as a headline speaker at Harvard’s India Conference 2026 reflects her growing stature as a global cultural representative. Over the years, she has successfully bridged Indian and international entertainment industries, building credibility beyond box office numbers.
Her participation also highlights how cinema and soft power are becoming integral to India’s global identity. As an actor, producer, and humanitarian, Priyanka brings multiple perspectives to discussions on representation, leadership, and cultural exchange.
The presence of speakers like Shashi Tharoor and Amitav Acharya further strengthens the academic and policy-driven nature of the conference. Together, they represent the intersection of politics, culture, and diplomacy.
For young Indians studying abroad, such platforms offer valuable insights into how India is perceived and shaped globally. Priyanka’s journey, in particular, serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists and professionals.
As India continues to expand its influence in global media and geopolitics, events like the Harvard India Conference play a crucial role in shaping informed conversations. Priyanka’s address is likely to add both relevance and resonance to this year’s theme, “The India We Imagine”.
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