Mumbai, Oct 11: Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani lauded the students of Whistling Woods International, calling them the “Gems of Bharat,” while also expressing his admiration for filmmakers Rajkumar Hirani, actor Kartik Aaryan, and mentor Subhash Ghai.
Sharing highlights of his visit on Instagram, Adani posted pictures with Hirani, Aaryan, Jackie Shroff, Mahaveer Jain, and Subhash Ghai. 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.”
“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,” he added.
During his address, Adani emphasized the importance of India taking charge of its global narrative through cinema, storytelling, and emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI). “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,” he said.
Adani cited Raj Kapoor’s iconic film Awara as an example of India’s cultural soft power, highlighting its impact in strengthening Indo-Soviet ties. He warned against allowing India’s stories to be framed through Western perspectives, pointing to films like Gandhi and Slumdog Millionaire, which he said portrayed India’s narratives with bias.
“Why must it take Richard Attenborough from across the oceans to tell us Indians the story of our Mahatma?” he questioned, adding that Western films often commercialize India’s struggles for foreign applause.
Contrasting this with Hollywood productions like Top Gun, Adani noted that films can project national strength and pride while shaping global perceptions strategically. “Behind the dogfights and heroism lies a brilliantly crafted narrative that showcases national pride, the might of the US military, and defines identity. These films are not just stories; they are instruments of influence,” he said.
Adani’s address inspired students to embrace creativity, uphold India’s cultural legacy, and contribute to shaping a global narrative rooted in authenticity and national pride.