Empowering Narratives: Reflections on India's Conclave Season 2024

It is an unprecedented battle of Summits playing out on your news screen! At stake is the need to crown a new thought fest king in the highly competitive news television space. And the big story here is the disruption caused by the young kid on the block – TV9 Network – hosting only its second Summit edition - creating tidal waves with its unique offering. Legacy players might have a reason  not to be amused but the viewer is indeed happier.

 With Prime Minister Narendra Modi Keynote address not being exclusive any longer to the big boy club, the tide has actually turned. A level playing field ensured, it has been all about how the Prime Minister piece played out at the respective Summits. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed so far (in the Union capital) in all five-television news network ground events beginning February 9 (ET Global Business Summit) until March 20 (News 18 Rising Bharat Summit).

 In between, he delivered the Summit Keynote at TV9 Network What India Thinks Today Summit on February 26 followed by Republic Network on March 7 and India Today Conclave on March 15 respectively. Barring TV9 Network, which crafted a distinct character for its three-day offering, the rest of the networks had a two day fair. Accordingly, the show witnessed unrivalled global and Indian star speakers in attendance.

 PM – The Star Performer

 Prime Minister has been the obvious star attraction at each of these propositions but how he received the invitation depended upon he was received. “In former times, prior to heading into battle, kettledrums were sounded, and grand bugles were blown, instilling a sense of excitement in the departing individuals. Thank you, Das! My salutations to all the viewers of TV9 and to all of you gathered here.”

 This is how the Prime Minister began his Summit Keynote address at the TV9 What India Thinks Today Conclave. The short AV that played as Modi entered the Ashok hall set the tone.The welcome address by MD & CEO Barun Das set the context. “Modi ji, you are not only the architect of a New India, but also someone who wishes to lay the foundation for the next one thousand years.” The way Das decoded the Modi phenomenon via the Modi mantras struck an instant chord with the ever-cheering audience.

In contrast, the Prime Minister, quick to think on his feet, used a query from India Today group founder and chairman Aroon Purie, as part of his welcome speech at the India Today Conclave, to make a strong point about his medium- and long-term agenda.

 The Next Big Leap

 Replying to India Today Group Chairman’s welcome address, the PM said that his eyes are not set on 2029 but that he's been “preparing and aiming for 2047”. “Aroon ji, put your entire team to find out what Modi is. Let them figure it out. You got stuck in 2029, I am preparing for 2047,” the Prime Minister said. Speaking at the Republic Summit on March 7, Modi said “The world believes this is India’s decade”, he said as he lauded the Republic Team’s vision for initiating a discussion on India of the next decade, as per the theme.

 PM: TV9 Network – Showcase For Bharat Diversity

 Prime Minister dwelt at length on the themes for review at other network events as well that he addressed praising the aspiration behind the nomenclature. But at TV9 he showcased the idea of India citing the network’s language diversity.

 “I frequently speak about Bharat's diversity, a trait that is vividly apparent in TV9's newsroom and amongst its reporting team. TV9 boasts media platforms in various Indian languages, serving as a testament to Bharat's vibrant democracy. I extend my congratulations to all the journalists working at TV9 across different states and languages, as well as to your technical team.”

Today, the TV9 team has chosen a compelling theme for this summit: “India: Poised For The Next Big Leap.” Significant progress can only be made when we are filled with enthusiasm and energy. A despondent country or individual cannot aspire to make that 'Big Leap'. The very choice of this theme reflects the confidence and aspirations of contemporary Bharat, the Prime Minister added.

 Incidentally, ‘Bharat’ came up in the title as News18 changed the IP’s name from Rising India to Rising Bharat. The Prime Minister didn’t specifically acknowledge or applaud the change. He, however, recalled when he was at the conclave five years ago and a significant event that took place soon after. He was responding to the reference by Rahul Joshi, MD & Editor-in-Chief, Network 18, to the earlier address of the Prime Minister at the Rising Summit in February 2019.

 The Prime Minister acknowledged the greetings of guests from the stage at all the media events. At TV9 Conclave, he mingled with the global guests seated in the front rows that included among others former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and celebrities like Ayushman Khurana and Kangana Ranaut. For ET’s Global Business Summit, the audience primarily included top business leaders and policy makers. 

 And for a change, the ever-warring news channels stayed invested in the big idea of the India growth story. They enabled a cross section of views to gather steam as they strived for a road map for Viksit Bharat. 

 Over to the cacophony of elections where campaigning has its own content menu on offer. Make the right choice!