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Smriti Irani engages Harvard and Indo-American leaders in Boston tour
Irani’s Boston visit demonstrated the value of authentic conversations and civic participation in a globalized world.
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Staff Reporter
- Sun, 20, Apr 2025
- 04:54 EDT
- 408
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Smriti Irani at community event in Boston. / Courtesy- Vikas Deshpande
Indian politician Smriti Irani completed a two-day visit to Boston with impactful engagements at Harvard University and with the Indo-American community of New England.
The tour was executed through the 3S approach—Sampark (Contact), Samvad (Dialogue), and Samanvay (Coordination) was coordinated by Mason Fellows, Abhishek Chaudhari and Surabhi Tomar of Harvard Kennedy School. The schedule included four public events, five delegation meetings, and nine one-on-one interactions.
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Smriti Irani with Ekal USA board members. / Courtesy- Vikas DeshpandeAt the Harvard Kennedy School's flagship panel "Breaking the Mold: Women Leading in Politics," Irani reflected on her 20+ years of public service. She discussed democratic leadership, institutional reform, and how women's political participation improves governance in complex societies.
Irani visited the ISKCON temple in Boston, where she was welcomed by Radhanath Swami. Reflecting on the visit, she remarked, “It’s as though I travelled halfway across the world to find answers that eluded me at home.”
She interacted with over 350 members of the Indian diaspora during an open dialogue that encompassed inquiries regarding her early life, political trajectory, views on Indo-US relations, and the role of women in politics. The event was attended by major Indian-American organizations including the key organizers from Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA (HSS), Foundation of Indian-Americans of New England (FIA-NE), and India Association of Greater Boston, (IAGB).
During a dedicated engagement with Ekal Vidyalaya USA, Irani praised the organization’s significant contributions to rural education, healthcare, and livelihood enhancement. She expressed solidarity with their mission to build a self-reliant and equitable India.
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Smriti Irani with ISKCON Swami Radhanath. / Courtesy- Vikas Deshpande
Reflecting on her visit, Irani said, “There were many conversations, but the most profound impressions came from the swamis at ISKCON Boston.”
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Smriti Irani at Harvard Kennedy School. / Courtesy- Vikas Deshpande
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