Rungta University at Oxford: Indian Leadership Thought Finds a Voice at Oxford

Universities have long served as meeting points for ideas that shape societies. When perspectives rooted in India find space within the historic halls of the University of Oxford, they indicate a moment of worldwide relevance and an exchange of intellectuals. One such moment unfolded on 21st November, when Dr Jawahar Surisetti ( Vice Chancellor Rungta University) delivered a guest lecture at Oxford on Leadership in the Indian Context.

Dr Surisetti, an academic and thought leader and vice chancellor of Rungta University, addressed an elite and diverse audience that included diplomats from the United Nations, senior officials from the London Police, advisors to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, along with scholars and students from Oxford. The lecture concluded with a standing ovation, reflecting the strong resonance of his ideas and the originality of his perspective.

Titled “Where Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Leadership,” the address explored how India’s civilisational values offer practical frameworks for leaders navigating uncertainty, disruption, and rapid technological change. Moving beyond conventional leadership models, Dr Surisetti presented leadership as a balance of responsibility, empathy, and service, the principles deeply embedded in Indian philosophical thought.

At the core of the discussion were concepts such as Dharma (righteous duty) and Seva (selfless service). These ideas, he explained, function not as abstract ideals but as living frameworks that help leaders build trust, resilience, and ethical organisations. He also emphasised the importance of aligning ambition with inner calm, particularly in a world increasingly driven by speed, competition, and constant pressure.

Another key theme was India’s evolving role in global leadership. Dr Surisetti argued that India is no longer merely responding to global narratives, but is actively shaping them through cultural depth, emotional intelligence, and a long-term civilisational outlook. He further examined how “thinking the Indian way” can offer a steady moral compass in an era shaped by artificial intelligence and large-scale transformation.

The session concluded with a lively interaction, with questions spanning youth leadership, governance, and India’s future position in world affairs. The engagement highlighted a growing international curiosity about Indian leadership models and their relevance beyond national boundaries. 

Dr Surisetti’s work, closely linked to Rungta University, reflects a broader academic effort to connect Indian knowledge systems with contemporary global challenges. As Indian leadership thought finds resonance on one of the world’s most respected academic platforms, it reinforces a clear message: leadership grounded in purpose, wisdom, and service has universal relevance. The global conversation around it is only deepening.