Photos| HTLS 2019: Narendra Modi, K M Birla, Cdr Abhilash Tomy open Day 1

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the 17th edition of the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit, at Taj Palace in New Delhi. The theme for this year’s thought conclave is “Conversations for a better tomorrow”. The much-awaited annual summit will also see attendees such as Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla, Champion sailor Commander Abhilash Tomy, who became the first Indian to circumnavigate the globe solo and Netflix founder and CEO Reed Hastings and speak in the first half of the inaugural day of the summit. ...read more

Share Via

Copy Link

1 / 9

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Dec 06, 2019 02:16 PM IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi beginning the day with the inaugural address said, “conversations lay the foundation for a better tomorrow. They are a way forward for any society. They provide the impetus to march forward.” On Article 370, the PM said that its “repeal gave a ray of hope for a better tomorrow. The decision was taken for the betterment of Kashmir.” (Raj K Raj / HT Photo)

2 / 9

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Dec 06, 2019 02:16 PM IST

Guests during PM Modi’s address. On the Ayodhya verdict, “We can’t be chained by the past. People were casting aspersions that the verdict will cause unrest in the country. But, the people of the country proved them wrong,” PM Modi said. “The transformative decisions taken by the government in the first six months of Modi 2.0 reflects the belief entrusted upon them by the mandate given by the people of India.” (Amal KS / HT Photo)

3 / 9

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Dec 06, 2019 02:16 PM IST

Moving towards economy and infrastructure, the PM said, “For better tomorrow, we need world-class infrastructure. In the years to come, government will bring schemes worth Rs 100 lakh crore,” and that it is working towards connecting 15 crore houses to clean water. “Today, India, with full confidence, is working towards turning itself in a $5 trillion economy. It is directly linked with the income of middle class and a better tomorrow,” he said. (Raj K Raj / HT Photo)

4 / 9

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Dec 06, 2019 02:16 PM IST

Following the PM’s address was Aditya Birla Group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla in conversation with Shereen Bhan, Managing Editor, CNBC – TV18. Birla on his business group said, “From a patriarchal setup, we have moved towards a setup of global meritocracy.” KM Birla later said that it would take another 18-20 months for the economy to recover and “If GST is brought down to 15%, that would be a huge stimulus to the economy.” (Arvind Yadav / HT Photo)

5 / 9

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Dec 06, 2019 02:16 PM IST

On the Idea-Vodafone merger and the issue of payment of average gross revenue (AGR) dues to the government, Birla said if Idea-Vodafone doesn’t get more government support, they will have to “shut shop”. Returning to economic growth he said, “If the economy has to grow at 6 to 7%, it needs much more credit supply and this makes a case to give out more banking licences.” (Sanjeev Verma / HT Photo)

6 / 9

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Dec 06, 2019 02:16 PM IST

Commander Abhilash Tony narrated his ordeal when he was stranded at sea for 72 hours while was participating in the Golden Globe Race 2018 (GGR) a historic around the world race without modern navigation aids. “I had a fractured spine. I didn’t know whether I will be able to walk again or not. I didn’t know whether I will come out of this situation alive or not. But, I knew even this situation will pass,” said Cdr Tomy. (Raj K Raj / HT Photo)

7 / 9

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Dec 06, 2019 02:16 PM IST

“When I heard the knock, I thought I am dreaming and angels have come to save me,” said Cdr Tomy about the time when he was rescued. The road to recovery, Tomy said was a long one. “I had a fractured spine. I had to learn to walk again,” he said while elaborating that, “Brushing my teeth was like one hour in gym. I am going to replace all bones with Titanium now.” (Ajay Aggarwal / HT Photo)

8 / 9

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Dec 06, 2019 02:16 PM IST

Capping the first half of Day 1 at HTLS 2019, Netflix CEO and founder Reed Hastings said “Novels, not Netflix, introduced binge concept.” While Hastings said he personally was “an hour a day person, not a heavy viewer,” the company wants to, “give our audience to have flexibility to watch when they want,” he said on if binge watching is declining. (Sanjeev Verma / HT Photo)

9 / 9

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Dec 06, 2019 02:16 PM IST

“We compete with Disney, Hotstar and Amazon. We have to be better than anybody else at pleasing you,” said the Netflix founder. “We don’t spend much on the marketing side, we spend on our shows. Because, our business revolves around subscriber happiness. We believe in word of mouth publicity,” said Hastings when asked about user acquisition cost. (Amal KS / HT Photo)