Tamil Nadu (Commonwealth Union)_ In a recent appearance on the Figuring Out podcast with podcaster Raj Shamani, Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and a renowned philanthropist, shared his admiration for India’s remarkable talent pool and the individuals who have significantly influenced him over the years. Gates, who has collaborated with numerous bright minds across the globe, was asked by Shamani to name three Indians, whether alive or deceased, he would most like to have dinner with. After much consideration, Gates extended his choices to four individuals who have left an indelible mark on him.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Among the individuals Gates would love to meet is India’s current Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. The tech magnate spoke highly of his past interactions with Modi, particularly appreciating the opportunity to learn from him about his vision for India’s future. Gates noted that their discussions often centered on India’s ambitious goals for 2047, with a focus on the nation’s long-term development trajectory. Gates was particularly inspired by the alignment between India’s strategic goals and the broader global efforts to address pressing challenges. “I’ve spent time with him and hearing his thoughts on India’s future and his ambition for 2047 was truly inspiring,” Gates remarked during the podcast.
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Ratan Tata
Gates also expressed admiration for Ratan Tata, the iconic Indian industrialist and philanthropist who has been a beacon of business and social innovation in the country. Over the years, Gates has had the privilege of working closely with Tata, and his influence has been felt not just in the business world but also in philanthropy. Gates emphasized that Tata’s contributions to both the corporate sector and social causes have had a profound impact on India’s development. “Tata’s vision for business and his commitment to social responsibility have been transformative for India. His work has inspired countless others, including myself,” Gates shared.
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Maharaj Kishan Bhan
Another legendary figure Gates would like to meet is Maharaj Kishan Bhan, the distinguished scientist who founded India’s Department of Biotechnology. Gates revealed that meeting Bhan was a memorable experience, as the scientist’s work in biotechnology has had a lasting effect on India’s scientific landscape. Bhan’s contributions to the field have played a pivotal role in India’s rise as a hub for innovation in the life sciences.
Srinivasa Ramanujan
The final and the most intriguing dinner guest for Gates would be the late Srinivasa Ramanujan, the brilliant mathematician whose genius continues to captivate scholars and enthusiasts worldwide. Gates described Ramanujan as mysterious, marveling at his ability to achieve extraordinary feats in the realm of mathematics, despite having little formal training and a brief life. “Ramanujan’s contributions to mathematics were nothing short of miraculous. His work continues to inspire mathematicians around the world, and I would love to understand his thought process,” Gates expressed.
India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem
Throughout the podcast, Gates also took time to reflect on India’s rapidly expanding entrepreneurial ecosystem. He spoke of his interactions with entrepreneurs across the country, from those running small businesses to pioneers in artificial intelligence and healthcare. Gates highlighted that many of these entrepreneurs are deeply involved in both for-profit and non-profit ventures, contributing significantly to the innovation boom in India. “India’s entrepreneurial landscape is truly remarkable,” Gates said. “From technology to healthcare, the country is seeing groundbreaking advancements across the board.”
While Gates acknowledged his privilege of meeting many of these extraordinary individuals, he also recognized the difficulty in narrowing down his choices for dinner guests. “There are so many incredible talents in India, it’s hard to pick just a few,” he remarked, underscoring the wealth of inspiration that the country offers across various sectors. Gates also discussed his core principles of work ethic, global funding, and scientific challenges, offering insights into his thoughts on technology, artificial intelligence, and the potential global health threats of the future. His conversation on the podcast was a testament to the lasting influence India’s brightest minds have had on him and his ongoing efforts to tackle global challenges through innovation and collaboration.
