As the conversations around India’s global rise took centre stage at Goafest 2026, one panel stood out for capturing the country’s evolving confidence, ambition and identity. Bringing together influential voices from policy, business and media, the session explored what truly defines “Brand India” in today’s rapidly changing world — beyond economics, beyond advertising, and beyond perception.
Featuring Dr Rajiv Kumar, Prasoon Joshi and Nikhil Sharma, with the discussion moderated by Padmaja Joshi, the panel unpacked how India is entering a defining era driven by cultural pride, entrepreneurial growth, innovation and global competitiveness.
Speaker:
- Dr Rajiv Kumar – Chairman of Paheli India Foundation and Former Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog
- Padma Shri Prasoon Joshi – Chairman, Omnicom Advertising, India and Chairman Prasar Bharti
- Nikhil Sharma – Managing Director, Perfetti Van Melle, India
Moderator: Padmaja Joshi Managing Editor, NDTV
Session Highlights:
Prasoon Joshi
- Brand India is bigger than just a marketing term; it reflects India’s civilisation, culture and identity.
- India is seeing both visible progress (UPI, infrastructure, GST) and invisible progress (confidence and cultural pride).
- People today are more confident in embracing their local language, roots and identity.
- India must focus on creating “Brands from India,” not just “Brand India.”
- Called for more investment in innovation, incubation and original ideas.
- Said Indian storytelling is moving from escapism to real and authentic narratives.
- Stressed on collaboration between media, corporates, government and creators.
- Said Atmanirbhar Bharat is a necessity, not just a slogan.
- Emphasised the need to reset the Indian mindset and stop seeking Western validation.
- Highlighted that Gen Z is increasingly confident in Indian ideas and products
Dr Rajiv Kumar
- Called India a global example of optimism, democracy and growth
- Said the next phase is building strong state and regional brands within Brand India
- Emphasised that private entrepreneurs will drive India’s future growth
- Said government should play a supportive role rather than a controlling one
- Highlighted the need for stronger manufacturing and export growth
- Stressed that India must compete globally, not just focus on domestic markets
- Pointed out the need for better industry-academia collaboration
- Encouraged deeper use of India’s traditional knowledge systems and strengths
- Said Gen Z is no longer looking abroad for validation and ideas
- Called for a major mindset shift across society and policy making
Nikhil Sharma
- Spoke about India’s massive FMCG and consumer market scale
- Highlighted that affordability still dominates Indian consumer behaviour
- Said India has huge volume growth but limited value growth
- Emphasised the need for more innovation and premium-quality Indian products
- Praised better dialogue and partnership between industry and government
- Said global trust and respect for Indian professionals has grown significantly
- Highlighted that Indian media and storytelling are now globally competitive
- Mentioned that innovation suffers when businesses focus only on low-cost products
- Said Indian consumers are slowly becoming more confident in Made-in-India products
