PNN
Sonipat (Haryana) [India], August 10: Rashtram School of Public Leadership at Rishihood University successfully concluded the 10th edition of Policy BootCamp 2026, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of India's oldest and premier residential public policy leadership programme. Held from 13-28 June 2026, the intensive 15-day residential programme brought together 122 delegates from 20 Indian states, along with two international participants, making it one of the most geographically diverse cohorts in the BootCamp's decade-long history.
Since its inception in 2015, Policy BootCamp has emerged as one of India's most respected platforms for nurturing future public leaders. Over the past ten years, the programme has built a vibrant alumni network of more than 1,200 professionals. This landmark edition attracted an exceptional cohort of young changemakers, policy enthusiasts, and experienced professionals with an average age of 24.5 years, ranging from 16 to 46 years. The programme maintained a balanced composition of 62 students and 60 working professionals, with nearly half of the participants bringing prior professional experience across sectors including government, education, consulting, technology, law, research, media, and public affairs.
Throughout the programme, delegates engaged in an immersive learning experience designed to bridge theory and practice. The curriculum featured policy simulations, governance case studies, leadership workshops, policy hackathons, field immersions, and collaborative problem-solving exercises that exposed participants to the realities of policymaking and governance.
Delegates explored some of the country's most pressing public policy challenges across diverse thematic areas, including education, climate and water security, governance, employment, urban development, artificial intelligence and technology, healthcare, agriculture, and social justice. The interdisciplinary nature of the programme encouraged participants to develop innovative policy solutions while fostering collaboration across backgrounds and disciplines.
Over the past decade, the programme has hosted distinguished leaders including Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Former Vice President of India; Shri Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha; Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry; Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Former Union Cabinet Minister; Shri Suresh Prabhu, Former Union Cabinet Minister; Shri Jayant Sinha, Former Minister of State for Civil Aviation; Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India; Prof. Shamika Ravi, Member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister; actor and philanthropist Kunal Kapoor, among many other eminent leaders from government, academia, civil society, and industry.
The tenth edition proudly continued this legacy. Delegates engaged with Prof. Shamika Ravi, who explored India's demographic transition, data-driven governance, and evidence-based policymaking. Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India, shared insights on India's economic transformation, institutional reforms, and the country's journey towards becoming a developed nation.
Participants also interacted with Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla, PVSM, YSM, SM, ADC, Member of the Union Public Service Commission, who examined the rapidly evolving landscape of geopolitics, software-driven warfare, and national security in the age of artificial intelligence.
Former IPS officer and MLA Shri Anand Mishra reflected on leadership beyond bureaucracy, public service, and ethical decision-making, while Shri Arun Singh, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and National General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party, discussed political leadership, democratic institutions, and governance.
Delegates further benefited from sessions by Prof. Simrit Kaur, Principal of Shri Ram College of Commerce, who spoke on applied public policy, economic development, and institution building. They also engaged with several other eminent faculty members, practitioners, and domain experts who enriched the learning experience through interdisciplinary perspectives and practical insights.
Designed around Rashtram School of Public Leadership's mission of developing ethical, mission-driven public leaders, Policy BootCamp equips participants with a deep understanding of governance, public leadership, and policy design through experiential learning. The programme also seeks to strengthen participants' appreciation of India's civilisational ethos while encouraging nation-building through informed public leadership.
Reflecting on the successful completion of the 10th edition, Spokesperson, Rishihood University, said:
"As Policy BootCamp completes a decade, it reflects our unwavering commitment to developing principled leaders who combine intellectual rigour with a deep sense of public purpose. The challenges of the future demand leaders who can think across disciplines, understand governance in practice, and work collaboratively to create meaningful impact. Policy BootCamp continues to serve as a platform where young leaders are inspired, equipped, and connected to contribute to India's development journey."
With the successful conclusion of its 10th edition, Policy BootCamp reinforces its position as India's premier residential public policy leadership programme, preparing future-ready leaders capable of addressing complex governance challenges and contributing meaningfully to nation-building.
About Rishihood University:
Founded by IITians and trusted by Nobel Laureates, Padma Shri Awardees and Policymakers, Rishihood University is reimagining higher education as a force for national transformation. It shapes learners for personal growth, professional excellence, and public impact in an industry-integrated, values-first learning environment. With an interdisciplinary approach that integrates technology, entrepreneurship, design, mental wellness, and public policy; Rishihood aims to create a new generation of conscious professionals.
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