Hollywood star Priyanka Chopra Jonas made headlines with an emotional address at Harvard Business School’s India Week closing event. Invited to speak on ‘The India We Imagine,’ the Bollywood-turned-global sensation was visibly moved by the diverse crowd of Indian-origin students filling the auditorium.
Posting exclusive moments from the event on Instagram, Priyanka revealed her initial nerves. ‘I thought it would be easy, but seeing you all, I realized you’re exactly the India I envisioned,’ she captioned. Her story wove through personal anecdotes: arriving in America at 12, navigating high schools in Iowa and Massachusetts where she stood out starkly among peers.
‘Never imagined I’d return to a Harvard stage decades later to this sea of Indian faces,’ she reflected. The shift from isolation to empowerment brought tears to her eyes. ‘Your experience is worlds apart from mine back then, and it fills me with joy.’ She credited the progress to generations of sacrifice, positioning these students as the future leaders India needs.
Priyanka’s advice was simple yet powerful: strive for excellence, practice kindness, and carry forward the legacy. She extended thanks to close ally Anjula Acharia, her family for understanding the event’s significance—especially over Valentine’s weekend—and the audience for their warmth. ‘Love and peace to you all,’ she signed off.
As Indian talent continues to conquer Ivy League halls, Priyanka’s speech stands as an inspiring milestone, highlighting cultural pride and the unstoppable momentum of the Indian diaspora.