The Aspire Leaders India graduation ceremony at ‘The Quorum Club’s Parallel Hall’ brought together more than a hundred learners, alumni, and leaders in an evening that blended celebration, reflection, and vision. From the spirited welcome by Ayush Vilas Borde (ALP ’25) and Ashutosh Anil Bawankar (ALP ’25) to the closing words of appreciation, the gathering was a vivid reminder of the transformative potential of leadership and community.
Opening Notes and Key Voices of Inspiration
The ceremony began with a heartfelt address from Mrs. Nithyambika Gurkumar, Executive Director of Aspire Leaders India Foundation, who reminded Aspire Leaders Program graduates that each time you complete something, it is really the launching pad for new opportunities.
“Every milestone we celebrate is not the end of a journey but the beginning of a larger responsibility to impact lives,” Gurkumar said.
Every milestone we celebrate is not the end of a journey but the beginning of a larger responsibility to impact lives
This was followed by a keynote address from Mr. Dhananjay Yellurkar, Managing Trustee of the Yellurkar Foundation and former Chief Risk Officer at NIIF, whose call to embrace uncertainty as an ally in leadership resonated deeply across the room. Adding a personal dimension, alumnus Vineet Kumar ALP ’22 shared his own story, one that began in his father’s shop and has since grown into a company of his own, where he now mentors young changemakers.
“I used to believe my place was behind the counter in my father’s shop. Today, I run my own company, and mentor other young changemakers,” he reflected.
Stories That Shape Change
The theme of transformation continued with a fireside conversation featuring leaders and learners alike: Mrs. Swati Apte, Founder of The Arts Quotient, Mr. Sreekanth K. Arimanithaya, CEO of Xarpi Labs, Mr. Yellurkar, alumnus Mr. Pankaj Kushwaha ALP ’25, and current learner Ms. Kushi Shah. Their candid reflections on rewriting narratives, embracing vulnerability, and fostering inclusive leadership sparked lively discussions, weaving together diverse perspectives into a shared commitment to impact.
The true test of leadership is not in the heights you scale, but in how you elevate others along the way.
The evening then reached its crescendo with an address by Mr. Alok Kshirsagar, Senior Partner at McKinsey, whose words underscored the heart of Aspire’s mission.
“The true test of leadership is not in the heights you scale, but in how you elevate others along the way,” he said.
Celebrating Achievement, Strengthening Community
Certificates of completion were conferred in the presence of Mr. Kshirsagar and Mrs. Sashi Gundala, Director of Aspire Leaders India Foundation, marking not only personal achievement but also a collective commitment to nurture a generation of changemakers. As graduates walked across the stage, the moment symbolized both culmination and new beginnings.
The evening concluded with gratitude and connection. Mrs. Gundala offered a note of appreciation for the learners’ dedication and the partners’ support that continues to strengthen Aspire’s mission. Conversations flowed as learners, alumni, and leaders exchanged ideas, envisioned collaborations, and strengthened the bonds of the Aspire community.
The Mumbai graduation was more than a ceremony, it was a launchpad. Graduates left not only with certificates in hand, but with redefined visions, strengthened networks, and a renewed determination to create global impact.
