Azhar Iqubal, the CEO of Inshorts and a prominent judge on Shark Tank India, recently took center stage at the Annual India Conference hosted by Harvard Business School. What set his address apart was not just its content, but also the language in which it was delivered: Hindi.
Iqubal’s decision to deliver his keynote entirely in Hindi resonated deeply with audiences, both in the auditorium and on social media, where a video of his speech quickly went viral.
The clip, shared on Instagram, showcased Iqubal’s gratitude for the opportunity, tracing his journey from the small town of Kishanganj in Bihar to the hallowed halls of Harvard University.
“I am from Kishanganj, a small town in Bihar whose literacy rate is one of the lowest in India,” Iqubal shared in his Instagram post. “I am extremely grateful that I got a chance to speak at Harvard University – the world’s most prestigious educational institution.
This truly makes me believe that it doesn’t matter where you come from or what language you speak; you should always dream big in life.”
The decision to speak in Hindi was not just a personal one for Iqubal, but also a powerful statement about the importance of language and representation.
As the video showed Iqubal addressing the audience, his choice of language was met with enthusiastic cheers, reflecting the pride and resonance it evoked among attendees.
Throughout the video, Iqubal’s message of perseverance and ambition struck a chord with viewers, garnering over 1.1 million views in just two days.
Many flocked to the comments section to share their admiration and support, applauding Iqubal for breaking barriers and inspiring others to pursue their dreams regardless of their background or the language they speak.
In a world where success stories often seem distant and unattainable, Azhar Iqubal’s journey serves as a beacon of hope and possibility.
His decision to deliver a keynote address in Hindi at one of the world’s most prestigious educational institutions not only celebrates linguistic diversity but also underscores the universal power of ambition, determination, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams.
Another added, “You’re humble and down to earth nature always depicts in your personality man. You are truly awesome.”
“Hindi m prefer karunga bolna [I’ll prefer speaking in Hindi]! That innocence. Am I the only one who is impressed?” wrote a third.
A fourth expressed, “I am also from Kishanganj, and really proud of you.”
“This is so great, sir. Congratulations!” shared a fifth.
A sixth chimed in, “It was lovely meeting you, sir.”
