Today, the India Today Conclave South 2025 in Coimbatore opened with Raj Chengappa, Group Editorial Director of India Today Magazine, calling South India the country’s true economic powerhouse.
In his welcome address, Chengappa pointed out that while the six southern states account for only 20 per cent of India’s population, they generate nearly one-third of the national GDP, thus underscoring unmatched productivity and importance in pivoting the nation’s growth. Chengappa spoke of the economic dynamism of South India, describing this remarkable contribution as proof that the South stands as the true economic powerhouse of India. Urging a shift in perception, he suggested that the region should be regarded not as “Down South” but as “Up South,” reflecting its achievements and leadership across multiple development parameters.
The conclave is taking place on 8th and 9th September 2025 and is being hosted in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Over two days, it will convene leading political figures, policy thinkers, entrepreneurs, cultural icons, and innovators from across the southern states. Under the theme ‘Ideas from the South, for the Nation’ discussions will explore the transformative forces shaping the region, from disruptive technology and governance to emerging economic opportunities and evolving cultural identities. The event seeks to highlight how the aspirations of South India are increasingly aligned with the larger national growth agenda.
With varied sessions to follow, the India Today Conclave South 2025 is set to showcase the strengths of the region and its defining role in steering India’s socio-economic future. Over the years, the South Conclave has established itself as a premier platform for dialogue, bringing together some of the most influential voices from politics, business, culture, and civil society. Previous editions of the South Conclave have sparked meaningful debates on governance models, spurred conversations on technology and entrepreneurship, and provided valuable insights into the aspirations of the southern states. The resonance of discussions at India Today South Conclave has over the years extended well beyond the event itself, often shaping public discourse and influencing policy directions. Building on this legacy, the 2025 edition continues to highlight how ideas originating in the South are not only transforming the region but also contributing significantly to the nation’s growth trajectory.