Democracy a conversation between rulers and ruled: Aroon Purie at Conclave 2025

India Today Group's Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Aroon Purie welcomed guests to the 22nd India Today Conclave, highlighting the theme — The Age of Acceleration — as global change is happening faster than ever.

Comparing Donald Trump's return to the US as President as a new sheriff in a cowboy movie, Aroon Purie described his disruptive approach to geopolitics, trade, and diplomacy. 

Beyond geopolitics, Aroon Purie addressed the rapid advancements in technology, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI). He then turned to globalization, arguing that despite Trump’s resistance, it remains an unstoppable force, having lifted over a billion people out of poverty. 

Aroon Purie ended the speech by warning against threats to democracy and free speech, citing Trump's control over institutions and the need for truthful information in governance.

He urged the audience to brace for a rapidly changing world, terming it the Age of Acceleration. "This (Age of Acceleration theme) means that not only change happens, but the rate of change gets faster and faster. We could not imagine that Donald J. Trump would step on the pedal so soon to validate our theme," he said.

Watch the full welcome address speech here.