Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has officially commenced his executive education at the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Enrolled in the program titled “Leadership for the 21st Century: Chaos, Conflict, and Courage,” he has made history as the first sitting Chief Minister in independent India to enroll in an Ivy League executive course. The CM traveled to the United States directly after participating in the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
The curriculum is rigorous, with sessions starting as early as 7 a.m. and concluding late into the evening. The program involves a mix of large-class case analysis, consultative group projects, and individual assignments. Despite a severe winter emergency in the Boston area—caused by Snow Storm Fern, which brought over two feet of snow and bone-chilling temperatures below -20°C—the Chief Minister is attending the orientation and cohort introductions alongside participants from over 20 countries.
However, the move has sparked a political debate back home. The opposition BJP criticized the trip, questioning the financial prudence and the timing of the Chief Minister’s absence from the state. BJP spokesperson N. V. Subash argued that true leadership is demonstrated through governance and accountability on the ground rather than through short-term overseas courses. Defending the move, the CMO stated that this global exposure and certification will equip the Chief Minister with modern leadership strategies to better navigate the complexities of 21st-century governance.
