A Harvard alumnus, Siddharth Rajhans has distinguished himself as a thought leader and policy advisor on a global stage. His work Policy Analytics is leveraged by the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). With over 20 TEDx talks and 600+ conference appearances, Rajhans continues to inspire future leaders, championing innovation for India's progress.

Siddharth Rajhans is a distinguished professional specializing in Public Policy and Diplomacy, with nearly a decade of experience in this field.

An alumnus of Harvard University, he delves into the realms of Multilateralism and Diplomacy. His career has spanned across both Boston and New York in the United States, where he spent several years honing his expertise. Since 2023, he has been based in India, where his work with the United Nations and the government focuses on key areas such as Multilateral Diplomacy, Trade Diplomacy, and Economic diplomacy.

Siddharth is also a Thought leader and Tedx speaker, with his speeches becoming raging hits all over the world.

Siddharth Rajhans is a firm believer in India's promising trajectory on the global stage, particularly in terms of its potential as a world leader. He asserts that India's model of becoming a superpower does not mirror the Western ideology of dominance but is rooted in its unique approach to global leadership. During the New Delhi G-20 summit held in September 2023, India was aptly described as the "Voice of the Global South," a phrase that Siddharth feels encapsulates India’s current position in geopolitics. India is being recognized as a credible and reliable partner, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere, with countries in the Global South looking up to India as a source of guidance and leadership.

Thought Leader Rajhans believes that India’s position in world geopolitics is undergoing a significant shift. The country is being acknowledged not for its nuclear power or military might but for its capacity to contribute meaningfully to global progress. This philosophy aligns with the views of India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, who advocates India’s multivector approach to diplomacy. Siddharth is proud to be a partner of both the Indian Government and the UN in advancing this mission, shaping India’s foreign policy and redefining its role in global multilateralism.

For Siddharth, his work in diplomacy is both a rewarding and impactful endeavor, especially as he contributes to India's evolving foreign policy framework. He envisions that by 2030, India will be in an even stronger position to assert itself on the global stage, advancing toward the goal of becoming a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) by 2047. These values and principles form the cornerstone of Siddharth Rajhans’ career and continue to guide his work in diplomacy, public policy, and international relations.

Propagator of Policy Analytics Siddharth Rajhans, trained in Management and International Relations at Harvard, has developed a highly articulate view of the world. His career from the Tech Industry to Public Policy was a transformative decision that set the course for his distinguished career. Before shifting to Public Policy, he made significant contributions to the tech space and emerged as a prominent investor in the startup ecosystem, both in India and internationally. He has invested over $50 million across multiple startups, and he takes great pride in supporting over 40 ventures.

In addition to his investment portfolio, Siddharth's career has been closely intertwined with leading tech companies, most notably Apple. He has been a strong advocate for developing indigenously tailored software to meet local needs, emphasizing that India should shift away from the outsourcing model and focus on in-house coding and development. Siddharth has often voiced this belief at university conclaves, summits, and conferences, where he has advocated for India to step into the role of the Global Software Developer rather than continue to be seen as the "Back Office" of the world.

During his student years, Tech Siddharth Rajhans was actively involved with the developer community in India. He participated in prominent tech events like Google I/O, Facebook F8, and Microsoft Build, which helped him build invaluable experience in the tech field. His tenure at Apple further solidified his expertise, particularly within Apple's developer circles. He was deeply engaged in the company's World Wide Developer Conference (WWDC), which became a pivotal platform for him professionally.

His enduring relationship with Apple peaked in 2023, when he was invited to inaugurate Apple Saket, the flagship retail store of the company in India, alongside CEO Tim Cook. This milestone marked a significant achievement in his career, a result of years of consistent involvement with Apple, especially in the iOS developer community in India. Having been associated with Apple's WWDC for over a decade, Siddharth considers this moment a career-defining turning point, highlighting the depth of his long-term professional career and his deep-rooted connection with the global tech community.

Startup Investor Siddharth Rajhans has a robust academic background, having completed his undergraduate degree in engineering and a master's degree in Singapore, followed by another master's degree from Harvard University. These diverse educational experiences significantly shaped his worldview and laid the foundation for his future career. His early years in the tech industry, working with renowned companies such as Google and Apple, helped him understand the global landscape and recognize the gaps within India. It was during this time that he identified opportunities to bridge those gaps by leveraging his knowledge, acumen, networks, and, at times, financial resources.

One of the key ways he sought to address those gaps was by supporting numerous startups in India. He saw a unique opportunity in the Indian market, which, unlike the global market, had specific needs that startups could address. For instance, he has friends who were passionate about building an OTT platform, but they quickly realized that the Indian audience preferred vernacular content over mainstream services like Netflix and Amazon Prime. This led to the creation of a brilliant startup called Stage, a vernacular OTT platform catering specifically to India's diverse linguistic audience. This was just one example of how India's market presented unique opportunities, and Siddharth was able to support many such initiatives.

His involvement with various startups provided him with valuable insights and became a significant learning curve for him during his formative years. Even today, he continues to invest actively in the startup space, drawing from the experiences he gained in the tech industry. His work in diplomacy is also deeply influenced by the industry relationships he built over the years. He counts some of India's most prominent venture capitalists and founders, such as Vijay Shekhar Sharma (Paytm), Aman Gupta (Boat), among his close friends and mentors. These individuals have not only mentored him but have also co-invested with him in various ventures.

He is a firm backer of the current transformative period for India, particularly when it comes to the tech sector. He strongly believes that this is India’s decade. No longer seen as the "back office" of the world, India now leads in technology and innovation. The global tech industry is filled with leaders of Indian origin, from Sundar Pichai at Google and Satya Nadella at Microsoft to Shiv Nadar at HCL and Arvind Krishna at IBM. With Indians occupying top leadership roles in global companies, Siddharth sees this as a testament to India’s supremacy in tech, backed by conceptual clarity, core competency, and decades of first-hand experience.

Driven by this optimism for India's future, Siddharth transitioned into governance and public policy. He is now in a position where he can make strategic decisions and fund initiatives at a much larger scale. This shift allows him to create exponential change and profound impact, helping shape the future of India and contribute to its global leadership.

Siddharth Rajhans' involvement with universities and educational institutions has developed organically over time. Although his professional career initially focused on industry and public policy, his reputation and expertise in the tech and policy sectors led several universities and conferences across India to approach him for collaboration. He has delivered over 20 TEDx talks and spoken at more than 600 conferences, including on prestigious platforms like the IITs, the IIMs, the NITs, Toastmasters, BNI, IEEE, UGC, and many others, both in India and abroad.

As these connections grew, Public Policy Expert Siddharth Rajhans met numerous individuals from the academic world who reached out to explore potential synergies and opportunities for collaboration. His engagement with higher education expanded when he began consulting for the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in various capacities. Additionally, Rajhans has served on the Board of Management and the Board of Studies for several universities, where he contributed his expertise in shaping educational policies and strategies.

Among the many educational portfolios he currently holds, Siddharth is an active member of the board at Manipal University, with responsibilities at both its Karnataka and Jaipur campuses. He is also part of the governing bodies of several schools, including CBSE and IB schools. Through these roles, Siddharth is working to bridge the gap within India's education system, helping create a more robust and future-ready academic framework.

Furthermore, Siddharth Rajhans holds the position of visiting Chair Professor at more than five universities across India, where he continues to contribute significantly to the development of future leaders and scholars. In addition, he is on retainership with two other universities and serves on the Board of Governors of two schools. These roles allow him to influence decision-making processes and drive incremental changes in the education system. Siddharth believes that while the NCERT and UGC curricula are effective in producing talented individuals who excel globally, there are some key areas within the Indian education system that need reform.

He often cites an example to illustrate the problem: once, he overheard a conversation between a parent and a student in which the parent was advising the student to write longer answers for questions that carry more marks. This, he believes, exemplifies a common flaw in the Indian education system, where students are taught that longer answers automatically equate to better responses. Siddharth advocates a shift in focus, emphasizing the importance of writing concise, well-structured answers with the right keywords, rather than simply filling pages.

Another critical issue he highlights is the lack of space for critical thinking in the curriculum. He explains that the current system often discourages students from offering their interpretations or engaging in comparative studies, limiting the scope for deeper intellectual exploration. The education system, according to him, tends to prioritize rote learning and textbook content over independent thought and creativity. He believes that education should foster critical thinking and the ability to make connections across disciplines, something that has been gradually lost over the years.

As a member of the Board of Governors and in his other consulting roles, Siddharth works actively to bridge these gaps. He has supported universities in hosting global-scale conclaves, creating platforms for knowledge-sharing, fostering research initiatives, and securing grants and funds. His work also aims to bridge the gap between industry and academia, helping universities better align with global standards of excellence.

While Siddharth’s role is primarily visiting the institutions, his efforts go beyond mere advisory capacity. He is committed to improving universities by shaping their outlook, enhancing their vision, and helping them achieve global academic standards. His work in the education sector reflects his dedication to transforming India's educational landscape, ensuring that it is better equipped to meet the demands of an increasingly globalized world.

Reminiscing on his early years, Sidhharth  says he was born in Indore and spent his childhood in various cities, including Bhopal, Ahmedabad, and Valsad in Gujarat. He completed his final years of schooling in Indore before moving to Mumbai for his engineering studies. From there, his pursuit took him to Singapore, where he pursued further education and worked for Apple, gaining invaluable experience in the tech industry. His path then led him to the United States, where he lived in Silicon Valley for a few years, immersing himself in the heart of the global tech ecosystem. He also spent considerable time in Boston during his tenure at Harvard, and later in the countryside of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, expanding his cultural and professional horizons.

Public Policy Analyst Siddharth’s career took him to New York from 2018 to 2023, further enhancing his global exposure. Through his experiences, he became a true global citizen, gaining fresh perspectives on international business, technology, and diplomacy. However, when he returned to India, he was able to see the country with a nuanced lens, recognizing both its strengths and areas needing change. While he is a strong ambassador for Brand India, passionately promoting the immense positive strides the country is making, he also acknowledges that there are still challenges to address. For instance, the success of initiatives like UPI is not always as widely recognized internationally as it should be in his opinion.

In his work in the Public Policy domain, Rajhans has seen firsthand the issue of “policy paralysis” — the phenomenon where policies are formulated but fail to be implemented effectively. Nevertheless, he has been able to contribute positively through innovations like Policy Analytics, a field he pioneered, which uses data analytics to track the effectiveness and implementation of public policies. Siddharth even patented this domain in the US, and it is now being used by the US government in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Elon Musk has been appointed to lead during the Trump administration.

Despite his global career, Rajhans remains deeply connected to his roots as an Indori at heart. He continues to return to Indore whenever he can and has a deep appreciation for the progress being made in cities like Indore, Jaipur, and Udaipur that needs to be recognised and put on the world map.

Talking about his role models, Thought Leader Siddharth Rajhans shares that one of the most defining influences in his life was his interaction with Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam during his early teenage years, between the ages of 13 to 15. These interactions left a profound and lasting impact on him. Dr. Kalam, with his unwavering principles, humility, and deep sense of purpose, served as a moral compass and a source of inspiration for Siddharth. Siddharth admired his ability to stay grounded despite his stature, his keen understanding of the world, and most importantly, his relentless commitment to giving back to society. He reflects with emotion on how Dr. Kalam remained active in public life even after his presidency, ultimately passing away while delivering a lecture at IIM Shillong—a symbol of his lifelong dedication to knowledge and service. Siddharth had met him in New Delhi just two months before his death, and the photograph from that meeting remains one of his most treasured possessions.

Diplomacy Advisor Siddharth also found inspiration during his time in Silicon Valley, where he had the opportunity to interact with Naval Ravikant, a thought leader and entrepreneur known for his philosophical insights on wealth, happiness, and life. Those conversations added layers of depth to Siddharth’s understanding of success and fulfillment.

Through his career, Tech Professional Siddharth also had the chance to meet Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, during his time with the company. From him, Siddharth learned the importance of discipline and strong work ethics. He recalls being deeply inspired by Tim Cook’s routine—waking up at 3:45 a.m. and going for a jog daily—an example of how personal discipline complements professional excellence. Similarly, Siddharth speaks with admiration about Sundar Pichai, whose relentless dedication and clarity of vision have propelled Google to global heights.

These influential figures—Dr. Kalam, Naval Ravikant, Tim Cook, and Sundar Pichai—not only shaped Siddharth’s worldview but also instilled in him a commitment to values like discipline, innovation, public service, and continuous learning. They have been more than just role models; they’ve been guiding forces in his quest to bridge the worlds of technology, education, and policy.

When discussing inspirational figures, Siddharth Rajhans reflects on how many great individuals have not received their due recognition in global conversations about success and influence. He strongly believes that India has produced extraordinary minds like Bhagat Singh and Srinivasa Ramanujan, whose contributions deserve greater acknowledgment.

Tedx Speaker Siddharth is particularly passionate about Bhagat Singh, who, he feels, is often misrepresented as merely a symbol of aggression, rather than being recognized as a scholar, thinker, and revolutionary intellectual. He emphasizes that Bhagat Singh was an incredibly well-read individual who maintained a jail notebook, filled with comparative literature on world revolutions, philosophy, and religion. One of his most famous works, the essay "Why I Am an Atheist," remains a must-read for today's generation.

Education Reformer Siddharth finds it deeply unsettling that despite Bhagat Singh's immense sacrifices—including a 55-60 day hunger strike in prison and enduring brutal torture—his intellectual depth and vision are often overlooked. He believes that the younger generation should engage with his writings to understand the true essence of his ideology, beyond just the revolutionary image.

One of Bhagat Singh’s most powerful lines, which deeply resonates with Siddharth, is:

"इस कदर वाकिफ है मेरी कलम मेरे जज़्बातों से,  कि मैं इश्क़ भी लिखना चाहूँ तो इंक़लाब लिखा जाता है।"

(“My pen is so deeply connected with my emotions that even if I try to write ‘love’, it turns into ‘revolution’.”)

For Siddharth, this quote encapsulates the fire and intellect of Bhagat Singh, showing that his revolution was not just in action but also in thought. He strongly believes that figures like Bhagat Singh and Ramanujan deserve greater academic and cultural recognition, so their legacies can continue to inspire future generations.

Siddharth Rajhans often draws inspiration from the words of Steve Jobs, quoting:

“If you have done something good, don’t dwell on it for too long — move on and do something great once again.”

This quote, he believes, carries profound meaning, especially in the Indian context. He feels that in India, and even globally, there’s a tendency for people to repeatedly talk about past achievements for decades, rather than focusing on what can be done next. To Siddharth, that mindset limits true leadership, which is not about resting on past laurels but constantly pushing boundaries.

He shares a particularly humbling experience from an Army Day event he was invited to recently. There, he had the honor of meeting a decorated war veteran, an Ashok Chakra awardee, who is now around 95 or 96 years old. For years, this veteran has been a part of the Republic Day Parade, leading the Gallantry Awards Segment with a salute of grace and pride.

When he expressed his admiration and said it was a pleasure meeting him, the veteran replied with immense humility: “What have I really done? Something happened 50-60 years ago, and people still remember me for it.”

To Rajhans, this simple yet profound response speaks volumes about the man's character and true greatness. It reminded him that real heroes don’t chase applause; they live with dignity, humility, and a sense of quiet service. It's the kind of humility and forward-thinking that Siddharth believes we must imbibe to become better individuals and leaders.

Siddharth Rajhans also highlights one of his favourite quotes: “Vision without execution is delusion.”

For him, execution trumps ideation. While having a vision is crucial, the real impact lies in translating that vision into timely action. Without execution, even the best ideas lose their value.

He also shares that in today’s fast-paced world full of constant conversations and external noise, what’s missing often is internalisation—a pause for quiet introspection. Siddharth feels that stepping back to reflect is essential for individuals to move in the right direction, both personally and professionally.

When asked about his achievements, Policy Analytics Expert Siddharth says one of his most prestigious accomplishments was the opportunity to represent India at the United Nations General Assembly, where he was also involved in conversations related to the UN Security Council — an experience that gave him a global platform and deepened his understanding of international relations.

Another special memory he holds dear is from 2023, when Apple opened its flagship stores in BKC, Mumbai, and Saket, New Delhi. He was invited to inaugurate the Saket store, a moment that felt truly emotional and gratifying. Having contributed significantly to Apple’s global expansion, the invitation felt like a warm acknowledgment of his efforts and loyalty to the company.

Over the years, he has also found himself sharing the stage with many celebrated individuals. Among the most memorable was the celebrated actor late Irrfan Khan, whom he deeply admired. Siddharth describes Irrfan as one of the finest global superstars and feels fortunate to have shared space and thoughts with such an inspiring personality.

He cherishes not only the major achievements but also the many meaningful interactions he’s had with thoughtful and impactful individuals along the way — all of which, he says, have shaped his worldview and added immense value to his life.

To students aspiring to become government officials, bureaucrats, or diplomats, Siddharth Rajhans offers practical and insightful advice. He says:

“The most straightforward and recognised route in India is through the UPSC.”

Aspirants can appear for the UPSC exam —

• If selected for Foreign Services, they become diplomats,

• If they qualify for IAS or IPS, they serve as bureaucrats.

But he also wants students to know that UPSC is not the only way.

There is an entire global ecosystem where one can work in Public Policy and Diplomacy — beyond borders and traditional roles. He highlights that young professionals can also:

• Join intergovernmental or multilateral institutions like the United Nations, the World Bank, or the World Economic Forum.

• With the right mix of relevant experience and specialised academic qualifications, one can start as a staff member and gradually rise through the ranks to hold influential diplomatic or policy-making positions.

His message is clear: “Widen your horizons. There is a whole world out there, and the doors are open if you’re prepared and willing.”

Siddharth Rajhans also draws attention to another important pathway to serve the country — through academia and subject matter expertise.

He explains that today, subject matter experts (SMEs) play a crucial role in governance, and several ministries in India — like the Ministry of External Affairs, Home Ministry, and Finance Ministry — regularly post openings for such experts on their official websites. These roles are designed to bring in people with deep domain knowledge who can contribute effectively to public policy and governance.

He cites the example of Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran, India’s current Chief Economic Advisor, who is not a career bureaucrat but a career economist. Having worked with leading global banks in Singapore and Switzerland, his expertise in currency economics was recognised by the Government of India, which invited him to take up the advisory role.

Rajhans emphasizes that if you’re academically driven and have subject matter expertise, there are multiple doors open — not just at the top, but also at the entry-level.

Institutions like the NITI Aayog are great examples of this model, where thought leaders, industry experts, and corporate professionals are brought in on deputation to work on India’s transformation agenda. These roles allow professionals to:

• Work closely with policymakers.

• Influence impactful decisions.

• And serve the nation without going through traditional bureaucratic paths.

This, he says, is one of the most fulfilling and practical ways to contribute as a public policy professional in today’s world.

For the youth of the country, Siddharth Rajhans shares a powerful and forward-looking message — that it has never been a better time to “Build for India.” Reflecting on national initiatives like Make in India, Startup India, and Incredible India, he believes that the next big movement should be centred around building for the nation’s future. He encourages young Indians to harness the immense opportunities available today — from a highly receptive market and growing funding avenues to the remarkable success of homegrown, open-source technologies like DigiLocker, Digi Yatra, CoWIN, and UPI. These innovations, he says, are proof of India’s ability to create world-class solutions tailored for its own population.

Strategic Thinker Siddharth Rajhans urges today’s youth to identify key problem areas and work towards creating solutions that uplift and empower the Indian people. According to him, building for India not only contributes to national progress but also offers individuals the chance to create meaningful impact. He emphasizes that it is absolutely alright to be afraid of losing, but it is equally important to take calculated risks, as that is where the magic often lies. When there is an opportunity for exponential growth, he advises chasing it with courage and vision. Sometimes, all it takes is a leap of faith — the decision to make the first move and strive to make yourself proud.

In his words, “India’s future is waiting to be built — by you.”