Bill Gates , the co-founder of Microsoft and one of the world’s most influential philanthropists, has always been vocal about his admiration for India’s growing talent pool. Over the years, Gates has worked with some of India’s brightest minds across various fields, from politics to science and business.
Recently, in an engaging conversation with podcaster Raj Shamani on Figuring Out, Gates was asked an interesting question—if he could invite three Indians, dead or alive, for dinner, who would they be? Finding it difficult to limit his choices to just three, Gates ultimately named four individuals who have made an indelible impact on him. These include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, industrialist Ratan Tata, scientist Raj Bhan, and legendary mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan .
Beyond discussing these personalities, Gates also shared insights into India’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, the future of artificial intelligence (AI), and how technology is reshaping industries globally.
Bill Gates shares the four Indians he would love to dine with
1. PM Narendra Modi
Gates placed India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, at the top of his list. He spoke highly of his interactions with Modi, particularly regarding India’s long-term vision for 2047. As a global philanthropist, Gates has frequently engaged with Modi on various initiatives, including health, education, and digital transformation.
According to Gates, Modi’s leadership has played a key role in shaping India’s future, and their discussions on how global efforts align with India’s development have been a source of inspiration for him.
2. Ratan Tata
The second person on Gates’ list was Ratan Tata, one of India’s most respected business leaders and philanthropists. Gates has had the opportunity to work closely with Tata and appreciates his contributions to India’s industrial and social progress.
Tata, the former chairman of Tata Sons, has been instrumental in driving technological innovation and corporate social responsibility. His philanthropic initiatives, including those under the Tata Trusts, have had a lasting impact on various sectors such as healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation.
Gates acknowledged the profound influence of India’s business leaders in shaping the nation’s economic growth and innovation, and Tata is a standout example of this success.
3. Raj Bhan (Maharaj Kishan Bhan)
Gates also mentioned Raj Bhan, a pioneering Indian scientist who played a key role in the advancement of biotechnology. Maharaj Kishan Bhan was instrumental in founding India’s Department of Biotechnology, and his work in medical research and public health left a lasting legacy.
Gates recalled his interactions with Bhan as incredibly enlightening, praising the scientist’s dedication to improving healthcare in India. Bhan was also involved in the development of Rotavirus vaccines, a crucial innovation that has helped save millions of lives worldwide.
4. Srinivasa Ramanujan
The most unexpected yet fascinating name on Gates’ list was Srinivasa Ramanujan, the Indian mathematical genius whose extraordinary contributions continue to influence mathematics.
Gates described Ramanujan as a "mysterious figure," expressing amazement at how he achieved unparalleled feats in mathematics despite having limited formal training. Ramanujan’s work in number theory, continued fractions, and infinite series has shaped modern mathematical research, and his legacy remains a source of inspiration for mathematicians worldwide.
Bill Gates on India’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem
Apart from discussing these four individuals, Gates also reflected on India’s rapidly growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. He highlighted the country's immense talent pool and noted that he has met numerous entrepreneurs working across different sectors, from small startups to AI-driven healthcare solutions.
Gates emphasized that Indian entrepreneurs are combining profit-driven and non-profit initiatives to create meaningful change, and this balance is helping the country become a global leader in innovation.
Bill Gates predicts a future shaped by AI
During the conversation, Gates also shared his vision for the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on the workforce. Speaking separately on The Tonight Show, he predicted that AI could revolutionize industries and potentially reduce the standard workweek to just two days within the next decade.
Gates highlighted how AI is automating tasks in industries like:
While AI-driven industries will see significant changes, Gates noted that human-centric fields like sports and entertainment will remain largely unaffected.
His remarks, which originally aired in February, have resurfaced, reigniting debates on AI’s role in shaping the future of work.
Also read | After Ghibli style images trend takes over, Sam Altman hints at version 2 upgrade
Recently, in an engaging conversation with podcaster Raj Shamani on Figuring Out, Gates was asked an interesting question—if he could invite three Indians, dead or alive, for dinner, who would they be? Finding it difficult to limit his choices to just three, Gates ultimately named four individuals who have made an indelible impact on him. These include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, industrialist Ratan Tata, scientist Raj Bhan, and legendary mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan .
Beyond discussing these personalities, Gates also shared insights into India’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, the future of artificial intelligence (AI), and how technology is reshaping industries globally.
Bill Gates shares the four Indians he would love to dine with
1. PM Narendra Modi
Gates placed India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, at the top of his list. He spoke highly of his interactions with Modi, particularly regarding India’s long-term vision for 2047. As a global philanthropist, Gates has frequently engaged with Modi on various initiatives, including health, education, and digital transformation.
According to Gates, Modi’s leadership has played a key role in shaping India’s future, and their discussions on how global efforts align with India’s development have been a source of inspiration for him.
2. Ratan Tata
The second person on Gates’ list was Ratan Tata, one of India’s most respected business leaders and philanthropists. Gates has had the opportunity to work closely with Tata and appreciates his contributions to India’s industrial and social progress.
Tata, the former chairman of Tata Sons, has been instrumental in driving technological innovation and corporate social responsibility. His philanthropic initiatives, including those under the Tata Trusts, have had a lasting impact on various sectors such as healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation.
Gates acknowledged the profound influence of India’s business leaders in shaping the nation’s economic growth and innovation, and Tata is a standout example of this success.
3. Raj Bhan (Maharaj Kishan Bhan)
Gates also mentioned Raj Bhan, a pioneering Indian scientist who played a key role in the advancement of biotechnology. Maharaj Kishan Bhan was instrumental in founding India’s Department of Biotechnology, and his work in medical research and public health left a lasting legacy.
Gates recalled his interactions with Bhan as incredibly enlightening, praising the scientist’s dedication to improving healthcare in India. Bhan was also involved in the development of Rotavirus vaccines, a crucial innovation that has helped save millions of lives worldwide.
4. Srinivasa Ramanujan
The most unexpected yet fascinating name on Gates’ list was Srinivasa Ramanujan, the Indian mathematical genius whose extraordinary contributions continue to influence mathematics.
Gates described Ramanujan as a "mysterious figure," expressing amazement at how he achieved unparalleled feats in mathematics despite having limited formal training. Ramanujan’s work in number theory, continued fractions, and infinite series has shaped modern mathematical research, and his legacy remains a source of inspiration for mathematicians worldwide.
Bill Gates on India’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem
Apart from discussing these four individuals, Gates also reflected on India’s rapidly growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. He highlighted the country's immense talent pool and noted that he has met numerous entrepreneurs working across different sectors, from small startups to AI-driven healthcare solutions.
Gates emphasized that Indian entrepreneurs are combining profit-driven and non-profit initiatives to create meaningful change, and this balance is helping the country become a global leader in innovation.
Bill Gates predicts a future shaped by AI
During the conversation, Gates also shared his vision for the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on the workforce. Speaking separately on The Tonight Show, he predicted that AI could revolutionize industries and potentially reduce the standard workweek to just two days within the next decade.
Gates highlighted how AI is automating tasks in industries like:
- Healthcare: AI-driven tools could assist doctors in providing medical diagnoses and treatments.
- Education: AI-powered tutoring could make learning more accessible and personalized.
- Manufacturing and logistics: Automation could increase productivity and reshape traditional job structures.
While AI-driven industries will see significant changes, Gates noted that human-centric fields like sports and entertainment will remain largely unaffected.
His remarks, which originally aired in February, have resurfaced, reigniting debates on AI’s role in shaping the future of work.
Also read | After Ghibli style images trend takes over, Sam Altman hints at version 2 upgrade
You may also like
Supreme Court backs Trump in scrapping $600m education grants linked to DEI
Migration chaos as hotels threaten to evict hundreds of asylum seekers
Arne Slot sets the record straight on Liverpool theory rejected by Virgil van Dijk
Mikel Arteta explains how to fix Arsenal injury nightmare - 'It's the only solution'
Ange Postecoglou gives passionate response about engaging with fans and what Tottenham must do
