Annual Report 2025 - Report - Page 11
As an entertaining duo, hosts Adam Smith and Swathi Naidu Vakamulla Raghu guided the Opening Ceremony programme
Dare To Be a Little Less Scripted for Meaningful Connections!
by Swathi Naidu Vakamulla Raghu
Moderating the Opening Session of the 74th Lindau Nobel
Laureate Meeting was a whirlwind of excitement, improvisation, and deep personal meaning. While it wasn’t
my first time speaking publicly, it was certainly the most
spontaneous and perhaps the most rewarding. Standing
on that stage, I felt the weight and wonder of the moment
– not just as a moderator, but as someone representing a
broader spectrum of voices in science. In the lead-up to
the event, I was buzzing with anticipation and hoping
not to confuse “minister of” with “minister for” science
in their titles! I knew I wanted to bring a lighter, more
conversational tone to the session, something that could
bridge the formality of Laureates and officials with the
curiosity and energy of the Young Scientists. That balance
felt important, and I leaned into it with humour, humility,
and a healthy dose of improvisation.
Throughout the week, the conversations that followed
reaffirmed the power of representation. Many attendees
shared how refreshing it was to see someone like me in
that role and the confidence in being at home on that
stage. It reminded me that visibility matters, and that
sometimes the most meaningful connections happen
when we dare to be a little less scripted and a little more
ourselves. And I can’t wrap this up without a huge shoutout to Adam Smith, whose guidance, warmth, and infectious enthusiasm made this journey better than anything
one could ever rehearse for. His presence throughout the
scenes was a masterclass in generosity and grace, and
for that I’m endlessly grateful. The Lindau Meetings are
known for their intellectual rigour, but they’re also a celebration of human connection. Educate. Inspire. Connect.
All the way! I’m grateful to have played a small part in
setting that tone from the very beginning.
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