The 14^th edition of Forbes India Leadership Awards (FILA 25) brought together industry titans and changemakers under one roof to celebrate vision, resilience, and impact. The focus this year was particularly on leaders who have made significant strides in sectors like renewable energy, technology, and infrastructure. Among the evening’s standout moments was a thought-provoking fireside chat featuring Dr. Praveer Sinha, CEO and MD of Tata Power Company Limited, in conversation with CNBC TV18.’ Nigel D’Souza.

Known for his sharp insights and transformative leadership in the power sector, Dr. Sinha offered a compelling perspective on India’s economic trajectory, the evolving landscape of renewable energy, and his own leadership journey. The interaction with him was something different. It was a deeper dive into purpose-driven leadership, green transitions, and the human side of powering progress.

With this blog, we’ll take you through the different types of conversations that unfolded, ranging from insights on India's green energy future to personal reflections on leadership and purpose.

Forbes India, a leading business and financial media brand, has always been a champion of leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The Forbes India Leadership Awards 25 aims to highlight the most influential leaders across different industries who have made a significant impact on the business world. These individuals, through their vision, decision-making, and strategic guidance, inspire not only their companies but entire industries to reach new heights.

Kicking off the conversation, Nigel touched upon an interesting economic marker which is power demand. He pointed out that while some sectors showed early-year softness, energy consumption remained a bright spot.

Dr. Sinha validated this observation, noting that power demand in India is not just healthy. It’s on an upward trajectory. He highlighted how the expansion of electrification across rural areas, supported by government initiatives, has significantly contributed to this rise.

“India is an aspirational country,” said Dr. Sinha. “People want to change their lives, and power plays a central role in enabling that change.”

A key part of the discussion centered on India’s transition to renewable energy. As the country races toward the target of 500 GW of renewable capacity, Tata Power stands firmly at the forefront. With projects spanning across solar and wind installations, particularly in South India, Dr. Sinha stressed on the company’s commitment to clean energy.

“We have more than 300 days of sunshine in India,” he said. “It’s time we make the most of it.” He spoke of Tata Power’s legacy of innovation right from setting up India's first hydroelectric project in 1915 to leading today’s green revolution. But for Tata Power, it’s not just about capacity addition, it’s about ensuring access, affordability, and equity.

“We are an integrated utility,” Dr. Sinha emphasized. “Generation, transmission, distribution, we do it all. And our mission is to ensure no one in India is left behind when it comes to power.”

Beyond the business of energy, the conversation also ventured into Dr. Sinha’s personal journey.  With nearly four decades of experience in the sector, he spoke with clarity and calm about the values that guide his leadership. Being part of the Tata Group, he said, instills a deep sense of purpose. One that extends beyond profit. It’s about providing universal access to energy, eliminating energy poverty, and fostering inclusion.

Dr. Sinha also touched upon the importance of empathy and humility for one’s employees, society, and the evolving nature of business itself.

“Humility keeps you grounded. When you’re humble, you’re always learning. You never say ‘I know it all.’ That’s what keeps Tata Power young and agile.”

The interaction was wrapped up with a question many professionals could relate to: How do you balance high-stakes leadership with personal life?

Dr. Sinha’s response was as insightful as it was grounded. For him, it’s not about striving to be the best at everything, it’s about being present and giving quality time, whether at work or at home.

He said, “In a world that’s always buzzing, the gift of attention is underrated. Whether you're at a meeting or with family, be fully there.”

In a powerful closing thought, Dr. Sinha shared what’s on his wish list: not just solar capacity or technological advancement, but energy equity. He recalled real stories from rural India where people walk miles just to charge their mobile phones once every few days.

His message was clear: the future of energy is not just about innovation, it’s about inclusion.