Visit of Dr Leo Eric Varadkar, former Prime Minister of Ireland

23 January 2026

The Scindia School had the privilege of hosting Dr Leo Eric Varadkar, former Prime Minister of Ireland and Senior Fellow at Harvard University, who addressed the school assembly as part of our Scindia Distinguished Lecture Series. Dr Varadkar was accorded a ceremonial welcome on his arrival, in keeping with the school’s traditions and deep respect for distinguished visitors.
Welcoming the eminent guest, Principal Mr Ajay Singh reflected on the close historical ties between India and Ireland—recalling Annie Besant’s contribution to India’s freedom movement, W. B. Yeats’ introduction to Gitanjali. He also acknowledged Ireland’s leadership through challenging times, from safeguarding peace to navigating Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an engaging and candid interaction with students, Dr Varadkar spoke about his Indian heritage and how it shaped his global outlook. He shared his journey from being a doctor to leading a nation, underscoring the importance of learning from failures, meeting people’s expectations with honesty, and driving reforms to modernise the economy and strengthen the rights of women. He talked about the shared legacies of British colonial rule, similar constitutional journeys, and the fact that both nations became republics in the same year. He highlighted the value of collaboration between India and Ireland in education and trade, and encouraged students to travel widely to gain broader perspectives.
The lecture concluded with a lively question-and-answer session, during which Scindians engaged Dr Varadkar with thoughtful and perceptive questions, drawing on his experiences in leadership, governance, and public life. Sharing words of enduring relevance, Dr Varadkar reminded students that “opportunity comes only once—this is not a dress rehearsal.” He identified Energy, Experience, and Empathy as the three essential qualities of leadership, and emphasised the importance of surrounding oneself with people who have the courage to speak the truth.
The address was an inspiring exchange of ideas and values, leaving a lasting impression on the student community and reaffirming The Scindia School’s commitment to nurturing thoughtful, empathetic, and globally aware leaders.