As part of India–Nordic Business Week 2026, Det Moderne India and House of 21 hosted The First and Only: Identity, Belonging and Breaking Barriers, bringing together filmmaker and storyteller Shruti Ganguly and former Norwegian international footballer and social entrepreneur Harmeet Singh for a conversation on identity, leadership, resilience, and cross-cultural experiences.
Moderated by Dilek Ayhan, the discussion explored how individuals growing up between cultures often develop unique perspectives that enable them to build bridges across communities, industries, and countries. The conversation highlighted the importance of representation, storytelling, role models, and belonging in an increasingly interconnected world.
Drawing on their experiences in film, sport, and social entrepreneurship, both speakers reflected on personal growth, leadership, and the value of embracing diverse identities. The discussion also highlighted the important role diaspora communities play in strengthening ties between countries through culture, business, creativity, and innovation.
The event brought together participants from diverse backgrounds and contributed to broader discussions during India–Nordic Business Week on inclusion, leadership, and the value of international perspectives in building stronger societies and partnerships.

