Telangana CM to Attend Harvard’s High-Profile Leadership Course in the U.S.; 5-Day Program Costs Around ₹12 Lakh

Harvard University, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is one of the world’s top educational institutions, attracting students and leaders from across the globe. In a unique development, Indian leaders have also started attending short-term executive programs at Harvard, and Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) is the latest to join this trend.

KCR will attend a five-day course titled “Leadership for the 21st Century” at the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School (HKS). The course fee is approximately $12,900 (around ₹12 lakh), which covers tuition, accommodation, course materials, and meals. The program runs from 25th to 30th January 2026, and participants will receive a certificate upon completion. The course is led by Harvard Professor Timothy O’Brien.

About the Course
The “Leadership for the 21st Century” program is designed for senior leaders who are already in positions of power and want to improve their ability to manage complex challenges. The curriculum focuses on teaching leaders how to motivate people to solve difficult problems, especially in situations where authority alone is not sufficient.

Using both historical and contemporary case studies, the course explores leadership challenges faced by top-level executives and demonstrates that leadership is a skill that can be developed. A key objective is to bridge the gap between a community’s aspirations and its present realities, enabling leaders to make meaningful, lasting impact.

Student Experience
Participants start each day in small groups, sharing real-life challenges from their current roles and working collaboratively to find solutions. The course includes written assignments, homework, and group projects. Regardless of rank or position, all students are treated equally during the program, fostering an environment of shared learning.

Key Takeaways
By the end of the five-day program, students gain insights into the difference between leadership and authority. While authority comes from the position one holds, leadership is about decision-making and inspiring people to overcome obstacles. The skills learned during the course aim to make leaders more effective in guiding teams, solving problems, and achieving strategic goals.

This short yet intensive program is part of Harvard Kennedy School’s broader effort to train senior leaders worldwide in modern leadership practices and strategic governance.