Joseph Lewis D’Silva
The future of any nation lies in the hands of its youth. Students have always upheld the democratic values maintaining an open-mindedness to challenge dictatorial government. In hopeless situations, they become rays of hope and the conscience keepers of society. Therefore, young individuals, above the age of 18, who wish to reform political practice must first stand for the qualities of a good leadership. Not everyone can be leader; if it happens, then there will be no followers.
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Good leaders are the ones who select the well-being of society as a whole; rather than that of the individual or sectarian interests. A good leader keeps self-interest and selfishness in check. They understands the feelings, attitudes of their people leading them to achieve a particular goal; by courageously giving them optimistic directions.
A bad leader is corrupt and damages the common good by diverting resource meant for public welfare, into private hands. They weaken accountability procedures and contributes to dishonesty allowing personal interest to influence decision-making and policy operations.
A future leader should have these qualities. (a). A clear vision for the future and must be able to effectively persuade the public in one’s talk and lead people, even in difficult times. (b).Should have sufficient knowledge to understand politics, economics, law and international relations. (c).Should be able to take practical decisions and stand by them, even in the face of opposition. (d). His reasoning must be logical — and not get distracted by whims and fancies of his mind. (e).Should have a servant-like attitude, as exemplified by leaders, such as. Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln and Churchill. These leaders served their people selflessly. (f).Should have moral principles of honesty, trustworthiness and refuse to be driven by self-interest; and should be above blame or faults. He should not be possessed by self-interest. When Swami Vivekananda lost his father and his family, he was at serious crossings; he had the choice of serving one family or millions of families, he chose the latter.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s exact quote regarding leadership is: “Everyone is a leader — leading somewhere — either on the right path or astray; either by telling followers in ways that confuse them and cause them to lose their inherent goodness or by leading them towards wisdom and joy. Everyone has this capacity to instill or destroy faith.’ According to him, leadership is not just about guiding others, but about fostering wisdom, joy and goodness in the world.
Sri Aurobindo, was a leader. He was arrested in 1908 for his involvement in the freedom struggle, particularly related to his connections with the revolutionary movement. He was imprisoned for nearly a year but was later released. Sri Aurobindo, experienced during his year-long imprisonment, that his true mission of life was, ‘to help transform human nature, and make it possible for the world to become a much better place to live in’ which was something more important than the country’s freedom. So, after his release from prison, he stepped out of the Freedom Struggle, with the message that the nation must wait for the “God-sent leader” who will mobilize people to liberate the country. After a decade later, Mahatma Gandhi emerged as a leader. Gandhi absorbed some of Sri Aurobindo’s ideas about spiritual awakening and nationalistic unity; although Gandhi’s approach was distinct, focusing on non-violent civil disobedience.
In conclusion, leadership is not merely a position of authority, but a role of service, vision and moral integrity. The world needs leaders who are not only knowledgeable and capable but who also have the heart and determination to lead with compassion, honesty and wisdom.
