Leaders in the making: The power of education

“The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.” – C.S. Lewis

BHARAT educational institutions play an important role in shaping the new Bharat leaders. Today our education system has changed. Our country, empowered with the spirit of Swadeshi and self-reliance, is now adapting its policies in a new way. The country has high hopes for its youth. The students could quench the thirst of their questioning minds. Obedience towards an institution is not the one and only sign of an aspiring mind. Students’ innovation, curiosity, and questioning nature must be encouraging of ‘W’ and ‘H’ (Where / What / Why / How) questions than they would be able to explore more and form new ideas and visions towards Viksit Bharat

Educational Institutions and educators should focus on skills to build our future leaders:

• Spiritual Quotient: It’s about connecting with something greater than oneself, and tapping into a higher consciousness. Those with a high SQ are often more compassionate, and empathetic, and have a greater sense of purpose and meaning in their lives and add value to the growth of future endeavors of our nation.
• Adversity Quotient: What makes some leaders more resilient than others? Why do some leaders seem to “bounce back” after experiencing difficulties while others do not? It helps to deal with all odd situations and creative solutions to issues or problems.
• Emotional Quotient: One’s ability to understand and manage own emotions as well as others’ emotions.
• Innovation and Research: Education encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. A strong education system promotes research and innovation, driving advancements in technology, science, and various fields that contribute to a nation’s progress.
• Social Cohesion: Education promotes social cohesion and a sense of national identity. It can help mitigate societal divisions by fostering tolerance, understanding, and respect for diversity, contributing to social harmony and unity
• Communication Skills: How one can clearly communicate information, and facilitate learning amongst diverse audiences.
• Critical-Thinking Skills: Assess and address everyday challenges in a 360-degree approach in the workplace.
• Decision-Making Skills: Demonstrate an understanding of the needs of the organisation or business with sound reasoning.
• Interpersonal Skills: How one collaborates well with others, including team members, trainees, partners, experts, and other leaders.
• Integrity: Set of strong values to make ethical choices and help them to form a positive image

Education Leaders

Exceptional educators possess qualities that make them effective and inspiring leaders.

• Reflective—internally reflective and honest about their own progress and those they lead. Being reflective can drive change and accept challenges
• Authentic—strong sense of self and shows their genuine self to others. By building an organisation based on authenticity, they open the way for people to confidently work according to their true values, interests, and strengths.
• Passion– Passion is evident in what they do and inspires others.

Education is the foundation of a strong society and nation and I believe that leaders are not born but made, young leaders in schools, colleges, and institutions should get opportunities to develop leadership skills to shape our nation’s future.