February 2011

Investing in Hope

Investitures are all about leadership, our central idea at Indus. Leadership is also the central idea of everyone’s life – how to lead oneself, then others; and how to follow ones’ inner voice, as well the voice of other leaders.

The world in general and India in particular, is facing a leadership crisis. There is a surfeit of knowledge but a deficit of leaders. We can’t seem to agree on what is leadership – there are 860 definitions and even more books on leadership. Yet, every institution in our country is affected by gross corruption, and values have taken a serious hit. The effect of all this on the young can have severe negative effects. They can become cynical and indifferent, or they can arm themselves with faith in themselves and the future and serve by leading, not just in their professions or in politics, but in society, the nation and the world.

The badges of office that we have been awarded to you are badges of hope, that has been invested in you- the hope that you will make a difference to those who are not so fortunate as you are, and hope that your work and example will bring out the best in all whom you lead and work with.

In the process, you must understand that succeeding in life is more important than succeeding in examinations. While success means different things to different people, and is difficult to define, the bottom line is clear.

I am not talking about personal accomplishment. To be a great cricketer or actor is accomplishment. The cricketer and actor will be considered to be “successful in life” if they use their talent and wealth to make great cricketers and great actors out of those who are underprivileged. Loving your own talent requires you to extend your reach to others and inspire and train if necessary.

As student leaders you must make a difference. Open your eyes to the needs of others. Direct the attention of your contemporaries to these needs and work together to pull up those around you, not push those below you. You have just under 10 months to show results. To use the lessons in leadership that you have learned at home, in school and among others. This is your chance, win it or lose it.

(From the CEO’s address at the 9th Investiture of Indus International School, Bangalore, on 26th January 2011)