An Inspiration, A Leader

In the morning session, we discussed greatly about the topic, leadership. We discussed the different types of leaders ranging from inspirational to spiritual. What was unique about the discussion was that we talked about how shakha creates leaders; how it identifies leadership and how it taps into this potential. Having attended shakha for many years, I had never discussed this topic and had always assumed that leadership was a quality that shakha just nourishes, without a second thought.

After being split into groups, we set about answering the questions posed. Having never examined the structure of shakha and how it develops our character, I found it difficult trying to pin point the aspects that I felt develop our leadership skills. However, with greater thought, ideas began to flow readily.

After reminiscing about my younger days as a swaymsevak (I’m still only 20 so still class myself as youngster), I realised that the whole shakha environment is aimed at nurturing our leadership skills. At first, this may sound ludicrous – for most people, the purpose of shakha is to play games, have fun and make new friends. Although this is true, there is something deeper to shakha and with further introspect these answers can be found.

Firstly, as swaymsevaks, we subconsciously learn the art of leadership by being led by others. Not only do we pick up the way in which they lead and organise activities, it also shows us the importance of respecting our elders, an ethos which our religion promotes greatly. Secondly, the environment of shakha encourages us to become leaders. Playing games such as kabadi exhibits skills such as teamwork and communication – skills which are crucial to becoming a leader. Therefore, even with no given responsibility, the seeds to becoming a leader are already being planted.

Camps and vargs such as SSV & SIP are designed to further enhance these leadership skills. Learning about the history of Sangh; gaining greater knowledge of Hinduism and being taught how to take shakha instils a sense of pride, discipline and commitment; again characteristics required of a leader. With these new profound skills, it should lead to introspection and conviction – one should realise the higher cause of shakha, uniting Hindus and emphasising the importance of serving our community to the best of our ability.

Another fundamental feature of a leader is that they must be inspiring. Shakha infuses this by having passionate baaudhiks on great figures in our history such as Shivaji. Admiring such great characters and implementing their qualities into one's life builds character. One meaning of inspiration can be, ‘to breathe life into another.’ It is a feeling or an emotion which is critical because it informs us what we value and this moves us to act. This act should be selfless and out of devotion (sadhana). A unique feature of leadership is that it is self inspired – it comes from within.

I often feel this is a quality that many Hindus lack. Looking back in Indian history, we have always had to rely on one leader, one inspiration such as Swami Vivekananda to lift us out of darkness. Why is it that we always require an individual to inspire us? Why can't we be bold and have the inspiration from within us to act? It is this area in which I feel shakha can help develop leaders by giving us the tools to search for inspiration from within. However, it is an arduous task and one that we all must ask in order to find our true inspiration.